Clean Lines & Cohesive Spaces: A Contemporary Whole-Home Remodel

When my clients approached me about remodeling their home, their goal was clear: transform a traditionally styled interior into a clean-lined, contemporary space that truly reflected who they are today. The home originally featured dark wood floors, heavy moldings, and glazed cabinetry—hallmarks of a more traditional design. Our mission was to reimagine it entirely with modern sensibility, warmth, and purpose.

Exterior photo of the home Photos showing the origial kitchen pre-remodel

A Unified Vision Across Every Room

One of the most rewarding aspects of this project was creating harmony throughout the home—from the kitchen to the family room, dining area, office, and even a new basement kitchen. We selected cabinetry finishes and styles that tied the spaces together while allowing each room to maintain its own personality.

 

Cabinetry That Elevates Every Space

We leaned heavily into the Bria frameless cabinetry line from Dura Supreme throughout the home. It’s a favorite of mine for its tight reveals and clean aesthetic. We used the Reese thin rail shaker door style in multiple finishes across several spaces, which added an elegant, contemporary touch. 

 

Dura Supreme Bria – Reese door style; Island: Maple in Cashew stain; hood: Maple Onyx; perimeter: Canvas paint

In the kitchen, we focused on mixing materials and finishes to create distinct focal points.  The Maple Cashew stain on the kitchen island and hutch added a natural, organic tone, while Canvas paint on the perimeter kept the space light and airy.

 

Dura Supreme Bria – Reese door style; Island and Hutch: Maple in Cashew stain; hood: Maple Onyx; perimeter: Canvas paint

For contrast and drama, we used Maple wood with Onyx finish on the hood.  Framed with sconces and featuring an integrated quartz shelf, the hood became a real statement piece! We also made the hutch stand out by matching it to the island and adding glass doors with metal frames and a built-in coffee maker.

 

Dura Supreme Bria – Reese door style; Island and Hutch: Maple in Cashew stain; hood: Maple Onyx; perimeter: Canvas paint

The lighting played a huge role in tying everything together, from pendants over the island to sconces above the sink and the hood.

 

Dura Supreme Bria – Parker door style in Maple Onyx, Canvas painted shelves

In the family room, we carried the Onyx finish from the kitchen hood to the base cabinetry with the Parker door style, flanking the fireplace and paired it with Canvas-painted shelves. The stone fireplace surround echoed the kitchen's quartz tones, tying the two spaces together beautifully.

 

Dura Supreme Bria – Reese door style in Canvas paint

For the dining room, we chose the Reese door style in Canvas, echoing the kitchen while complementing the light herringbone accent wall.

 

Dura Supreme Bria – Hudson door style in Cyberspace

The home office brought in a bolder aesthetic using the Hudson door style in Cyberspace finish, which gave the room a rich, tailored look perfect for work and focus.

 

Dura Supreme Bria – Reese door style in Quartersawn White Oak with Alabaster stain

For entertaining, we created a second kitchen in the basement, using Quartersawn White Oak with an Alabaster stain. The simple, streamlined cabinetry, paired with integrated deco panels on the appliances, delivered a clean and cohesive look that blends seamlessly into the space.

A Trusted Partnership for Seamless Results

The success of a remodel always comes down to the team. For this project, I partnered with Avripas Construction, and their attention to detail was outstanding. Having a contractor who understands and executes a designer’s vision is crucial to delivering a stress-free, white-glove experience for our clients. From the first walkthrough to the final installation, the process was smooth and collaborative.

 

Dura Supreme Bria – Reese door style; Island: Maple in Cashew stain; hood: Maple Onyx; perimeter: Canvas paint

A Look That Lasts

Trends come and go, but I believe clean lines and quality craftsmanship are always in style. The thin rail shaker style we used throughout the home is a great example—it’s a modern take on a classic, offering elegance and simplicity without feeling cold. It's a design detail that elevates the look of a space while remaining timeless.

This whole-home remodel was about more than just updating finishes—it was about transforming the way a family lives in and experiences their space. And through thoughtful design and trusted partnerships, we were able to bring their modern vision to life.

 



Sandra Daubenmeyer
Sandra Daubenmeyer
Sandra Daubenmeyer is an award-winning Sr. Designer at KSI Kitchen & Bath’s Macomb Design Center. Her work has been Featured on Houzz and her accolades include the 2022 NAHB Best In American Living Platinum Award for Kitchen, Product/Spec, and the 2021 NAHB Best In American Living Platinum Award for Kitchen, Custom.



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