Laurel Builders Wins National Award!

Laurel Builders Named NARI National Remodeler of the Year (RotY™) Award Winner

We are beyond honored to announce that we have won Best Kitchen Remodel IN THE NATION ($100K-$150K category) by the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI)! 

This is not just any award—this is a nationwide recognition of our dedication to craftsmanship, innovation, and excellence in remodeling. Competing against the best in the industry, we are incredibly proud to have our work recognized at this level. A huge thank you to our talented team, our trusted partners Sage Interior Design & TREKK Design Studio for working alongside us on this project and to Spacecrafting for the beautiful photos.
 
And most importantly, to our amazing clients who trust us to bring their dream homes to life. This award is a testament to our commitment to delivering the highest quality renovations and exceptional service. We’re just getting started—stay tuned for more incredible transformations!
 

Be sure to scroll down to check out all the photos of the completed project!

THE PROJECT

The Homeowner's Request

This home required an inventive solution to enhance and better utilize the existing space. The current kitchen was small, dimly lit, and lacked sufficient counter space and the tiny breakfast bar felt disconnected from the work area. Homeowners wanted an updated, brighter, more open space that increased the functionality of their current square footage. The new kitchen’s open concept creates a unified feel throughout the main floor. The design offers plenty of storage and cooking space, as well as an inviting seating area that comfortably accommodates family and guests. This space has truly become the gathering space they envisioned. Architectural design by Trekk Design Studio and interior design by Sage Interior Design.

view of a kitchen with stools in front of it

The Challenges

Living room w/ beams
  • Get Creative: Because the client did not want to expand the footprint of the home, we needed to find a creative way to utilize the current space to address their goals of both a larger, more open kitchen as well as a guest dining space.

 

  • Structural changes: To facilitate the more open feel of the space, this project required the removal of various walls and existing structural beams. These walls housed mechanical, wiring and critical point loads which needed to be relocated and fortified.

 

  • Ensure the lower level remains usable for homeowner: The owners wanted to prevent the project from extending into the basement to stay within budget and to keep a functional living area and makeshift kitchen available during the remodel.

Before Photos

Proposed Floor Plan & Renderings

In order to achieve the client’s requests without increasing the footprint of the home, the proposed floorplan required the removal of walls, soffits, columns and dropped beams to create a more spacious feel and better flow throughout the spaces. The current seldom used dining room was absorbed into the newly expanded kitchen space which can seat up to 8 guests (and on the occasional times a more expanded dining space is needed, the oversized mudroom was repurposed to be a multi use space).

Architectural drawing of Proposed floor plan for kitchen
Architectural rendering of a kitchen with large island

Before & After Comparisons

The transformation to this home is truly remarkable! Removing a wall and the various soffits and beams made all the difference in creating a beautiful, bright open space for this homeowner. In addition to the aesthetic changes, this update increased the functionality of the space for the homeowner.

  • Walls & beams removed to open the kitchen to family room to create a more open concept
  • Full-height uppers and cabinets on the back of the island offer added storage
  • Large white oak island offers significant added counterspace and seats up to 8 people for dining or entertaining
  • Hood surround contains convenient integrated spice storage
  • Pot filler added over range
  • Large farmhouse sink
  • Aging windows replaced
Living room w/ beams
BEFORE: View from living room
Kitchen with decorative arched doorway and arched stove surround; large center island and natural wood beams on ceiling
AFTER: View from living room
View to living room from kitchen with white cabinets
BEFORE: View from kitchen to living room
Kitchen and living room with large beams in ceiling and large center island
AFTER: View from kitchen to living room

The Results!

The homeowners were thoroughly pleased with the final result. The newly remodeled kitchen’s open concept creates a unified feel throughout the main floor. The design offers plenty of storage and cooking space, as well as a stylish and inviting kitchen seating area that comfortably accommodates family and guests. This space has truly become the inviting gathering space they envisioned.

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Questions for us?

Contact us via email or phone today! We are happy to chat with you about our projects or answer any questions you might have. And be sure to connect with us on social media to see what we’re working on and get inspiration or recommendations for your home!

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