Erica Olson Designs
A curved-back sofa is a great place for conversation, reading, or enjoying a view of the Basilica (which I promise, is out there in the dark).
Definitely the biggest transformation of the project! Taking out the wall between the kitchen and dining areas changed the feel completely. Extending the new white oak flooring brings the whole space together. You can also see the painted kitchen cabinets, lighting and new backsplash.
Originally the kitchen was closed off and was full of dated floor and wall tile. Removing the wall and extending the new wood floor connects the space and feels much warmer.
A curved-back sofa is a great place for conversation, reading, or enjoying a view of the Basilica (which I promise, is out there in the dark).
Sanctuary in the sky
When a place has been trapped in a time warp, the transformation takes some elbow grease - and has a rewarding result.
Before the bar, the space was a little-used storage room.
A place to gather!
These homeowners are ready to host parties and good times at their new lower level bar. Making the most of a dark and unused space, it's now a bright and functional space with special display shelves and behind the scenes A/V.
Work by: Core Design Build, Paulson Woodworx, Rightway Plumbing, H & J Electric
A bright and welcoming entry
Before: The dining area is an alcove between the kitchen and living room.
A bright and welcoming entry
Main level living
Cherry cabinets, dark countertops, dusty paint colors are all bound for the dumpster in favor of light, calm colors and a crisp finish.
The home is surrounded by trees - soon it will feel like a restful hideaway in the treetops.
Work by: Core Design Build, Paulson Woodworkx, Rightway Plumbing, H & J Electric
After: A frameless glass enclosure keeps the space feeling open. Red glass mosaic tiles line the shower niche and wake up the calming grays throughout the bathroom.
After: A large rainhead shower is centered in the shower between dimmable lights.
Before: A former workshop / ping pong room was unfinished in the lower level.
After: A frameless glass enclosure keeps the space feeling open. Red glass mosaic tiles line the shower niche and wake up the calming grays throughout the bathroom.
A new office / guest suite
The unfinished portion of a lower level finally gets the attention it deserves with a new bathroom and guest room that doubles as a home office. Custom cabinetry are necessary for everything to fit properly and come to life.
The bathroom has a rain shower head and heated floors for extra comfort. A flash of red keeps the tranquil gray from getting too sleepy.
Work by: Core Design Build, Paulson Woodworkx, Rightway Plumbing, H & J Electric, Penguin Insulation, Zahler HVAC
Two updated bathrooms
A Shakopee home has two perfectly functional bathrooms. We take them from plain, builder-grade, to beautiful custom comfort.
Work by: Core Design Build, Paulson Woodworkx, Rightway Plumbing, H & J Electric
Before: the living room is ready for furniture - once we get rid of that carpet
Before: the homeowner wasn't sure how to use the space
From just a house to a real home
A blank slate that's just waiting for personality - that was the name of the game with this whole-house project. The home has so many things going for it: great layout, a 5-minute drive to downtown Minneapolis, tons of storage, high ceilings and lots of natural light.
Once the upgrades were complete (extensive custom cabinetry, new trim throughout, new backsplashes and beautiful special-order countertops, a professional-style range top, new and refinished wood floors - I think you get the idea), filling the space with furnishings was the easy part.
After: pulling out a large jetted tub and small shower made room for a curbless (barrier-free / walk-in) shower plus a new linen closet. Heated floors throughout the bathroom - including the shower floor and bench
Before:
Edina townhome
A smart townhouse in a private community that hasn't been updated since the 1990s got a complete overhaul. The work was mainly cosmetic, but there was a lot of it: every surface was touched.
Highlights of the project include refinished floors in a darker stain color, resurfaced walls throughout, updated staircase and additional built-ins. The final result is bright, calm and cozy.
Metallic tiles, also used in the shower, create a backsplash with a touch of shimmer.
Polished chrome knobs in a classic square shape.
We're ready to make some changes!
Metallic tiles, also used in the shower, create a backsplash with a touch of shimmer.
A welcoming guest bathroom
This bathroom was certainly cheery with its yellow and white striped wallpaper, but it was time to make this guest bath into something a little more spa-like.
Erica Olson Designs was a design and selections consultant for this project, with McDonald Remodeling doing all the heavy lifting.
Now, the homeowners have a steady stream of guests - with a beautiful bathroom all their own.
After: fresh colors, updated finishes
After: now the inside matches the relaxing pond setting just outside.
Before: The lower level bar area was ready for an update....
After: fresh colors, updated finishes
Simple updates make a big difference
A lovely setting outdoors, but inside was tired. Easy changes made a big difference.
And here's the finished kitchen - quite a change from the former library!
Cooperation, creativity and perseverance were called in when designing around the kitchen sink and window - neither of which the homeowner wanted to move. A smart plumber and innovative woodworker made it happen!
We'll find new homes for all these books!
And here's the finished kitchen - quite a change from the former library!
Kitchen in St. Paul
A late-1800s home in St. Paul had some growing to do. With as little structural change as possible, the home became a two-family residence. Previous remodels gave the owners an updated kitchen and additional living area, leaving the older part of the house available for rental tenants.
Working on a tight budget we looked from Ikea to outlets and everywhere in between. The result turned a little-used library into an effective use of space for the house’s newest incarnation. Scroll down for before photos and construction drawings.
Family Room in Edina
Challenge: change a family room from an out-dated hodge-podge of storage / playroom / movie theater / whatever the kids are doing, to a warm, comfortable place for the family and their guests to relax, play games, watch movies and have fun!
The custom-designed wall of cabinetry has an extended bracket mounted inside so everyone has a great view for movie night. And when the TV isn't in use, it's hidden behind doors.
Beautiful (and high functioning) cabinets, yummy-colored tile and a well-planned layout make this small kitchen the life of the party!
During: cabinets are going in!
Before:
Beautiful (and high functioning) cabinets, yummy-colored tile and a well-planned layout make this small kitchen the life of the party!
Clear the clutter
An amazing turnaround for a neglected kitchen. With a small footprint to work with, we had to find the best use of space while allowing for easy movement. Mission accomplished.
Construction drawings for farmhouse
Built in 1977, this barn-shaped farmhouse was ready to move into the 21st century. It was a solid house, but it was time to bring it up to date. The owner wanted a "modern-industrial" feel, which was complimented by the home's open floorplan. Large windows help dissolve the boundary between indoors and out, taking advantage of forest and pasture views.
Though the general floorplan wasn't modified too much, there was one major change: relocating the two flights of stairs to a new tower built to the side of the home, thus retaining the open feel of the space.
Before and after examples
Want to see what an impact working with an interior designer makes? Here are photos that show just that.
To give this simple master bedroom extra texture and a rustic feel, we used Stikwood on one wall. What a dramatic effect!
To give this simple master bedroom extra texture and a rustic feel, we used Stikwood on one wall. What a dramatic effect!
Other examples of work
Here are some other images from past projects.