Erica Olson Designs
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
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: Built-in bookcases provide much-needed storage.
After: The powder room is a good place to have fun with paint color.
Before:
After: Built-in bookcases provide much-needed storage.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Besides bringing the railing up to code, putting in new iron balusters relieves this central staircase of some of its 1980s oak.
Besides bringing the railing up to code, putting in new iron balusters relieves this central staircase of some of its 1980s oak.
Up to code - up to date!
There were several problems with the railing surrounding this centrally-located staircase: mainly that it didn't meet code, but in a close second, there was just too much golden oak. New iron balusters are sturdy, safe, and give the space a much-needed balance of materials.
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.
The old-time bar in this lower level is updated with a granite countertop and a creamy paint color. The homeowner's art collection makes a bold statement against the clean, light background.
The old-time bar in this lower level is updated with a granite countertop and a creamy paint color. The homeowner's art collection makes a bold statement against the clean, light background.
Updating downstairs
The lower level in this late-1950s home was dark and unexciting. So with the goal of making the space more inviting, without a complete overhaul, we put effort where it would have the most impact. Whitewash-painting transformed the quintessential dark paneling; new, soft carpet warmed the room; and a granite remnant modernized the old-time bar.
Quick dining room update
Nothing like a can of paint to make a dramatic difference! It's one of the cheapest ways to look like a million bucks. Simple accessories make the finishing touches.
Sometimes you walk into a room and it just feels different. Changing a backsplash can do that; you can't put your finger on why exactly, but you sense a change - and you like it!
The linear mosaic tiles have the same colors as the countertops. By maintaining the color scheme, but in a different format the eye doesn't have to work as hard to take it all in.
The previous backsplash was too dark. Also, it was a single, solid color. The homeowner knew she wanted something brighter and livelier, and together we found a way to bring all the colors together without overwhelming.
Sometimes you walk into a room and it just feels different. Changing a backsplash can do that; you can't put your finger on why exactly, but you sense a change - and you like it!
Simple changes
Here's an example of changing one design element in order to have an impact on the entire room. This kitchen's previous backsplash was a dark tile. The new tile selected picked up the colors from the granite countertop in a lnear pattern. Plus, it reflected light and gave a sense of movement to the room.
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!
To give this simple master bedroom extra texture and a rustic feel, we used Stikwood on one wall. What a dramatic effect!
Builder-grade to custom effects
Throughout this standard suburban home, there was a lot of beige and golden oak. All quite nice but not really the homey, rustic feel the homeowners wanted.
With a careful plan for a complete redesign, the home now balances colors with new finishes and fabrics. Most importantly, the home is comfortable, welcoming and reflective of the family's personality.