Even a small addition can make a big impact to the functionality of a home. For this Wallingford family home, a bump-out addition in the back of the house allowed for a smart reconfiguration of the basement access, an extended kitchen and a larger bathroom for the kids. This remodel was also an opportunity for the homeowners to reside and paint the house, to ensure it lasts a long time.
Previously, the only basement access within this home was located in the back bedroom. As a family home, it was less than ideal to enter the basement through one of the kid’s rooms. The addition allowed us to close off that bedroom and move the basement access to a more appropriate and natural location in the back on the kitchen. The extra space also allowed for some very useful, additional kitchen pantry storage.
The kitchen received a minor update with white quartz countertops that meld into the new white cabinetry. We also replaced the backsplash with something more modern and tiled the floor. Not only did keeping the existing cabinets save money, it also saved a lot of wood from unnecessary disposal. An environmental win to be sure! There is often a way to keep cabinetry, but update the overall look of the kitchen in other ways.
The addition also gave us a bit more room in the main floor bathroom, allowing us to replace a clawfoot tub with a more practical built-in one for the kids. We always send our usable clawfoot tubs to reclamation stores, so it’s no doubt found a new home by now. The bathroom has a complimentary palette to the kitchen with Sea Glass blue Fireclay Tile, a neutral floor and white oak cabinets.
The addition also extended the attic-level slightly, creating room for a home office nook. We originally intended to wall-off the nook to create a closet, but after the initial construction a small office space was easily envisioned. A perfect, out-of-the-way spot for Zoom calls or homework alike.
A large outdoor deck, off the kitchen, was replaced with a small composite landing. The homeowners plan to create a large patio and turn the backyard into a hangout space. From there they can admire their playful purple exterior, which (believe it or not!) was the color chosen by their kids. With a pastel blue-green door to match the interior tile, the remodel is complete and looking quite cute among Ballard’s diverse homes.
Photos: Cindy Apple Photography
BEFORE & AFTER
