@home

michigan design center

@home 2018

Developing a cohesive plan is crucial to the success of

any project. Spending some time in the home prior to

renovation will clarify the best uses for each space and

reveal areas that need changing. Weinstein had the

advantage of having lived in her home for 21 years,

so she had very clear goals in mind when creating

the vision for her renovation. Her priorities were

to open up the flow on the first floor, expand the footprint to

accommodate a large, open office and kitchen area as well as

an expansive master suite, and modify the exterior elevations

to include larger windows, a modified roofline, and a covered

front porch. Although Weinstein is a seasoned professional,

she consulted with architect Jeff Dawkins to assist with the

construction drawings.

“Choose your team carefully. Talk to other people who have

used the designers and builders you are considering, and then

put together your team of people you really feel good about,”

says Weinstein. Once you have your builder in place, do not be

tempted to have the builder make the plans. “This is not the

place to try to save money. The finesse an architect or designer

brings to the project is worth every dime.”

MAKE A PLAN

FIRST FLOOR

SECOND FLOOR

The dining room is the perfect bridge between the living room

and newly added kitchen space. The fabric and wallcovering

are from

and the dining set belonged to

Weinstein’s grandmother. The set was refinished while the

construction was underway.

By bumping out the back wall a modest amount and widening the

openings between the rooms on the first floor, Weinstein created a

more open space that is flooded with light.

The expanded second floor was reworked to allow three large

bedrooms, a large master suite with dressing room, and a new

laundry space.

BEFORE

AFTER