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Westgate Renovation Reveal: A First-Floor Transformation Rooted in Creative Vision
- Robin Heard
- Jun 9
- 4 min read
When we first came onto the Westgate project, the homeowners were primarily focused on a kitchen remodel. But as sometimes happens, I saw the potential for greater impact. In that initial walkthrough, it became clear to me that making the most of the home meant taking on more than just a kitchen update. Because the clients were always clear in their vision and trusted my team and I implicitly, they were open to exploring more. It’s this collaboration between us that set the stage for what would become an impactful, holistic transformation.
Rethinking the Flow
By working through our Concept Phase (which you can read about here), we uncovered exactly what we needed to do to achieve the first floor’s full potential. The spaces surrounding the kitchen—the entry, living, and dining rooms—were all intertwined, and I saw an opportunity to honor the home's architecture while transforming how those spaces flow together, creating a cohesive experience throughout.
By making a handful of subtle yet strategic layout changes (such as replacing the kitchen’s long peninsula that created a barrier between the cook and everyone else with a more conversation-friendly island), we were able to create a new sense of flow throughout the main level. These adjustments weren’t drastic, but their impact was profound. It really is amazing what a few smart layout tweaks can accomplish!
Aesthetic Anchors
From the beginning, the wife had a clear vision of the aesthetic she wanted, and this quickly became our compass for navigating all possibilities in the design.
The goal was to achieve spaces that were sophisticated, soulful, and refreshingly grounded. With this vision as our guidepost, I set to work curating materials and elements that honored her style while also elevating it.
As luck would have it, the clients’ existing furnishings were in nearly new condition and because they worked perfectly within this aesthetic and were ideal for the flow and function we wanted for the spaces, they didn’t need to be changed.
It was clear, however, that the dining room’s fireplace surround and the cabinets flanking it needed to be redesigned to support and complement the new look we were creating in the home. Originally a wood-burning stove with an oversized, ornate Tudor-style surround, the fireplace’s style and scale overwhelmed the room and felt at odds with the rest of the home. We replaced it with a modern gas insert, added a floating hearth, and surrounded it all with a creamy honed quartzite with just enough veining to make it visually interesting. A porcelain slab that mimics slate now serves as the raised hearth. We repeated this slab in the kitchen backsplash and the surrounding counters, creating a harmonious rhythm across the spaces.
Bespoke Built-ins & Layered Warmth
We redesigned the cabinetry flanking the fireplace with intention. Now, instead of dominating the room, the new pale wood cabinets offer a subtle glow, thanks to integrated backlighting. We then styled the shelves thoughtfully with meaningful objects and curated art that speak to the homeowners’ lives.
As our aesthetic foundation took shape, it was impossible to ignore the ceiling. It was practically begging for attention! We answered with reclaimed wood beams, which added a sense of grounded architecture and warmth. Echoing this, a reclaimed wood mantel and open kitchen shelving brought continuity to the design language and helped inform a new, more natural finish for the wood floors. Gone were the red and yellow tones; in their place, a medium brown with a dark chocolate border offered an elegant, modern update.
Lighting as Sculpture
One of the most transformative moments in the renovation was replacing the ceiling fan with an Allison Berger chandelier. It immediately elevated the space, drawing the eye upward and reinforcing the newfound volume and elegance of the ceiling. Decorative lighting was updated throughout the entire first floor. We added picture lighting to create a cozy, intimate feel, while sculptural sconces in the entry added just the right amount of edge.
Even the stair railing received a refresh. Gone were the heavy Tuscan scrolls. In their place, we brought in a cleaner, more tailored design that better aligned with the refined aesthetic we were cultivating.
Kitchen: Function Meets Thoughtfulness
The kitchen’s new layout was all about intentionality. Rather than default to upper cabinets, we designed open shelving and clever lower cabinetry to house everything with precision. Every decision—from where the bread lives to how the coffee station functions—was rooted in how the homeowners truly live. The pantry? Still the same size, but now a powerhouse thanks to redesigned shelving. They tell me it’s a game changer.
A built-in coffee maker, new appliances, and a thoughtfully reimagined island completed the transformation. Previously, a long peninsula created too much of a separation between the cook and guests. At the husband’s request and as a collective effort between the clients and myself, we were able to design an island that introduced a flow between the kitchen and the surrounding spaces that changed everything! We then incorporated a custom footrest on the island’s seating area for both comfort and continuity.
Designed for Real Life
Throughout the project, we retained many of the homeowners’ original furnishings. Our goal was never to start over—it was to reinterpret.
We selected new elements that honored what was already there, while elevating the experience of the home as a whole. Final touches like throw pillows, textiles, and new window coverings tied everything together and defined the palette in a way that felt artful and intentional.
The result is a space that feels fresh, sophisticated, and deeply personal. It has become a sanctuary—both functional and expressive—designed to adapt to the seasons of their lives.
Final Thoughts
Designing the Westgate home was a joy. Our clients’ creativity, openness, and trust allowed us to deliver a home that honors their style and exceeds what they imagined possible.
This project is a beautiful example of how strategic changes and a clear aesthetic vision can completely transform the way a home feels and functions—without needing to change everything.
If you're ready to reimagine your home into a restorative, inspired retreat, we'd love to help you bring your vision to life.
Your Home. Your Sanctuary
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