Flair & Function

When Shelley and Doug contacted Jolynn Johnson at Crystal Kitchen & Bath to plan major remodeling last year, they had already experienced a rewarding remodel with her as designer and Crystal Kitchen & Bath owner in a different house many years ago. Now empty-nesters, Shelley and Doug’s earlier remodel also inspired some design solutions for this 1980s rambler. They knew a thing or two about remodeling, having done some hands-on projects themselves, including a recent lower-level bathroom during the pandemic. Since then, they thought about further remodeling.

“This home is unique because of Shelley and Doug,” said Johnson. “They love design and the remodeling process.”

Planning for the primary bedroom, bath, and kitchen remodel started in early 2021, with ordering product well before the project physically began.

“People really need to give themselves enough time to plan and give the designer enough time to pick your brain about what you like—and look at lots of photos. This is collaboration, not a fly-by-night thing,” said Shelley. “When it came to small accessories with hundreds of choices, Jolynn narrowed down good options.”

The bathroom was the first finished project, but the kitchen is what you see first. This kitchen is light, airy, and sophisticated, with gleaming white custom Crystal Cabinetry warmed with wood accents and floors. It’s a cook’s dream now, and Shelley, who loves to cook, knew a reconfigured layout would bring her vision to life. The footprint was large enough to encompass a bar with floating walnut shelves, a seating area, and an island. Appliances and cookware are housed in their own accessible yet unobtrusive spaces.

Design collaboration resulted in removing a second window and repositioning major appliances for a practical working triangle.

“I didn’t want a cooktop on my island, for both safety and clean-up issues, so we found a good space for the new range top and wine cooler,” said Shelley. “And luckily we already had a big Sub-Zero refrigerator and new dishwasher and double ovens. The Wolf range top is at the garage wall and the hood ingeniously vents through and out the garage, so it doesn’t interfere with the mudroom.”

The ample new storage is genius. Oversized pullout drawers house sizeable appliances. A row of tray dividers above the oven means no more pulling out everything to get to a baking tray. And the grandkids can easily open drawers to help out.

The theme of warm sophistication flows to the bedroom, with wood floors that echo the living room. An awkward old TV niche became sleek white shelves and drawers. The new gas fireplace features a mantle that runs continuously across the wall as a countertop.

The primary spa bathroom pairs luxury with function and features a walk-in, curbless, trench drain shower with a bench and grab bars. Aging in place is one thing, but as Shelley points out, anything can happen, such as when she broke her ankle and could wheel right up to the shower and bench. The walls surrounding the washer and dryer were removed for shelving. A sculptural tub replaced the bulky water jet built-in tub.

This bathroom has heated floors, a separate toilet room, and custom Crystal Cabinets, including a drawer with plug-ins for small appliances. This smart, gorgeous space pairs white with dark blue walls, plus a marble bench, ledge, and countertops for crisp luxury.

“When it comes to remodeling, it is important to us to work with people we trust,” said Beardsley. “With Jolynn, things are transparent and realistic about expectations. Her project managers and tradespeople are the best, all a pleasure to work with.”