A Family Kitchen and Laundry Room for Today and Tomorrow
After working with construction2style on a renovation in 2020, a couple whose family was growing looked again to the Minneapolis-based team for an expansion and further remodel. An addition upstairs allowed for a new bedroom and bathroom, while reworking the kitchen, dining, mudroom and laundry areas downstairs made them family functional.
From the style to the materials, co-founders Jamie and Morgan Molitor worked to create an earthy, organic vibe for their clients, who are both in the medical field, appreciate the outdoors and knew they wanted to remain in the home for a long time. Intentionally choosing local, handmade and custom materials ensured they would get a space they wanted to keep.
“It’s not just about the look but also about function,” said Morgan, who is the firm’s creative director. “When you are investing, you want it to last.”
Dark & Durable Kitchen
Although the downstairs spaces received a full refresh, including moving two doorways to improve flow, construction2style salvaged the existing flooring by patching and blending it throughout.
To bring in more natural light, larger windows were installed, creating a more energy-efficient home and minimizing the use of electric lighting. Energy-efficient appliances were chosen, along with a powerful ventilation hood for better air quality. The new motion-sensor faucet boosts hygiene, and another major upgrade was installing a new HVAC system.
These elements all work together to create a home that reduces energy consumption and promotes healthy indoor living.
As for style, the clients asked for a darker kitchen that would feel light and bright. Thanks to the increased size of the windows, the Molitors knew they could fulfill this request and go dark with the cabinetry and the countertops.
They started with walnut cabinetry – a perfect fit with its warm hue, durability and sustainability as a more renewable resource. The cabinets were paired with low-maintenance quartz countertops from Cambria, manufactured just about an hour away from the home’s location. Likewise, the pendants the team chose are handblown glass from a Minnesota brand. There is also LED theater lighting in the ceiling for times when more is needed.
All-Ages Laundry Room
The combined mudroom and laundry room serves as an important functional space for the family. Between the garage and kitchen, it has a fresh, airy look but with usability and durability at its heart. A slate floor picks up the darkness of the kitchen, blending with it yet distinct. The surface is a sensible choice for Minnesota winters, where holding up to snow is a must.
In this space, the palette is a calming blue with light quartz countertops and backsplash, again sourced from the nearby Cambria. The smart washer and dryer pair boost both functionality and energy efficiency. Construction2style placed them on a pedestal with hampers underneath.
“It doesn’t have a kid vibe, but we thought about what the children could reach and accommodated them,” said Morgan.
Adjacent mudroom storage follows the same concept with cabinets hidden on top and lower storage for the children. Nearby is a full walk-in closet to keep other items tucked away and ensure a clean look year-round.
In the past few years, Morgan has noticed an increase in clients asking for sustainability. She says they want more intentional pieces in their home, and they want to know where they come from and how they are made.
But a lot of these requests start with the way construction2style brands itself. Showing up on social media and reinforcing brand messaging demonstrates the company’s value of using sustainable, local products and materials.
“I try to push home that what I talk about online is what I want to put in a client’s home,” said Morgan. “It all aligns.”
Sources
Designers: Jamie & Morgan Molitor, Co-Founders, construction2style Photography: Chelsie Lopez Production + Marketing KITCHEN Backsplash, Countertop & Ledge: Cambria Bar Stools: Rejuvenation Cabinet Hardware: Schaub & Co. Cabinets & Hood: Sean’s Cabinetry Dishwasher & Oven: Thermador Faucet: Brizo Lighting: Hennepin Made Microwave: Sharp Paint: Sherwin-Williams Refrigerator: JennAir Sink: Blanco Windows: Andersen LAUNDRY Cabinet Paint: Benjamin Moore Countertop: Cambria Faucet: Kraus Flooring: The Tile Shop Sink: Blanco Wall Paint: Sherwin-Williams Washer/Dryer: LG
