Before and After Home Remodel in Georgia: Open Concept Kitchen and Living Transformation

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April 9, 2026


A Full Transformation

We’re so excited to share the before and after of this incredible remodel, completed in partnership with Armor Homes. This project was truly a full transformation, not just in finishes, but in how the home functions and lives day to day.

When the homeowners first moved in several years ago, they updated the flooring and paint, but the overall layout remained unchanged. As you can see from the before photos, the home felt very closed off and tight, with spaces that didn’t fully support their lifestyle.


Reworking the Layout

Our goal was to open things up while adding intentional, functional design throughout. We started by reworking several key areas of the home.

The laundry room was condensed to a more practical size, allowing us to incorporate a mudbench with added storage. A full bathroom was reimagined into a powder room, making room for a large walk-in closet that better served the homeowners’ needs.


Opening Up the Living Space

One of the biggest transformations came in the main living space. The homeowners chose to vault the ceiling, instantly creating a more open and airy feel. We also opened the kitchen to the living room, completely changing the flow of the home.


A Kitchen Designed for Function

In the kitchen, functionality was at the forefront of every decision. We designed a more efficient layout by relocating the refrigerator, range, and ovens to better support a 10-foot island that now anchors the space.

Two full-size pantries with pull-out sliders were added on either side of a dedicated coffee bar, creating both beauty and everyday ease.


Rethinking the Fireplace

During demo, we discovered that the original brick fireplace only extended to the previous 8-foot ceiling height. Because the existing brick was a mix of several types and couldn’t be matched, we made the decision to extend it to the new vaulted ceiling using a close complementary brick, then painted it white to tie in with the trim throughout the home.

The hearth was scaled down, and we added symmetrical built-in bookcases on each side to create a more balanced, intentional focal point.


Adding Warmth and Character

To bring warmth and depth back into the space, we added a ceiling beam and refinished the original mantel, staining it to match the floors and beam. The front doors were also updated to a six-pane design and stained to coordinate, creating a cohesive look from the moment you walk in.


A Soft, Layered Kitchen Palette

In the kitchen, the homeowners chose to step away from traditional white cabinetry and instead selected a beautiful light gray that leans slightly green. Paired with the sage island, the result is soft, layered, and full of character.


A Personal Design Moment

One of our favorite moments in this project came from a small detail that held a lot of meaning. Early on, the homeowner shared her love for coffee and her Anthropologie mosaic initial mugs.

As we sourced materials, I kept that in mind, looking for a way to reflect her personality in the design. When I found the blue, gray, white, and green mosaic tile for the coffee bar, I knew it was the perfect fit. Seeing her reaction and watching it all come together was such a rewarding moment as a designer.


A Grateful Collaboration

A huge thank you to Tara Carter Photography for capturing this home so beautifully, and to Armor Homes for bringing our vision to life with such care and craftsmanship. It is always an honor to collaborate with your team.

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