Remodeling requires an investment of time, energy and money, along with some temporary disruption to everyday life. But when a project is carefully planned and beautifully executed, joy will resonate long after construction ends.
Joy is sometimes found in the practical: a laundry room exactly where you need it or lighting that makes navigating your home easier. Sometimes joy is found more near and dear to your heart: more room for family, beautiful, personalized finishes, or an outdoor space where you linger a little longer.
Here are a few of our favorite examples of remodeling choices that add enjoyment to everyday life.
Choose Something You Truly Love
Not every remodeling decision needs to be purely practical. A special material, finish or feature can bring personality to a room and become something you enjoy every day.
In this whole-home renovation, dramatic blue accent tile creates a striking focal point, while marble tile continues across the shower floor, walls and ceiling. An extra-large rain shower overhead completes the experience, turning an everyday routine into something that feels decidedly special.
See the whole-home renovation
Invest in Better Lighting
Good lighting isn’t only about beautiful fixtures. It’s also about putting light exactly where you need it. In this third-floor primary suite, a lighted bathroom mirror provides bright, even illumination, while lighting beneath the floating vanity adds a soft glow to the room. In the closets, lights automatically turn on when the doors are opened. These small, thoughtful details make everyday routines easier while adding warmth and atmosphere to the space.
See the third-floor primary suite
Make the Most of Natural Light
Few things influence how we experience a room every day as much as natural light. When planning a remodel, consider how windows, doors and the arrangement of rooms can take advantage of daylight and views.
The soaring windows in this living room are a perfect example of how natural light can become part of the architecture itself.
Make Room for the People You Love
Sometimes the greatest return on a remodel is simply having more room to be together.
When these homeowners’ children began visiting with grandchildren, Gallagher transformed an existing attic into a flexible guest suite with sleeping space, a comfortable seating area, storage and a new full bathroom. The result is a space designed for grandchildren to play, guests to stay and family to spend more time together.
Put Convenience Where You Need It
Some remodeling choices aren’t dramatic at all, and that’s exactly the point.
As part of the renovation of this historic Belmont home, the washer and dryer were moved from the kitchen to a dedicated second-floor laundry room, closer to where most of the laundry is actually generated. It’s a practical change that makes an ordinary household task easier, week after week and year after year.
See the historic home renovation
Create Spaces You’ll Want to Use
Sometimes one thoughtful feature can change how much you enjoy an entire space.
For this outdoor living project, a large ceiling fan was incorporated into the pergola to provide a welcome breeze and help discourage mosquitoes during hot summer weather. It’s a relatively small detail that can mean many more comfortable summer dinners and evenings outdoors.
See the award-winning patio and pergola
A successful remodel isn’t measured only by how the home looks when construction is finished. The real return comes afterward, in the thousands of ordinary moments spent living there.
A brighter morning. An easier chore. A house full of family. Dinner outside on a summer evening.
Those are the things that make a thoughtful remodel worth the investment.