Modern Style Before/After Case Study

This comprehensive case study showcases the complete transformation of a 1980s traditional home into a sleek Modern style residence. The project involved opening up floor plans, introducing clean lines, and integrating contemporary materials throughout a 2,400 square foot space.

Project Overview

Initial Conditions

Property Type: Single-family home
Size: 2,400 square feet
Original Style: 1980s traditional
Location: Suburban neighborhood
Renovation Scope: Full home renovation
Timeline: 18 weeks
Budget: $125,000

Goals and Objectives

Create open, flowing floor plans
Introduce clean lines and minimal ornamentation
Maximize natural light throughout the home
Integrate contemporary materials and finishes
Maintain functionality for a family of four

Before: The Traditional Home

Kitchen

The original kitchen featured:

Cherry wood cabinets with ornate detailing
Laminate countertops with backsplash tiles
Small, enclosed layout with limited counter space
Outdated appliances in inconsistent finishes
Warm, dark color palette that felt heavy

Living Room

The living room included:

Heavy crown molding and ornate trim work
Dark wood paneling on lower walls
Small windows with heavy drapes
Traditional furniture arrangement with formal seating
Carpet flooring that trapped dust and allergens

Bathroom

The main bathroom had:

Small, compartmentalized layout
Yellowed fiberglass tub/shower unit
Outdated vanity with laminate top
Pink tile flooring and walls
Poor lighting and ventilation

Bedrooms

The bedrooms featured:

Heavy wood furniture with traditional styling
Dark carpeting and wallpaper
Small windows with inadequate natural light
Closets with wood-slatted doors
Overall feeling of being closed-in and dark

Renovation Process

Phase 1: Planning and Design (4 weeks)

Hired architect familiar with Modern design principles
Created detailed floor plans emphasizing open spaces
Selected materials and finishes that embody Modern aesthetics
Obtained necessary permits for structural changes
Finalized budget and timeline with contractor

Phase 2: Demolition and Structural Changes (3 weeks)

Removed non-load-bearing walls between kitchen, dining, and living areas
Stripped out all existing finishes, fixtures, and appliances
Installed larger windows and sliding glass doors
Reinforced floor and ceiling framing as needed
Prepared spaces for new mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems

Phase 3: Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing Updates (2 weeks)

Updated electrical panel and ran new circuits
Installed smart home technology infrastructure
Upgraded plumbing to support modern fixtures
Added zoned heating and cooling system
Installed energy-efficient LED lighting throughout

Phase 4: Finishes Installation (6 weeks)

Installed polished concrete floors in main living areas
Applied smooth drywall finishes in white and light gray
Painted walls in Modern color palette
Installed flat-panel cabinetry and quartz countertops
Added frameless glass shower enclosures and floating vanities

After: The Modern Transformation

Kitchen

The renovated kitchen now features:

Handleless flat-panel cabinets in white with integrated hardware
Quartz countertops with waterfall edges on large island
Integrated appliances for seamless appearance
Large format tiles with minimal grout lines
Open connection to living and dining areas
Recessed LED lighting with dimming controls

Living Room

The transformed living room includes:

Open floor plan with clear sightlines
Polished concrete floors with radiant heating
Smooth white walls with clean, simple profiles
Built-in entertainment center with hidden storage
Large windows with minimal window treatments
Low-profile furniture with geometric forms

Bathroom

The updated main bathroom showcases:

Open, spa-like layout with floating vanity
Frameless glass shower enclosure with rainfall fixture
Large format tiles with minimal grout lines
Recessed linear drain system
Modern fixtures with clean lines
LED vanity lighting with color temperature control

Bedrooms

The renovated bedrooms feature:

Platform beds with integrated storage
Built-in wardrobes with push-to-open mechanisms
Smooth white walls with neutral bedding
Large windows with light-filtering treatments
Hardwood floors with area rugs
Minimal bedside lighting

Materials and Finishes

Flooring

Main Areas: Polished concrete with radiant heating
Bedrooms: Engineered hardwood in light oak
Bathrooms: Large format porcelain tiles

Walls

Living Areas: Smooth drywall painted in white and light gray
Bedrooms: Same smooth finish with accent walls
Bathrooms: Large format tiles to ceiling

Cabinetry

Kitchen: Flat-panel cabinets in white with integrated handles
Bathrooms: Floating vanities with matching cabinetry
Built-ins: Custom storage throughout home

Countertops

Kitchen Island: Quartz with waterfall edges
Kitchen Perimeter: Same quartz material
Bathrooms: Quartz with integrated sinks

Budget Breakdown

High-End Elements ($75,000)

Custom built-in storage solutions throughout
Polished concrete floors with radiant heating
Designer fixtures and hardware
Integrated appliances
Professional architectural and design services

Mid-Range Elements ($35,000)

Flat-panel cabinetry with semi-custom options
Quartz countertops throughout
LED lighting systems with dimming
Large format tiles

Budget-Friendly Elements ($15,000)

Paint in modern color palette
Basic built-in shelving
Standard fixtures in clean designs
DIY installation of selected elements

Challenges and Solutions

Challenge: Creating Visual Interest Without Clutter

Solution: Used texture variation through materials (smooth concrete, natural wood), strategic lighting to create depth and ambiance, and carefully selected art pieces with bold, simple forms.

Challenge: Maintaining Warmth in Minimal Spaces

Solution: Incorporated natural materials like wood and plants to add warmth, included soft textiles (throw pillows, area rugs, window treatments), and used warm wood tones in cabinetry and furniture.

Challenge: Storage in Open Floor Plans

Solution: Designed custom built-ins that serve as room dividers, used furniture with hidden storage capabilities, and installed built-in seating with storage underneath.

Results and Impact

Design Success

Achieved clean lines and minimal ornamentation throughout
Created flowing, open floor plans that enhance functionality
Successfully integrated contemporary materials and finishes
Maintained family-friendly functionality while achieving Modern aesthetic

Lifestyle Improvements

Increased natural light by 40% through larger windows
Improved traffic flow and space utilization
Enhanced indoor-outdoor connection with new sliding doors
Created more flexible, multifunctional spaces

Market Value

Increased home value by approximately 15-20%
Modern aesthetic appeals to broader range of potential buyers
Energy-efficient updates reduced utility costs by 25%
Low-maintenance materials reduce ongoing care requirements

Key Takeaways

Design Principles

Embrace Openness: Removing walls created the foundation for Modern aesthetic
Material Honesty: Using materials in their natural state enhanced authenticity
Light Integration: Maximizing natural light was crucial to achieving airy feel
Functional Beauty: Every design element served both aesthetic and practical purposes

Practical Considerations

Professional Guidance: Working with architects familiar with Modern design was essential
Quality Investment: Investing in high-quality materials paid dividends in longevity
Phased Approach: Completing renovation in phases helped manage disruption
Future Planning: Selecting timeless elements ensured lasting appeal

This Modern style transformation successfully converted a traditional home into a contemporary living space that maintains family functionality while achieving the clean lines and open spaces characteristic of Modern design. The project demonstrates how thoughtful renovation can completely change a home’s character while increasing both livability and market value.