A 1970s Mt. Lebanon colonial bought by a single homeowner who finally wanted the main level to reflect her own taste — not the previous owners'. Original avocado-tile kitchen, dim built-ins, and a floor plan that belonged to another decade. We renovated the main level end-to-end in one mobilization.
The Ask
Open up the kitchen. Rebuild the library with real cabinetry, not the original laminate. Refresh every floor surface. A main level that finally feels like home, not an inheritance.
The Design
The kitchen was completely reimagined with inset cabinetry, a full-height backsplash behind the range, and a new island sized to entertain a small group at the counter. The library’s floor-to-ceiling built-ins were rebuilt in site-finished poplar with adjustable shelving for the homeowner’s architecture book collection. All hardwood refinished to a natural matte — no stain, just lacquer.
The Build
Fourteen weeks on the main level. Phased demolition so the homeowner could continue to live upstairs and use the basement bath. New HVAC zoning added to the open kitchen-dining. Project sequenced and finished cleanly without disrupting daily life upstairs.
The moment it came together.
Details, from every angle.
“A 1970s house given a main level worthy of the woman who lives in it. Inset cabinetry, a real island, the library rebuilt to hold a real book collection. Thirty years of history kept; thirty years of dated finishes retired.”
