4501 Drexel Avenue - Official 'After' Content
We are thrilled to be able to share the official ‘after’ photos of our Spring Home Tour dream home, tucked on Drexel Avenue in the heart of the Historic Country Club District. Local photographer Alyssa Lee did an incredible job capturing the essence of this very special home - soul, light, classic details and warmth throughout. The exterior transformation of this home included paint, a few windows swapped for the sake of floorplan, repair and update of areas of exterior siding, new entry doors and shutters. More on that front as the landscaping reaches completion.
Inside, the formal living room remained but underwent a complete cosmetic transformation including new lighting, upgrading of electrical, new and updated fireplace surround, new gas fireplace insert, refinished hardwood flooring and freshly painted surfaces from top to bottom.
The bones of this home were so good from the start and every effort was made to preserve its original character.
One of my favorite parts of this room are the series of framed illustrations above the fireplace that the homeowners purchased on a trip to Rome. They previously lived above the fireplace at their old home and bringing them here brought an instant familiarity to the space.
The wall between the kitchen and dining room was opened up with an arch replicated elsewhere in the home. The carpenter created custom corbels and arched casing to mimic the exact radius and details of the original arches. With the opening wider and an old bay window removed from the kitchen, the floorplan lended itself to a more functional island layout - suitable for a busy family that loves to entertain!
Delicate details are replicated throughout the kitchen, a mixture of small subway tile in varying finishes on the backsplash, cabinetry brackets to frame different decorative elements, velvety Taj Mahal quartzite countertops and statement lighting tie the whole space together.
The tones of the kitchen are replicated in the dining room wallpaper - making the two spaces feel one and the same.
The stained paneling in the main level den was lovely but absorbed the natural light from the original french doors. Now bathed in a sage green enamel, the space feels fresh and whimsical - a perfect setting for family games, homework or reading.
The opening between the den and family room was enlarged and framed in cabinetry for smart storage. The focal wall of the family room was inverted, giving opportunity for beautiful arched built-ins and a delicate fireplace mantel moment.
Custom furniture pieces were selected by the homeowner and designer to maximize seating while maintaining connection to the backyard.
The mudroom was overhauled with beautiful cabinetry and color drenched to make the space feel larger. Beautiful accents like cabinetry cutouts, hardware and accent lighting make the space feel extraordinary.
The powder bath is small but mighty with romantic details. A custom sink was designed and built utilizing stained walnut, Taj Mahal quartzite and gorgeous brass plumbing. The sweet towel bar is mounted below to keep the arch free of distractions. The floral wallpaper is a showstopper!
The primary bedroom is unlike anything else you’ll find in Country Club. Incredible ceilings with soaring vaults and paneled beams that were taken from stained to enameled. Soft overhead lighting compliments the glow of the fireplace where the mantel was rebuilt to let the stone steal the show. Custom roman shades accentuate the charming dormers.
Repeating the arch concept from elsewhere in the home, a drywall arch was added in the bedroom to separate the main bedroom from the dressing area and ensuite bath. Fabric panels were added behind the glass accessories built-in for a playful pop of color. Custom closet systems were installed throughout the home.
What was once a shared hall bath is now a dedicated primary ensuite with a custom white oak vanity, marble countertops with custom backsplash detail and luxe wall-mounted plumbing.
Interior doors throughout the home were replaced with single panel doors featuring gorgeous Emtek knobs with decorative french antique backplates.
There is so much more to see including the addition of an upper level laundry room, darling kids’ rooms, a freshly finished basement with 5th bedroom and an additional three-quarter bath. The project team consisted of Residential Designer Susan Nackers of LNA Design, interior finishes, selections and furnishings by Natalie Talley of Talley Jane Interiors and construction by Ian Campbell of Project Pro MN. If you’re curious about our process of buying and renovating or are exploring projects on your own home, we’d love to be a resource! We have relationships with builders, designers and architects across the Twin Cities and are happy to help pair you with the perfect project team!