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Before and After: Mountain Modern Home Remodel

4/12/2025

 
Written by: Lindsay Webster

We Gave This House More Than a Facelift 

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Dining Room - After
Family means everything to us at Sonia Barney Design.  We know how a home can bring families together, so, when two siblings came to us with their late parents' home, we couldn't resist the opportunity to facilitate in accomplishing just that.

It was important to our clients to weave in touches of their parents’ original art collection throughout, so we set out to update their '90s mountain home into a shared family vacation retreat — a space that honors the past while making room for new memories. 

​We absolutely loved watching this home transform.  Follow along to see the full transformation! Not only did we give the home a fresh new look, but the family’s art collection got a little facelift too.

Kitchen - Before and After
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​The kitchen, while adequately sized, was dark, outdated, and secluded from the spacious, open dining and living area that has lovely views of the Teton mountains. Our main goal was to open up the bar area so the family could see into that space from the kitchen, making it easier to stay connected during gatherings. We also set out to improve the layout by refining the work zones and flow, while incorporating high-end appliances and polished finishes to bring in a clean, mountain modern vibe.
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Dining Room - Before and After
The dining room underwent a remarkable transformation with just a few thoughtful updates—new flooring, a stunning light fixture, and modern furniture. Now that it’s open to the kitchen, this light-filled, inviting space is perfect for family get-togethers.
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Living Room - Before and After
Despite all the warmth and natural light pouring in through the many windows, the living room still felt dark and heavy.  After updating the floors and paint, all this space needed was the right furniture to bring it to life.
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Space planning is our jam — and the transformation speaks for itself in these before and after photos. The room’s unique trapezoid shape and corner fireplace made it a challenging layout to crack. Before, the space felt disjointed and unsure of its purpose, but now, it’s a welcoming, cozy gathering place!

Primary Suite - Before and After
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Primary Bath - Before

​We love space planning, and the primary suite configuration was begging to be completely reimagined.  The original awkward design resulted in a small vanity, tiny shower and toilet room, and an extra closet that wasn't needed and took up a lot of space in the middle of the room. The outdated cabinetry and wall to wall carpet was also pleading for an update.
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​By removing the closet, we gained an entire wall for a new large vanity. Then we were able to make a separate toilet room, large walk-in shower, space for a freestanding tub and a full walk-in closet to the right of the shower. The bedroom received a similar update by removing the built-in bed surround and adding lovely new furniture. Just imagine waking up to that view every day! ​
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Primary Bath - After
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Basement - Before and After
The entire basement was updated along with the main level — from the kids’ bedrooms and the bathroom to the family room and game room. What were once dated and cluttered spaces are now modern, cozy rooms that provide the perfect backdrop for the family’s art collection to shine.
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Artwork - Before and After
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Hopefully you noticed the family Art collection was intentionally sprinkled throughout the home.  We had the help of KC Framing Corner a local framing shop here in town. They have been doing custom framing since 1978 so we knew we were in good hands.  Over the course of a few months we hand selected frames, matte, and glass for all 40 pieces.  This was quite the process but, in the end it was so worth it. The family was thrilled and I think the artwork appreciated the facelift too! 

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Our Five Favorite Kitchen Storage Aids

12/30/2023

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Kitchen design is our jam here at SBD.  We think there's nothing better than nerding over your kitchen space, discovering the best layout, and filling it with as many pull-outs or other storage aids as possible. Check out our favorite inserts that you can add into your current or future kitchen. 
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1. Peg Drawers

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Peg storage inside of drawers is a fantastic way to organize your dishes. The best part about it is the flexibility to rearrange the layout as your needs change over time. It can be utilized for a variety of items such as dinnerware, drinking glasses or heavy dishes.  And our favorite reason to add these is that your kids can safely put dishes away.  
​Can I get, booya?!
Click Here to Buy Peg Drawer Organizers

2. Pull-Out Trash Cans

A pull-out trash is a must-have ​kitchen cabinet. Not only is your trash hidden away while not in use, but it also makes brushing crumbs directly into it from the counter a breeze. The one in the photo to the right shows a drawer above it that is perfect for storing additional trash bags. We suggest placing this setup near your sink or prep area. 
Click Here to Buy Trash Pull Outs
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3. Drawer Dividers

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Drawers are always our favorite for storage. Any time you can pull your supplies to you means easier access and best use of space. But a drawer alone doesn't mean all is well (thus we see the dreaded junk drawer in every kitchen). The best way to fight a cluttered drawer is with a drawer divider. Either have your cabinet supplier include custom dividers or opt for these expandable utensil organizers. 
Click Here to Buy Drawer Dividers

4. Pull-Out Storage

Whether it's for a wall, base, or tall cabinets, pull-out storage aids are super handy. These devices are a super functional way to keep pantry items, spices and oils, or even cutlery easily accessible. They come in multiple heights and widths and can even fit within a 3" space making them the best tools to get every square inch of space in your kitchen working for you. 
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Click Here to Buy Base Pull-Outs

5. Blind Corner Pull-Out

The only thing worse than wasted space is available space that isn’t easy to access. Corner base cabinets have always been a kitchen designers’ nemesis, and for many years lazy susans seemed to be the only solution. But thanks to wonderful product designers there is now a superior option on the market— the blind corner optimizer. This device helps you access all the storage space deep in the back corner of a cabinet with a
​choo-choo train of sliding pull-out shelves. We think these are must-haves in any kitchen design.
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Click Here to Buy Blind Corner Pull-Outs

Bonus: Kitchen Storage Tip 

The Lift-Up Appliance Garage

Sorry folks, this storage tool isn't one you can just buy online. But it is one of our favorites, so we are adding it here with some extra tips so you can include it in your future custom kitchen design.

We all love appliance garages (right photo). The lift-up countertop cabinet is one of the best ways to hide small appliances like toasters or blenders. This cabinet has no bottom and has a cabinet door that lifts up and out of the way, creating easy access for sliding the appliance toward you on the counter.
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Here are five essential design features to add this appliance garage in your kitchen. 
1. Make this cabinet and the ones above it 15-18” deep rather than the typical 12”, so it fits your deeper appliances.
2. Include 1-2 outlets in the back so you can keep the appliances in the garage without moving them out to plug them in.
3. Add an LED light inside so you don't end up with a dark cave where crumbs can hide.
4. Include a backsplash so everything is easy to clean.
5. These lift-up hinges are only good for shorter cabinets, around 18-20" high. If you want a taller door, then we suggest pocket doors. ​
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  • About
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  • The Spark - SBD Blog