Last Updated on October 3, 2025 by Advance Design Studio – Home Remodeling
The couple partnered with the design-build experts at Advance Design Studio (ADS) to thoughtfully transform their first floor. Lead Designer Anna Leimann guided Kristin and Dan through the redesign process to finalize a plan that felt fresh, open, and highly customized—a total transformation from the closed-off rooms, underutilized spaces, and outdated finishes they were eager to part with. Follow their journey through a full kitchen remodel, custom dining room built-ins, wall relocations, refinished flooring throughout the first floor, and a charming guest bath.
Redefining the First Floor
One of the most significant changes within this remodel was the removal of walls separating the kitchen from the living and dining room areas. To achieve this, Anna worked in tandem with the ADS construction team to determine the best ductwork rework solutions.
“Remodeling can be unpredictable, but our team is equipped to anticipate challenges and find efficient solutions,” Anna says. “It would make all of our jobs so much easier if we could see through walls! For example, in this project, we discovered that a thicker wall was necessary to reroute the ductwork upon demolition. Our team of installers quickly found a solution to make our proposed design work without disrupting the project timeline.”
The transformed layout invites an airy, open feel where natural light and unobstructed sightlines flow seamlessly, giving the Baumanns a functional foundation for entertaining and everyday life.
“The new cased opening between the kitchen and dining room has helped open up the first floor and makes the space so much more functional for entertaining,” says Kristin. “Before the renovation, we were hardly ever in the dining room because it was somewhat cut off from the rest of the first floor, and now it’s much more of a focal point.”
The dining room boasts a stunning built-in wall that offers both visual appeal and storage. Panel-ready beverage fridges were integrated to create a seamless look for the cabinet wall, and mesh cabinet inserts are beautifully illuminated by integrated accent lighting.
Material Mix and Storage Solutions
The fully remodeled kitchen feels bright and welcoming, packed with organized storage and primed for everything from quick breakfasts to large family gatherings.
“We jam-packed their cabinetry with storage solutions,” says Anna. “We have pullout drawers in multiple cabinets, cutlery inserts, waste bin pullouts, spice pullouts, and an appliance garage to make the most of their cabinetry.”
Warmer tones are seen throughout the kitchen and dining room, highlighted by MSI Calacatta Ocellio quartz counters, off-white subway tiles, the refinished existing wood floors, and Medallion cabinets with Irish Crème paint and Biscotti stain finishes. Polished nickel cabinet hardware and faucets complement the surrounding finishes.
“My favorite features from our renovation are the maple hood in the kitchen and the built-in cabinets in the dining room,” Kristin says. “I absolutely love the warmth that the wood brings to the space.”
A Beautiful Guest Bath
To coincide with the rest of the spaces, the first-floor bathroom was fully remodeled. The redesigned bath echoes the warm wood tones and polished nickel accents seen throughout the first floor. Kristin came to the design team with a vision for a unique shower tile layout, and the ADS crew brought it to life. The guest-ready bath feels elevated yet approachable.
Enjoying the Journey
For Kristin and Dan, this remodel was about creating spaces that elevate everyday moments at home. The single-source responsibility ADS specializes in was the best fit for their family, and they loved seeing the beautiful transformation unfold.
“Working with a full design-build firm like ADS really helps make the project seamless and so much less stressful,” explains Kristin. We were lucky to be able to stay with family for several weeks of the project, so we avoided being in the house during the demo phase — especially helpful if you have young kiddos.”
Their new first floor has changed the way they live at home for the better, and they can’t wait to enjoy many years together at home. It was a pleasure partnering with the Baumanns, even their pup Bella found her way into our team’s hearts forever!
“The team at ADS is fantastic to work with! Anna and Deb were super collaborative; they had so many wonderful suggestions to ensure that the space functioned the way we wanted it to, and they were incredibly helpful in choosing materials and finishes,” says Kristin. “The construction team was incredible — they were friendly, professional, and made sure that everything was executed beautifully. Our project manager, Ed, was very communicative and did a wonderful job keeping the project moving on time and within budget. ADS truly brought our vision to life, and we could not be happier with how it turned out.”