montreal ave
LOCATION
St. Paul, Minnesota
SCOPE OF WORK
kitchen, bathroom and basement remodel
DESIGN GOALS
Prioritize high-impact spaces first
Improve spatial flow
Balance budget with resale value
PROJECT DETAILS
The Vision
What began as a simple effort to refresh my first home grew into a passion project for transforming spaces. This early remodel taught me the balance between creativity and practicality. How thoughtful design, even on a budget, can completely redefine how a space feels and functions. It sparked the start of my journey in crafting spaces that are intentional, practical, and balanced.
Hammer Time
The Narrative
This was my very first home and where my passion for remodeling truly started. Back in 2012, I had no grand plans at first; just a desire to make the old and tired feel a little more like home. The early projects were small, updating fixtures, replacing finishes, and learning as I went. But with each improvement came more confidence and creativity.
Eventually, the opportunity came to open up the kitchen and living area, turning what was once compartmentalized and dark into a bright, connected space that reflected modern living. That remodel sparked something deeper in me… the excitement of design, construction, and problem solving.
Over the ten years I lived here, I completed each phase myself (with a little family help) from the kitchen to the first floor bath, and finally the basement refresh and new bathroom. I may not have captured many photos along the way, but I’m proud to showcase this home as my first true project. It represents the start of everything, a mix of budget-friendly creativity, personal craftsmanship, and a growing love for the process of remodeling.
