Homes built in the 1970s often have good bones and unique character, unlike some of the more cookie-cutter builds on the market today. They also, however, may include dated features such as small rooms, inadequate storage space, and low ceilings. To open up a Heavenly Valley home in southwest Reno, AC Cabinets got to work maximizing space and storage without sacrificing the original architecture and charm.
The home was partially remodeled in the 2000s to open up the living space and remove some unnecessary walls. “Despite its age, the architecture of the house had a very contemporary feel, with clerestory windows flooding the living room with light, and beautiful Brazilian cherry wood floors throughout,” says Carol Duffy, owner of AC Cabinets.
“The overall goal was to update the look of the home and increase its functionality while still paying homage to the age and style of the architecture,” Duffy says. This was achieved mostly through an extensive kitchen and two bathroom remodel. “The master bathroom was divided into three cramped spaces and also had a very low dropped ceiling,” Duffy shares. Some of the other issues had more to do with natural wear and tear, including cabinets that had served their purpose for more than 50 years.
“The clients knew they had a major project ahead of them, but the bones of their dream home were there in front of them. All they needed was a design team to help make it happen,” Duffy says.
For the kitchen, the original five cabinets and awkward pantry weren’t supplying enough storage. With the help of a contractor, hired to oversee the construction, AC Cabinets optimized space by opening up the pantry wall, reconfiguring the kitchen island, and creating more storage space. “The clients now had 50% more counter space as well as seventeen cabinets, including two full-height pantry cabinets, in place of the five small cabinets they had previously, all in the same space,” Duffy explains.
The bathrooms received similar treatment. Twelve inches was borrowed from the master bedroom to transform three smaller spaces into one flowing area. New, floating cabinets were installed not only to update the overall visual impact, but also to create the illusion of more square footage. “With the help of the contractor, we opened up the master bathroom, adding a window and a huge shower in place of a small tub and shower unit, and replacing an awkward corner cupboard with a tall linen closet and floating vanity,” Duffy says. A tub was also added to the second bathroom.
AC Cabinets kept the main materials simple, opting for mostly neutral tones. However, touches of color were added with fun bathroom tiles and a soft sea-green mid-century style glass backsplash tile in the kitchen to contrast with the matte white scratch-resistant laminate cabinetry, used throughout. “For the countertops, we chose a softly veined quartzite, with butcherblock as a contrast for the breakfast bar nook,” Duffy says. The overall effect was just what the client asked for—a more intentional space with a minimalist feel.
The last piece of the puzzle was reimagining the master bed. AC Cabinets created a floating style to complement the mid-century design and add a final design piece to tie the home together.
"The master bathroom was the most changed of all the rooms... A little bit of exploration revealed that above the dropped ceiling was a vaulted beamed, tongue and grooved ceiling, carried through from the bedroom."
"We used a floating vanity. These always make the room feel a little larger because you see more floor. We kept the color scheme simple - white and charcoal gray, with a pop of fun color from a full-height, acid-yellow glass tile backsplash."
