Perfect Location, Not Too Perfect House
Starting a Full-Scale Renovation in West Asheville
I am super excited to dive into my biggest renovation project since relocating to Asheville!
After years of working on large-scale commercial interiors in Grand Rapids, MI, moving into Asheville’s residential design world was a big shift — in a good way. I’ve loved designing kitchens and bathrooms (and still do), but when I was approached to take on a full-gut, whole-home renovation, I’ll be honest: I started to pee my pants a little… with excitement.
The Home: Great Lot, Not-So-Great Layout
The house is located in West Asheville on a highly sought-after street — and it’s sitting on a rare, large lot. That was the big selling point (location, location, location). But as for the house itself… let’s just say it's going to need some serious TLC.
Currently, the home is just over 1,217 sq ft — and that number includes several bonus “add-ons” that were, shall we say… uninformed. The current kitchen? Randomly built onto the rear of the house. There’s also an awkward bump-out on the side, and a jumble of poorly executed additions across the back.
Not for long.
The Plan: Demo + Additions + Design Strategy
We’ll be demoing most of the existing rear and side additions and creating a two-story addition at the back of the home. We’re also adding a 100 sq ft footprint to the lower level at the front.
When all is said and done, the house will be over 2,500 sq ft, with open-concept, family-centered spaces that function beautifully.
One of the biggest architectural challenges?
Tying the existing gambrel roofline into the new additions without everything looking mismatched or visually chaotic.
(Spoiler: dormers and telescoped additions were too costly, so we’re opting for a clean, gabled back addition instead.)
Inside the House: The Real “Before” Tour
You thought the exterior needed help? Let’s head inside — starting in the entryway.
Right now:
The stairway to the second level is immediately on your left
The fireplace is centrally located, but isn’t staying
The walls around the main level are closing in on the entire floor
Everything in the foreground is getting demoed to create open flow from the front of the house all the way to the back. The current double-door closet? That’s where we’re planning the future pantry. Check it all out below.
The Current Kitchen
Ah, yes. The kitchen. It’s currently tucked into the odd rear add-on. Not for long. That entire section is coming off in demo, and the kitchen will be completely relocated and transformed.
Upstairs
Upstairs, a sharp right at the top of the stairs leads you directly into a bathroom — complete with a mini-staircase up into it. Under that floor? We’re expecting a few surprises.
There are also two bedrooms, but you have to walk through one to access the other. (Ideal… if you’re 6, I guess?)
This is going to be a major renovation, and I can't wait to show you how this house transforms, step by step. Stay tuned for demolition, design, and lots of unexpected discoveries along the way.
