Tuesday, November 11, 2014

Creative Attic Renovation adds Value to a Home

Attic renovations are some of the most unique and creative remodeling projects we work with.  Often an attic will need more than just a cosmetic lift.  Because many homes in Madison are older, the attic can also require structural improvements.

This is a great vantage point to understand what goes into an attic remodel. This old house needed a lot of structural repairs and strengthening. We analyze every home to uncover issues that need to be addressed in a renovation.  We don't want to just make the home look good, we want everything to be sound from top to bottom.

Attic renovation including structural improvements in a Madison home

After re-framing the floor completely, the walls and ceiling were vented and then sealed in foam insulation. Once the foam was done the rafters were filled with a cellulose insulation which made the new attic warm in the winters and cool in the summer. In addition the old 5 story chimney was removed to create a chase for new heat and AC to run to the attic.

The new attic design provides a multi use room for the family

The space is now a comfortable and functional space acting as a guest suite, office and play room. Every home has huge potential for improvements and opportunities to enhance your lifestyle.  We love uncovering these opportunities and bringing them to life.


Thursday, October 23, 2014

Whole Home Design and Renovation

Everyone has seen the complete home renovation shows on TV and in magazines where the designer has a cohesive plan that brings the design of the whole home together.  At Artisan Remodeling we specialize in exactly that - whole home remodels. 

We can do it all - from design to build - let us renovate your kitchen, bathroom, basement, attic, or even design an addition. Whether we do your home remodel all at once or room by room we have the expertise and skills to make your home a more useful and cohesive space. 



In addition to renovating the kitchen, bathrooms, and the entire insulation and HVAC system, we designed and built a Victorian attic remodel  This attic provided useful space as well as enhancing the efficiency and comfort of the entire home via air sealing and insulation. The existing dormers made sunlight a given, and the plumbing layout made a perfect space for an additional bathroom. Vaulted ceilings and Victorian accents made this space look like it had been there for years.


Tuesday, October 7, 2014

Many of the best kitchen renovation ideas come from the existing charm in older homes.  Madison kitchen remodeling projects are always interesting because the vintage homes have character and style that are very rewarding to work with.  

Unique kitchen features like a pantry or open concept floor plan can work well to suit your family and lifestyle. 

Our home and kitchen renovation design projects start with an evaluation of what the home has to offer and where it needs a little - or a lot of - work!  Here is an example of re-framing an old butler pantry and creating a pass through breakfast bar. Remodeling kitchens to include an island or bar are very popular.  

Open Concept Kitchen floor plan is a beautiful addition to this historic Madison home renovation


The kitchen cabinet is over 100 yrs. old and we were able to preserve it with a little repair, some sanding and stain matching. This piece is not only functional but a great conversation piece. The double oven shown is an example of how Artisan Remodeling goes out of our way to give the customer what they need while paying attention to style and space.  

Madison WI Kitchen Renovation with a double oven and historic kitchen pantry.

Sunday, September 7, 2014

Some of our clients are looking for unique kitchen tile ideas. They'd like a kitchen that is artistic in design, offers a different kitchen look, and that works with the character of the home but can be found nowhere else. For this Victorian we created a coffered ceiling with a mosaic inlay. 

Custom kitchen tile mosiac



The mosaic depicts a Harvest Wreath, a sign of abundance and health. It is made from marble, travertine, and river rock.

Kitchen tile inlay with custom tile design


Custom kitchen back lighting with beautiful tile mosaic


With the option for back light, this piece can take a back seat or center stage in the kitchen. These types of projects are not a perfect fit for every home, but when called for they can create a very unique space. 

At Artisan Remodeling we believe that we are adept at creating any space, anywhere. No matter how unique your idea is, big or small, just give us a call and let us show you what we can do.

Wednesday, August 6, 2014

We feel like we are lucky enough to work on the best homes for bathroom and kitchen remodeling!  Our clients love their homes and want unique bathroom designs and expert craftsmanship to deliver the new bathroom they've been wanting.

For this beautiful old Victorian bathroom remodel, the client chose a clean look for the bathroom which matches the old house feel and adds some interesting touches. The chrome accents and wall sconces give the room a simple, classy look. The Onyx floor mosaic is a contemporary material with an old time twist.


Madison Bathroom Remodel with a custom bathroom design

One of the most interesting things about working on the bathroom was the surprise that awaited us in the attic.  The tub was reclaimed from the attic and after some repair, repainting and a new faucet it looks and functions great!  That's not something you find everyday, but that's what makes home remodeling in Madison such a pleasure.

Best bathroom remodeling surprise was finding an antique tub in the attic!

Wednesday, June 18, 2014

Kitchen Renovation in an Old Madison Victorian Home

Many of us spend a lot of time in the kitchen and we appreciate the importance of planning your kitchen remodel to match your lifestyle. The style of the kitchen design can set the tone for an entire house, or vice versa. We've written about this beautiful Victorian kitchen renovation before, and we have more to share!

Kitchen Remodeling Madison, WI


For this particular Victorian we created a blend of old and new. The doors, windows and much of the trim was original and we were able to match trim and details to create a seamless transition. The quarter sawn oak cabinets and the antiqued and glazed white cabinets were a nice compliment to one another and helped blend the old and new throughout. 

Details like antiqued glass cabinet doors, bead board, and an apron sink also create a vintage feel. The imported slate backsplash adds a great splash of color and helps tie the different colors and patterns of the kitchen together. Wall plaster and texture also add to the consistency and style of this beautiful 107 yr. old Victorian.

Thursday, June 5, 2014

Kitchen Remodel Designed for Cooking and Entertaining

We do a lot of kitchen renovations at Artisan Remodeling. Every kitchen project involves careful thought to the cook, or cooks, in the kitchen. We plan the cabinetry details to reflect how the kitchen will be used and by how many people. Traffic flow is another big consideration when we design a new kitchen, as well as whether the kitchen is used strictly for cooking, or possibly eating and entertaining as well. Kitchen design details should be thoughtfully considered during the planning process to make sure the new kitchen is the right fit for the client, and the home.


This particular kitchen remodeling project is a 107 year old Victorian in dire need of updating. The growing family needed more space to move and cook and this old house (like many) needed a jump start to a new life. 

A dream kitchen designed for the cook!


In comes Artisan Remodeling. We removed the old butler pantry to create an open breakfast bar to the dining room. We added a double wall oven for special occasions, as well as a prep area and plenty of storage. The 10’ ceilings were begging for something special, so we created a custom ceiling detail including a marble mosaic “Harvest Wreath” complete with a dozen LED recessed lights. 

Multi-use kitchen and dining room design.


The overall style was consistent with the original feel while adding an updated look that blended with the original 100 + year old Victorian home.

Madison, WI kitchen renovation in a 107 year old home.