Don’t Overlook These Spaces in Your Home
Brandi hagen
Designing the Whole Home —Even the Spaces You Don’t Think About
Not every impactful design decision happens in the largest room of the house.
Sometimes, it’s the spaces you move through first — the entryway that welcomes you home, the mudroom that absorbs the day, the stairwell that carries the design from one level to the next — that reveal the depth of the plan.
In our larger remodels, these spaces are never an afterthought. They’re part of the bigger vision — designed to connect, support, and complete the home as a whole.
Staircases & Stairwells: The Vertical Connection
Stairwells are often overlooked — but they’re one of the strongest architectural connectors in a home.
Millwork details. Railing design. Lighting placement. Sightlines from one level to the next.
When designed intentionally, the staircase carries the aesthetic upward and downward, reinforcing continuity throughout the home.
It’s never just about what’s at the top or bottom — it’s about how you move between them.
The Pantry: Function Behind the Scenes
The kitchen may take center stage — but the pantry is what allows it to function beautifully.
In a thoughtfully planned remodel, pantry design is never an afterthought. It’s considered early in the layout — shaping workflow, preserving sightlines, and supporting how the home is actually used.
Whether it’s a butler’s pantry that connects to the dining room, a concealed cabinet wall that blends seamlessly into the kitchen, or a fully integrated walk-in space, the goal is the same:
Storage that works quietly — so the main space can shine.
The Powder Room: Small Space, Strong Statement
Powder rooms are compact, but they’re seen.
They’re an opportunity to carry the design language through the home — or introduce a moment of personality. A bold wallpaper. A sculptural mirror. Custom cabinetry scaled just right.
Because when a guest steps inside, the experience should feel cohesive — not disconnected from the rest of the house.
The Mudroom: Designed for the Everyday
It’s where work bags land. Where shoes pile up. Where kids and pets come in from the day. When this space is thoughtfully planned — with custom built-ins, durable materials, and the right balance of open and closed storage — it sets the tone for the entire home.
The Laundry Room: Utility, Elevated
Utility rooms work hard. That doesn’t mean they have to feel harsh.
Layered lighting instead of fluorescent glare. Integrated sinks instead of standalone slop basins. Cabinetry that aligns with the home’s overall palette.
In many remodels, laundry rooms are relocated, expanded, or connected more thoughtfully to primary suites and mudrooms. Function improves — and so does the daily experience.
Pet-Friendly Design: Because It’s Real Life
The best homes reflect how you actually live — and who you live with.
Built-in feeding stations. Durable flooring. A laundry sink that doubles as a dog wash — especially fitting when the wallpaper happens to feature corgis.
Design can be beautiful and practical at the same time. Thoughtful details for pets don’t compromise the aesthetic — they enhance it.