Rock-paper-scissors is a timeless way to settle sibling disputes, like who gets the front seat or the last popsicle. So when siblings Kyle Christensen and Kendra Krueger (also neighbors) had to figure out who got the potty and the litter box on their construction project, they joked about letting the game decide.
In the end, things didn’t get that far. Logistics wins. “This [porta-potty] The truck couldn’t get into Kyle’s driveway, so he took the dumpster,” Kruger said.
One of the benefits of working on a remodeling project concurrently with the same company (Quartersawn Design Build) is the sharing of building products (and costs). The siblings, who split three houses in Minneapolis’ Tangletown neighborhood, both decided to tackle their cramped kitchen at the same time.
Now that the project is complete, it’s time to show and tell. Christensen’s project was featured at the Spring Home Remodelers Showcase Parade earlier this year. Next up: Kruger’s house will be one of nearly three dozen residences in Parade’s fall remodeler tour on Sept. 9. 30 to October 2.
More Elbow Creams
With three children in each family, the kitchens of both families were insufficient. “We have a bench that works well when the kids are little, but the bigger they get, the tighter it gets,” Kruger said.
The siblings had similar wish lists for their redesigned kitchen: more space, an island with seating, soapstone and marble counters, and a fresh look that kept pace with the rest of the house.
In Kruger’s house, it’s easy to expand the kitchen to make room for the island by freeing up space from the pantry and getting rid of the benches.
Interior designer Krueger brings a lot of ideas and a powerful Pinterest board, and she appreciates that Quartersawn lead designer Kayla Vig can help narrow down the options. “It’s hard when it’s your own home because I appreciate so much style,” Kruger said.
Together they decided on a combination of crevice sawn and stained white oak and white enamel for the cabinets, as well as glazed tile, soapstone and hexagonal mosaic tiles for the backsplash.
Meanwhile, kitchen projects are a bit tricky on Christensen Street. On the one hand, the scope of the transformation is larger. In addition to kitchen renovations, transforming the breakfast nook into a cozy family lounge, updating the mudroom and powder room are also part of the plan.
With no reasonable place to borrow space to widen the kitchen, they ended up installing shallower, kitchen-depth cabinets on one wall to add more usable area and accommodate an island. For the design of the new cabinets, Vig used the restaurant’s original built-in buffet as a starting point.
Tribute to the era
In both homes, Vig adhered to the language of 1920s architecture through woodwork and materials, without opening up the space too much. Instead of eliminating walls entirely, she designed wide openings and arches to increase the connection between the rooms, while still delineating their purpose.
Recessed can lights have been standard in kitchens for decades, but in the case of these remodels, “there won’t be recessed lighting in this age of the home,” says Wieg. Instead, they used small brass recessed fixtures at the Kruger home and recessed mounts with durable opal glass shades at Christensens. In both homes, they offer plenty of light and a decorative touch.
Vig was careful to avoid duplicating two projects and left the decision of how much to reveal to the two families. “During our meeting, I didn’t talk about what the other person was doing,” she said.
Krueger and Kyle’s wife, Elizabeth Christensen, compared notes on materials and appliances, and ended up with the same refrigerator. They also shared their experiences in other ways.
“It’s nice to have someone who understands in real time what you’re going through—noise, dust, no dishwasher, etc.—to express empathy,” Kruger said. “It’s not easy to live in your house during a big kitchen remodel. , if you haven’t done it, it’s impossible to understand.”
all together now
At the start of the four-month construction process, Quartersawn hosted an ice cream social for the block to thank neighbors for enduring the damage twice. “Building relationships is one of our core values, and acknowledging the inconvenience is important,” Quartersawn owner Jeff Nicholson said.
Now that the dust has settled, the siblings have discovered the unexpected benefits of remodeling – improving quality of life by creating more beautiful and functional spaces.
“It’s actually changed the way our family interacts. It’s more fun to cook and our kids will sit here and do their homework instead of retreating to their rooms. We’re seeing each other more,” Kyle Christensen Say. “It’s great.”
Home Remodelers Showcase Parade
what: Take a self-guided tour of 34 recently remodeled homes in the Twin Cities metro area, showcasing updated kitchens and bathrooms, mudrooms, and whole-home remodels.
when: September 12th noon to 6pm. October 30th 2.
Where: Home addresses and program details are available at paradeofhomes.org. The featured residence is #R31.
cost: Free; visit Burnsville and Shakopee’s remodeled dream home for $5.