NEST: Dream a Little Dream

After years of living with dated cabinetry, old appliances and inefficient workspaces, many homeowners make the decision to renovate their existing baths and kitchens in order to update the look and feel of their homes. Sometimes, a renovation is necessary in order to make a space more accessible and improve functionality and quality of life. Erik Anderson and Tracy Moore of DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen have been business partners in Winston-Salem for almost 20 years, and together with their team they have been able to meet and exceed client expectations many times over.

Updated historic

The owners of a historic West End home in Winston-Salem were no exception. Their kitchen hadn’t been touched since the 1950s, and they were interested in an updated look that preserved the historic feel of their home. Avid home cooks, they also wanted a functional space that allowed them creative freedom in the kitchen. After the DreamMaker team met with the homeowners to go over their specific needs and define the scope of work, in-house designer Jennifer Cameron drew up the plans to turn their dream into a reality. A major challenge in the kitchen was working around the three large windows within the original structure. The homeowners felt strongly about preserving the historic elements of their house, so the DreamMaker team had to customize and fine-tune the design in order to make cabinetry work within the original frame. They made it happen, with the slim margin of 5/8 of an inch between each windowframe and cabinet, meticulously calculated and executed. The homeowners also opted for custom butcher-block countertops, a designated work area with prep sink and a chef-quality gas stove and range. The beautiful heart-pine floors were added to match the original floors throughout the home. Thoughtful design and careful attention to the client’s needs made this challenging project a success, and the homeowners are now happily using their updated and fully realized kitchen.

Aesthetic accessibility

The team at DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen recently took on another project involving aging and accessibility. This Winston-Salem couple had lived in their home for more than 30 years and wished to remain there as they aged, but needed to update their small bathroom in order to make it comfortable. They didn’t want to trade form for function, but instead wanted a bathroom that was both beautiful and safe. Erik Anderson stated that this was the type of project that they really enjoyed, “something that makes you feel good” at the end in knowing that his team had helped improve the homeowner’s lives. They focused on universal design, and made a space that was aesthetically pleasing, but completely accessible for those with limited mobility. The results are stunning. A zero-threshold shower with a drop-frame allowed the tiled shower floor to be level with the rest of the bathroom — no risk of tripping over a step. Doorways and entry points were widened throughout the space. An accessible vanity with retractable cabinet doors was installed to allow for a wheelchair to pull all the way up the sink. Marble countertops, high-end finishes and marble tub-surround accent the thoughtful design. Walking in, one would never know it was an accessible bathroom. A focus on graceful aging and improving one couple’s quality of life drove the project, while the team at DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen navigated it home.

Visit DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen’s website, www.dreammakernc.com, to see what is new and for more information about the services they offer. For a more hands-on experience, stop by their Design Center located at 425 West End Blvd. or call 336.722.3625 to schedule a complimentary consultation.