Changing family dynamics are a common reason for upsizing and moving into a larger home. For Caleb and Emily Vogelsang, their children — then 4- and 5-year-olds — were the main motivation.
“We were growing as a family,” Emily said. “We wanted something bigger that could accommodate us and the kids as they grew up.”
She and Caleb found a home in Old Brownsboro Place that offered enough space, but they knew a remodel was to make it work for their needs.
Keen kitchen
“The layout and the flow really didn’t work for us and how we used our kitchen,” Emily said, explaining that their home remodel with Bailey Design Build began with the idea of reconfiguring just the heart of the home.
She added that the original space had a small pantry and an L-shaped island that didn’t allow for the ideal seating configuration. She and Caleb knew from experience that family and friends would be gathering around the space during get-togethers, so they opted for a large, rectangular island. It comfortably seats five and features a built-in sink.
Another part of renovating the kitchen included moving the laundry room, which was located just off the center of the kitchen.
“We would end up taking our laundry out of the laundry room (and) folding (it) on the kitchen table,” Emily recalled.
To accommodate the new, dedicated laundry room, the Vogelsangs transformed what was once a formal living room into the dining room, utilizing the old dining room space for the mudroom, a large pantry, and the laundry room.
Bringing the outside in
Emily says that one of their first conversations with the Bailey Design Build team was about finding ways to guide people toward the back of the house and bring the outside in. This was partly accomplished by replacing a three-pane window with a large picture window that looks out toward the backyard and the pool.
“When they finally took the plastic covering (off the new window), it was like HD,” Emily exclaimed. “It literally feels like you’re outside. I sit here and just look out that window.”
She adds that with the help of the kitchen remodel, it now feels like the whole house flows toward the back, leading to a view of the outside.
A lover of the outdoors, Emily’s favorite space in the house is the sunroom, which features some of the home’s original brick. She says she initially wanted the room to have brick flooring as well, but then she found a bluish-green tile that adds a bit more interest to the space.
Designing with details
In addition to renovating their new home’s flow and layout, Emily incorporated little detail throughout to truly personalize the new space. One of these design elements was the use of arches, including the arched door that leads to the pantry.
“I have a similar door pinned on Pinterest from 2015,” she said with a laugh. “I thought it was so cool. … I love arches.”
Creating the arch presented more of a challenge than Emily anticipated — and it would have been more cost-effective to incorporate a typical rectangular-shaped door — but it was a design detail that she pushed for.
“I’m glad that I did,” she exclaimed. “I love that door.”
Wood cabinetry offers another look that Emily is fond of, and it is used throughout both the kitchen and bar. The wooden plate rack was another one of Emily’s ideas; the functional, built-in part of the cabinetry looks like a unique furniture piece all on its own.
“Again, it’s something that I had pinned for a long time,” she said. “It kind of feels like old European.”
She adds seeing her home dreams come to life was a fun experience, and she enjoyed being involved every step of the way.
“It was just an awesome experience,” she exclaimed. “I didn’t want it to end.”
The Vogelsang home is house No. 4 on the 2024 Tour of Remodeled Homes.
Know a house that would make a great Home of the Week? Email writer Lennie Omalza at [email protected] or Lifestyle Editor Kathryn Gregory at [email protected].
WHAT: The Building Industry Association of Greater Louisville’s 2024 Tour of Remodeled Homes features nine remodeling projects in homes throughout Louisville.
WHEN: Aug. 10-11, noon to 6 p.m.
WHERE: The tour will cover nine houses throughout Louisville. Addresses are listed online.
TICKETS: Presale tickets are $12 online and $15 at the door. Houses may be toured in any order, all in one day or over the two-day tour period. Children ages six and younger are free; all children younger than 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
MORE INFORMATION: Visit tourofremodeledhomes.net for more information and to purchase tickets.
nuts & bolts
Owners: Emily and Caleb Vogelsang. Emily is a strategy advisor at Humana and Caleb is a financial advisor at Edward Jones.
Home: This is a four-bedroom, three-and-a-half bath, 3,025-square-foot, traditional home in Old Brownsboro Place. It was built in 1987.
Distinctive elements: Newly renovated first floor with arched doorways to the mudroom and pantry; wet bar between the kitchen and living room; sunroom converted into a year-round space with views of the pool and backyard; farmhouse sink, custom cabinetry, and unique plate rack in the kitchen; combination of modern and traditional furniture/décor; art pieces from family and homeowners’ travels.
Applause! Applause! Bailey Design + Build, M&H Custom Cabinets, Century Entertainment and Furnishing