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The Work Behind the Build.
Every project starts with a plan. These case studies show what happens when pre-construction planning is done right — and how the right decisions before construction begins define the final result.
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Case Study
The Syracuse Kitchen & Living Space Transformation
The Challenge
When we first walked into this Syracuse, Utah home, the layout problems were immediately obvious. The main living area, kitchen, and dining room were heavily fragmented by unnecessary walls, decorative columns, and awkward arched doorways. The original kitchen felt dark and dated, featuring heavy espresso raised-panel cabinets, cream laminate countertops, and a mix of aging white appliances.
But the most glaring issue was the bathroom. In a bizarre architectural choice, the home's main floor bathroom was located dead-center in the transition space between the entryway, kitchen, and living room. Every time someone walked from the front door to the kitchen, they had to navigate around the bathroom door. It completely blocked the natural flow of the house and made the entire main floor feel cramped and disjointed.
The homeowners wanted a modern, bright, open-concept space where they could entertain, cook, and live comfortably. Achieving that vision wasn't going to be a simple cosmetic update. It required serious structural changes and meticulous pre-construction planning.
The Planning Process
At Ridgeline Design Group, we believe that the success of a major remodel is determined long before the first sledgehammer swings. This Syracuse project is the perfect example of why comprehensive pre-construction planning is critical. In fact, the strategic problem-solving required for this exact project is what inspired our founder, Shawn Temple, to formally create Ridgeline Design Group.
Relocating the Bathroom & Adding a Pantry
We planned a new structural build-out extending into the attached garage footprint. This allowed us to completely remove the awkward central bathroom and relocate it to a new, private hallway. The bump-out also gave us the square footage for a massive, dedicated butler's pantry.
Removing a Load-Bearing Wall
To truly open up the space, a major load-bearing wall had to come down. This required precise engineering and the installation of a massive structural beam to carry the load of the roof and second floor.
Improving Exterior Access
We planned the addition of a new exterior door in the kitchen, leading out to a newly constructed composite deck with stairs, greatly improving the home's indoor-outdoor flow and entertaining capabilities.
The Result
The transformation is nothing short of breathtaking. By removing the central bathroom and the load-bearing wall, the main floor has been completely liberated. The centerpiece of the new space is a massive, dark-base kitchen island topped with beautiful Calacatta-style quartz that comfortably seats six.
Where the load-bearing wall once stood, a beautiful dark wood-wrapped structural beam now spans the room — turned from necessary engineering into a defining architectural feature. Light luxury vinyl plank flooring runs seamlessly throughout, and new French doors flood the kitchen with natural light.
Before & After
See the Transformation
Drag the slider to compare before and after
The "Bathroom in the Middle" Problem
The original layout placed the main floor bathroom dead-center between the entryway, kitchen, and living room — blocking natural flow and making the entire main floor feel cramped and disjointed.
Kitchen Transformation
Dark, dated espresso raised-panel cabinets with cream laminate countertops and aging white appliances gave way to modern greige shakers, Calacatta-style quartz, and black stainless steel.
Island & Open Flow
Chopped-up arched doorways, decorative columns, and a cramped dining space were completely opened up to accommodate a massive new island that seats six — the heart of the home.
Storage Solution
A freestanding open shelving unit in the middle of the traffic area was replaced with a dedicated butler's pantry featuring floor-to-ceiling cabinetry, under-cabinet lighting, and ample counter space.
Bathroom Upgrade
The cramped, dated original bathroom was relocated to a private hallway and rebuilt with a moody charcoal vanity, matte black fixtures, and modern geometric floor tile.
"Proper planning prevents poor performance. When you take the time to engineer the right structural solutions before construction begins, you don't just update a home — you completely redefine how it lives."
— Shawn Temple, The Tatted Designer
Project Gallery
The Finished Space
