When tasked with an extensive whole-home renovation in Loomis for a longtime client, Designs With You in Mind (designswithyouinmind.net) founder Cathy Tonks knew she had her work cut out for her. “I’ve worked with this client for 20 years, so I know her very well,” Tonks says. The project required transforming nearly every room in the house, as well as the exterior, to remove as many Tuscan elements as possible and create a more functional, modern, and luxurious space. 

PROJECT SCOPE 

A major undertaking, Tonks and her team demoed or gutted most of the home, including removing extensive tile flooring and updating the paint. “The flooring was in bad shape and needed to be addressed,” Tonks says. “Tile is cold and hard on our backs, so [replacing it with] wood flooring allowed for a more functional, warm space.” The renovation was a transformation from top to bottom, spanning the kitchen, bathrooms, dining and formal living rooms, bedrooms, the living area off the kitchen, the exterior, and even included the creation of specialized spaces like a massage room and gym.

KITCHEN REVAMP

To give the kitchen a fresh look, Tonks focused on balancing style with functionality, incorporating sleek, modern elements throughout. The homeowner didn’t care for the dated, big, bulky hood over the range and wanted to remove the Tuscan design elements, so Tonks replaced the hood, modified the cabinets by refinishing them, and updated the paneling, allowing the overall timeline to be reduced without compromising the aesthetics. New backsplash tile and countertops added texture and visual interest, while updated plumbing fixtures and pendant lighting brought a contemporary touch.

Before

After

RELAXING BATHROOM RETREAT

The main bathroom was another standout area in the renovation. The homeowner wanted to have a larger, more functional closet, avoid cold tile flooring, and have a space where she could relax and get ready in the morning alongside a cup of coffee. Tonks described the original layout as inefficient, with two small closets and vanities that created a cramped, disjointed feel.

“We completely gutted the bathroom,” she says. “By removing walls, we were able to create one large closet and a spacious vanity with two sinks and a makeup area.”

The redesigned bathroom now exudes luxury, thanks to a steam shower with a heated seat, freestanding air tub, and heated floors throughout. To top it off, Tonks incorporated a “morning kitchen,” complete with a refrigerator, coffee station, and even a freezer for ice and late-night ice cream cravings.

SPECIALIZED SPACES 

In order for the home to reflect her lifestyle, Tonks converted a former office into a massage room and gym. These spaces were designed with wellness in mind—the massage room has a tranquil vibe, and the gym is equipped to support the homeowner’s fitness routine.

Before

After

AROUND THE HOUSE

In the dining and formal living areas, Tonks and her team removed a fireplace that was so large it wasn’t functional. “By choosing to remove this, it allowed us to provide seating for 10 and a conversation area for [the homeowner] to have cocktails and enjoy time with friends,” Tonks says.

In the bedrooms, Tonks provided full furnishings to make the rooms feel comfortable and welcoming, as well as a place to relax at the end of each day.

In the living area off the kitchen, Tonks rebuilt the right side of the cabinetry to fit a larger TV, painted the wood, used wallpaper on the backside of the bookcases and in the boxing in the ceiling to warm up the space and incorporate layers of texture, and added all new lighting. 

On the home’s exterior, the team painted, landscaped, and added outdoor lighting. “We also unpacked the old home, assisted with consignment, storage, and donations, and helped move [our client] into their new home. It was truly end-to-end service,” Tonks says.

DESIGN PROCESS

Tonks’ design presentation involved visuals such as renderings and samples for each room, which were reviewed in the company’s studio. “We went through everything together and communicated likes, dislikes, and next steps,” she says. “We went down to the details on what could be kept and what made sense to be refreshed instead of replaced, which is better for the environment.”

HURDLES

No renovation is without its challenges, and Tonks’ expertise was key to navigating them. “Resurfacing the cabinets was one decision that helped streamline the process,” she says. “It was a great way to achieve the desired look while saving time.” Creative thinking also came in handy when replacing the kitchen’s hood. “We had to figure out how to remove the hood without making it look like patchwork,” she says. “The replacement needed to be substantial but sleek.”

END RESULT

The transformation is nothing short of stunning. Tonks’ attention to detail and ability to balance form and function resulted in a home that is both practical and beautiful. For the homeowner, the revamped spaces exceeded her expectations. “A perfect vision from what the client wanted,” Tonks says. “Her words were ‘you hit it out of the park again!’” 

by Kourtney Jason
Photos by Nicole Dianne @nicolediannephoto. After photos by Nicole Dianne @nicolediannephoto.