Case Study

A Kitchen and Dining Transformation in Edina Built for a Family That Loves to Cook, Gather, and Stay

How DreamMaker removed a wall, redesigned the entire layout, and gave a family of four the open, multi-functional kitchen they had been putting off for twelve years.

Edina, Minnesota

TIMELINE

Transitional & Classic

Kitchen Remodeling

Project Overview

They Decided to Stay. So They Decided to Get It Right.

After twelve years in their Edina home, this family made a decision – they were staying. And if they were staying, the kitchen needed to finally become what they had always wanted it to be. One open room for cooking, entertaining, watching football, and gathering with the people they loved most.

DreamMaker presented multiple layout options with full 3D perspectives before any work began – and delivered a kitchen that removed the wall, redesigned every workstation, and changed the way this family experiences their home every single day.

Location: Minnesota

Neighborhood: Edina

About The Neighborhood

Edina’s Chain of Lakes neighborhoods are among the Twin Cities’ most beloved – established, design-forward, and full of families who invest in their homes for the long term. A kitchen rebuilt around multiple cooks, extended family gatherings, and a wall of locally rendered Chain of Lakes prints fits this community as naturally as the homes themselves.

The Challenge

What Wasn’t Working

Before the remodel, the space faced several challenges:

A wall separating the kitchen and dining room that prevented the open entertaining space the family wanted
A layout that made it difficult for more than one cook to work comfortably at the same time
A back entry pantry that was hard to organize and even harder to access efficiently
A sink positioned under a small window with no pleasant view.
A desk area that nobody used consuming space that could be doing something better
Carpet in the dining room that everyone disliked
Wasted non-functional space at the dining room steps with no storage or safety solution
A single oven setup that needed to be properly integrated rather than awkwardly placed

The kitchen had potential the original design had never unlocked.

BEFORE

“The remodel gave us an extraordinary transformation – everything we all wanted in our dream kitchen and more. Months later we are still finding new ways to enjoy the space. We couldn’t be more pleased with what DreamMaker delivered.”

– The Anderson Family, Edina, MN

5.0 | Google Review

The Solution

Built Around How They Actually Live

DreamMaker removed the wall between the kitchen and dining room, relocated a vent pipe, and redesigned the entire layout around a large multi-functional sit-up island – creating one open room without adding a single square foot.

Key Improvements included:

Wall between kitchen and dining room removed - creating one large, open entertaining and cooking space
Back entry walls removed and pantry fully redesigned for easy organization and access
Large multi-functional sit-up island installed at the center - allowing the primary cook to interact with guests and keep an eye on the game simultaneously
Cabinetry and appliance layout completely redesigned for optimum function at each workstation
Sink relocated to the bay window for a more pleasant view and a more spacious clean-up station
Windows at the new sink extended below the counter with a new window well - creating an unplanned but beloved spot for plants
New window seat in the dining area providing extra seating when the table is extended for entertaining
Tall cabinets and stair cabinets in the dining area converting formerly wasted space into storage, a serving counter, and a safer stair approach
Original ceiling molding and shallow kitchen soffits carefully conserved throughout
Full wall designated for a curated collection of locally rendered and custom framed Chain of Lakes prints
Mix of light painted and dark textured cabinets with marble-patterned quartz countertops in both light and dark tones
All new appliances, sink, and fixtures bringing the kitchen fully up to date
New LED recessed lighting on dimmers throughout for both general and task lighting