The Power of Renovation: Inside a Remodel of a 1970s Rambler Ranch-Style Project

“When you have a space that you truly feel comfortable in, you [breathe] a sigh of relief. It’s like, okay, now I can start really enjoying my home and feel comfortable inviting people over. Building these memories,” Jamie Tjornehoj, the marketing manager for New Spaces, a Twin Cities design-build remodeling firm, said.

Tjornehoj spoke of the complete revamp of Meredith and David Deeds’ Edina home. The Deeds purchased their abode in 2008, yet Meredith, an accomplished author and food journalist, expressed discontent toward the house’s lack of natural, bright lighting in the kitchen.

About The Deeds Family

Photographing food becomes a main component when immersed in a career focused on food. To combat the light issue, Meredith set up a makeshift display in a separate room of the house to achieve these photos.

“Her life and world revolves around food, revolves around kitchens, revolves around the planning of it, the making of it and the eating of it,” Bjorn Freudenthal, the vice president of business development at New Spaces, noted about Meredith.

Remodeling the kitchen, especially when dealing with this line of work, was a non-negotiable point for the Deeds. However, finding a suitable and fruitful remodeler warranted an almost 15-year process.

New Spaces To The Rescue

Two years ago, the Deeds met with New Spaces at the Remodelers Showcase (the oldest parade of homes in America). For the Deeds, New Spaces was a perfect match.

From the initial meeting to the completion of the renovation, the Deeds and New Spaces succeeded in establishing a trustworthy relationship to create this brand-new kitchen and living space.

Freudenthal mentioned that Meredith “fell in love with our process, which is very unique.” Freudenthal elaborated that New Spaces designs their pricing catalog before a construction contract, as opposed to other firms who sign a contract prior to cementing the fine print, selections, and features. This process leads to extra fees and overcharges later on. With such a heavy rebuilding, seeing all the details laid out proved essential and helpful to the Deeds.

Since clients dwell in the homes during these renovations, finding a suitable firm to work with smooths out any turbulence.

“It’s a big undertaking to undergo a renovation, which is why you must work with the right company. You want to work with a team that you feel comfortable with. That you know is going to be safe and smart within your home,” Jamie commented.

Creating The New Kitchen Space

“Thinking about being a food writer. Where do you want to define your craft? Is it in this dark place that isn’t as inspirational, or is it in this beautiful white, clean open space?” Tjornehoj asked.

According to Tjornehoj, the original layout of the Deeds’ kitchen followed a golden oak layout featuring a centerfold masonry fireplace. The fireplace sat in the exact center of the house, opening up a pathway to the dining room and kitchen. New Spaces brainstormed the most effective renovation options based on the limited layout. The team removed the entire masonry fireplace and rebuilt the home’s structure as a 1970s Rambler Ranch-Style Project.

Freudenthal explained that this renovation redesigned the kitchen, the common areas, the front entry, the dining room, the family room, and the dinette and added a butler’s pantry and a mudroom for Meredith’s cooking supplies and ingredients.

Following the renovation, Meredith’s passion for photographing food refueled. Ample bright light beamed into the renovated kitchen, electrifying her work and revitalizing her photographs.

“I can only imagine how much more inspired she is to experiment to continue to build her expertise and her craft, and I think that’s just the power of remodeling,” Tjornehoj shared.

Why the Kitchen?

Even if someone browsing the remodeling market doesn’t pursue a career as a food writer or photographer, “The kitchen is a pinnacle of the home,” Tjornehoj said.” When we think about families and people of all ages, we see how life evolves through the kitchen space. We start out raising our families, we have coloring books, and we have homework out on these kitchen counters. We continue through life, and then we have the space to hold families and loved ones during holidays.”

These communal gathering spaces serve as the backbone for creating cherished memories—memories that follow families throughout their lifetimes.

“That’s why we really try to verbalize the importance of having a space like Meredith, [that] inspires you and makes you want to build these memories. We want you to build these memories. We want you to have all the experiences in a space that you love. That can contribute to those memories and enhance them,” Tjornehoj believes the kitchen is a fabulous location to formulate these memories and embrace comfort.

Why Renovate?

“It can be really refreshing for your soul and in your lifestyle in general. When you renovate a space that is exactly how you envisioned it, exactly how you want it, that has functionality mixed with storage, mixed with whatever you and your family need,” Tjornehoj remarked.

According to Tjornehoj, home renovations, regardless of the space, refresh perspective and add new energy difficult to describe and incomparable to any other feeling. Remodeling allows homeowners to find their belongings and understand what home means to them.

“I think we think of it in kind of a secular way like it’s a space being transformed into maybe a more efficient or easier lifestyle, but we don’t always think about how it dramatically changes the lives of those who live there.”

Though the process takes copious amounts of time and research, the payoff triumphs the planning and long days preceding the work. New Spaces encourages those looking into renovations to watch videos, read testimonials, establish relationships with firms, meet each team member, and ask questions.

“Don’t be afraid to get creative during this time,” Tjornehoj commented, urging interested individuals to dive into HGTV programs, Pinterest boards, any platform with renovation inspiration before committing to a full-fledged reconstruction.

“This process should be fun. I really encourage anybody looking to do a renovation to have fun with it. Obviously, it’s going to be a stressful time, but also don’t forget that you are undergoing this transformation. Not only your home but this space where all these memories are going to be created in the future,” she said.

New Spaces
Burnsville Design Showroom: 2105 143^rd St. W., Burnsville
Edina Design Office at Lifetime Work: 200 Southdale Center, Edina
www.newspaces.com