By the time Cindy Zwicky and Lisa Ryan were done reimagining their Robbinsdale rambler, every square inch became usable spaces that were also works of art.
“It was just a bunch of dark rectangles before,” said Zwicky. “There was nothing airy or open about it and the stairs went right down the middle of the house and [where the mechanicals were] there was no way to knock out those walls.”
That’s why they decided to bring in family friend and architect Mark Saxton to help.
Still, the 1965 rambler had its charms, such as original hardwood floors. And a previous owner had updated the kitchen with granite countertops, stainless-steel appliances and heated floors. The couple also liked that the main bedroom had an en suite bathroom. The fact that the house was located on a deep lot was a draw, too.
“It’s a backyard with no alley and has just a nice privacy back there,” Zwicky said.
Making moves
Saxton went right to work creating usable, art-filled spaces for the couple.
“The first question he asked me was ‘What was your favorite part of your childhood home?’ and I loved sitting on the window seat and just looking outside. So he said, ‘Your house needs to have a big picture window,’” Zwicky recalled.
Rearranging rooms was a game changer. The narrow dining room with only a tiny window was transformed into a light-filled sunroom by adding a large picture window and a glass door, which provided access to the backyard. Then, a bedroom between the living room and the kitchen became the new dining room.