Project Overview

Wichita Home Works completed this St. James Place full remodel in Wichita, Kansas for homeowners who wanted a more open, functional, and elevated main-floor living experience.

The project focused on the home’s primary living areas, including the kitchen, dining room, living room, office, wet bar, entryway, hallway, fireplace wall, rear exterior openings, and connected flooring areas. The remodel removed selected walls, reworked openings, reframed areas for new windows and doors, rebuilt the kitchen, added custom storage, created a wet bar, refreshed the fireplace, updated lighting, replaced and refinished wood flooring, and tied the main floor together with a cohesive finish package.

The remodel plan expanded the remodeled living area to roughly 1,796 square feet, with a redesigned kitchen, living room, office/bar area, entry cabinetry, and rear porch connection. 

The finished home has a warm transitional style with traditional architectural character. Light Chiffon cabinetry, dark Basalt built-ins, Bianco Springs granite, warm hardwood flooring, ivory stacked stone, white backsplash tile, rough cedar, and bronze details create a polished but comfortable main-floor design.

The Homeowner’s Vision

The goal was to make the home feel more open, better organized, and more usable for everyday living and entertaining.

The homeowners wanted a larger kitchen with a more functional island, updated appliances, better storage, a gas cooktop, a custom range hood, a farmhouse sink, and a more refined countertop and backsplash package. They also wanted the surrounding rooms to feel connected instead of divided by older openings, built-ins, and layout limitations.

The living room needed a stronger entertainment and fireplace wall. The office area needed to become more useful with a wet bar, beverage storage, lighting, and new exterior access. The entryway needed built-in cabinetry to support storage and organization. The rear exterior needed new doors, windows, trim, lighting, and masonry work to support the new interior layout.

Wichita Home Works’ in-house design team helped plan the wall removals, structural support, kitchen layout, island, range wall, appliance placement, cabinet colors, bar layout, fireplace cabinetry, entertainment shelving, rear door and window openings, flooring, lighting, backsplash, countertops, trim, paint, and final finish direction.

The final design created a main floor that feels more connected, more custom, and much better suited for hosting, cooking, relaxing, and daily use.

Scope of Work

Wichita Home Works coordinated the project from design and demolition through framing, mechanical updates, masonry, cabinetry, flooring, drywall, paint, countertops, tile, trim, final cleaning, walkthrough, and follow-up support.

The project included:

Main-Floor Demolition and Preparation

The remodel began by removing the existing kitchen cabinets, countertops, kitchen and entry flooring, selected interior walls, the existing patio door in the living room, office window, dining room window, kitchen window, built-in cabinetry beside the fireplace, and drywall where needed for the new layout.

This opened the main floor for a much larger transformation. Instead of simply replacing cabinets and surfaces, the project reworked the structure, flow, openings, and storage strategy throughout the main living areas.

The original layout included separate living, dining, kitchen, office, hallway, laundry, storage, and fireplace areas. The redesigned plan changed how those rooms connected and how the home functioned day to day. 

Structural and Layout Changes

The remodel included structural work to support a more open-concept main floor.

A new 2×12 header was installed in the attic to carry the span for the open layout. A 2×12 beam was also installed in the floor, supported by three 4×4 posts set on concrete footers, to strengthen the existing floor joists.

Walls were reframed for the entryway cabinet area, range wall, office/bar area, fireplace-side opening, living room exterior door, and new window and door arrangements.

These behind-the-scenes changes were essential because they allowed the finished remodel to feel open and intentional while still supporting the home properly.

Window, Door and Masonry Updates

The rear of the home was reworked to support the new main-floor layout.

A smaller awning window was installed in the kitchen, sized at approximately 47.5 inches by 29.5 inches. New double-wide double-hung windows were installed in the dining room and office areas. A previous patio door opening was converted to a double-wide double-hung window, and new full-lite steel entry doors were installed at the living room and office. 

The exterior brick was cut and adjusted for the new living room and office doors. New brick was installed where openings changed, and exterior PVC wood-grain trim was installed around new windows. Interior jamb extensions and casing completed the transition inside.

These updates improved natural light, outdoor access, and the relationship between the remodeled main floor and the backyard.

Kitchen Remodel

The kitchen became the centerpiece of the main-floor remodel.

The new kitchen includes Merillat Seneca Ridge cabinetry with Chiffon perimeter cabinets and Basalt island cabinetry. The layout includes base cabinets, wall cabinets, island cabinets, floor-to-ceiling pantry cabinets, a custom range hood cover, roll-out storage, trash pullouts, wire dividers, and appliance-specific cabinet planning.

The island was designed with countertop extension and seating space, including island framing and legs to support the overhang. The backside of the island was finished with maple plywood and trim corners to create a more polished furniture-style look.

The kitchen now functions as a larger and more connected workspace, with stronger storage, better appliance placement, updated lighting, and a more dramatic island presence.

Kitchen Countertops and Sink

The kitchen received Bianco Springs granite countertops with an ogee edge.

A single white farmhouse sink was installed at the kitchen sink wall, giving the room a classic focal point that pairs well with the Chiffon cabinetry and warm hardwood flooring. The countertops were planned for both the perimeter cabinets and island, helping the kitchen feel unified and complete. 

The granite selection adds movement and contrast while maintaining a timeless kitchen feel.

Kitchen Backsplash and Range Feature

The kitchen backsplash was finished with Magma White 2.5×8 tile installed horizontally in a half-offset pattern.

A framed range accent was installed under the custom hood using Carrara artisan hex mosaic tile with a Schluter Quadec frame liner. The backsplash used Alabaster grout and cream edging to keep the design soft and coordinated.

The result is a clean backsplash design with a stronger focal point at the range wall.

Appliances and Cooking Zone

The kitchen layout was built around upgraded appliance function.

The project included a gas cooktop, customer-provided double oven, dishwasher, refrigerator waterline, range hood venting, garbage disposal wiring, and appliance installation coordination. The range hood was vented through the roof using existing vent routing where possible.

The electrical plan included dedicated circuits, under-cabinet lighting, puck lights at the cooktop and walkway areas, island pendant lights, a sink light, plugmold with USB outlets below upper cabinets, and USB receptacles in the island.

These updates helped make the kitchen more practical for cooking, serving, and everyday use.

Office and Wet Bar Remodel

The office area was reworked into a more flexible office and bar zone.

The wet bar includes Merillat Seneca Ridge Basalt cabinetry, lower cabinets, countertop space, upper cabinet planning, mini fridge and ice maker space, a Blanco white 14×16 bar sink, Bianco Springs granite countertops, under-cabinet tape lighting, countertop receptacles, and a dedicated circuit for the mini fridge and ice maker.

The bar backsplash used Magma White tile in a horizontal half-offset pattern, tying the bar back to the kitchen backsplash.

This space now works as a beverage station, entertainment support area, office feature, and secondary serving zone.

Entryway Cabinetry

The entryway received floor-to-ceiling cabinetry.

These cabinets were finished in Merillat Seneca Ridge Basalt, matching the island, bar, entertainment, and fireplace cabinetry. The entry cabinetry gives the main floor a strong storage upgrade and makes the entryway feel intentional rather than transitional.

Router and wiring relocation were also coordinated into the cabinet plan, helping the home’s technology needs stay organized and less visible.

Entertainment Center and Living Room Built-Ins

The living room received custom cabinetry and shelving to support entertainment use.

Lower entertainment cabinets were installed with a wood cabinet top, stained maple paneling, and a thick maple floating shelf above. The floating shelf was designed to support the TV area, and a quad receptacle was installed at the TV shelf location.

The electrical plan included recessed lights in front of the entertainment area, USB receptacles, general-use receptacles, and TV support wiring.

The finished entertainment wall gives the living room a cleaner focal point and better storage without overwhelming the room.

Fireplace Remodel

The fireplace was refreshed with new stone, tile, cabinetry, shelving, and a custom mantel.

The existing brick fireplace was prepared with backer board, then finished with Emser Structure Stacked Ledger Ivory stone on the fireplace face and hearth front. The hearth top received Paramount New York Greenwich Village 4×8 tile in a half-offset pattern with Avalanche grout. 

A floating rough cedar mantel was custom built and installed above the fireplace. Lower cabinetry was added to the right of the fireplace in the Basalt finish, with matching maple floating shelves and paneling stained to coordinate with the cabinetry.

The finished fireplace wall adds texture, warmth, storage, and a more balanced relationship to the living room.

Hardwood Flooring

The main floor received a major flooring update.

Existing flooring was removed from the kitchen, entryway, and selected living room areas. New 1 1/4-inch wood flooring was installed in the kitchen and entryway areas, then new and existing wood floors were sanded and stained together for a more unified finish.

Thresholds were installed at bedroom and bathroom transitions.

This was one of the most important visual updates in the project because it helped connect the kitchen, dining room, living room, office, entryway, wet bar, and hallway into one cohesive main-floor experience.

Electrical and Lighting

The electrical scope was extensive and supported the full main-floor redesign.

The entry and hallway received recessed lighting and receptacles. The office and bar received recessed lights, ceiling fan wiring, countertop receptacles, bar under-cabinet lighting, a dedicated mini fridge and ice maker circuit, and a floor receptacle.

The living and dining areas received ceiling fan wiring, recessed lighting at the entertainment area, USB receptacles, and TV shelf power. The kitchen received USB outlets in the island, recessed lighting over the cooktop and walkway, plugmold with USB below upper cabinets, under-cabinet lighting, appliance power, island pendants, and a sink light.

Exterior electrical included wall-mounted lights, weatherproof outlets, soffit receptacles, and ethernet cabling from the router location to the back deck and garage soffit. 

These updates made the remodeled spaces brighter, more flexible, and better suited to modern living.

Plumbing and Gas Work

Plumbing work supported the new kitchen, wet bar, refrigerator, and gas cooking layout.

The project included roughing in a gas line for the new range, roughing in plumbing for the bar ice maker, bar sink, kitchen sink, kitchen farmhouse sink, garbage disposer, kitchen faucet, drain trim, and refrigerator waterline.

These updates helped the kitchen and bar function as true daily-use and entertaining spaces.

HVAC Adjustments

HVAC work was coordinated around the new floor plan, cabinetry, and range hood.

The range hood was vented out of the house through the roof, tying into existing vent routing where appropriate. Existing vents were moved or deleted where the new layout required changes, including adjustments at the office, entertainment center, and kitchen areas.

These changes helped the mechanical layout work with the new cabinets, flooring, and living space plan.

Drywall, Ceiling Texture and Paint

The remodel included drywall work where walls were moved, openings were changed, beams were added, and electrical work required ceiling or wall access.

Ceilings in the kitchen, living room, dining room, office, entryway, and hallway received knockdown texture and flat white paint. Walls were repaired and painted in a Behr match to Sherwin-Williams Accessible Beige. New casing, baseboards, and selected doors were painted in a Behr match to Sherwin-Williams Creamy.

The paint palette helped soften the remodeled spaces while allowing the cabinetry, stone, wood flooring, granite, and backsplash tile to stand out.

Trim and Finish Carpentry

Trim carpentry helped tie the remodel together.

The project included white pine baseboards in the kitchen, dining room, living room, office, entryway, and hallway. New window casing was installed at the kitchen, living room, dining room, and office windows. New door casing was installed around the living room, office, entryway, laundry room, and garage door.

Finish carpentry also included cabinet hardware, entry door hardware, interior door hardware, appliance coordination, wood shelf installation, fireplace mantel work, range hood construction, cabinet tops, and final trim refinements.

These details helped make the project feel complete instead of simply renovated.

Exterior Finish Work

Because the rear windows and doors changed, exterior finish work was an important part of the project.

Exterior brick was adjusted where openings changed, and new brick and trim areas were painted to coordinate with the home. New window and door trim were also painted.

Exterior wall lights, soffit receptacles, weatherproof outlets, ethernet locations, and door openings were coordinated so the rear of the home would support outdoor living and future entertainment use.

Design and Finish Details

This project has a warm transitional style with traditional character and custom built-in details.

The kitchen blends light Chiffon cabinetry with a darker Basalt island, Bianco Springs granite, white tile, a farmhouse sink, and a custom range hood. This gives the kitchen a classic foundation with a more updated layout and stronger function.

The darker Basalt finish continues through the entry cabinets, wet bar, entertainment center, and fireplace built-ins. This repetition helps the main floor feel cohesive rather than having each built-in area feel separate.

The fireplace adds texture and warmth through ivory stacked ledger stone, Greenwich Village hearth tile, and a rough cedar floating mantel. The hardwood flooring brings the entire main level together.

The result is polished, warm, and highly functional, with enough custom cabinetry and finish detail to make the home feel tailored to the homeowners.

Construction Story

This project began with a main floor that had strong potential but needed a more open layout, better storage, updated surfaces, and a clearer connection between rooms.

The first major phase focused on removal and structural work. Walls, cabinets, countertops, flooring, patio doors, windows, and selected built-ins were removed so the new layout could take shape. Structural support was added to help create the open-concept plan.

Once the new framing and openings were in place, the home began to feel very different. The kitchen expanded, the rear exterior received new windows and doors, the office gained a wet bar, and the living room was planned around new built-ins and a remodeled fireplace.

The finish phase brought the personality of the remodel forward. Chiffon and Basalt cabinetry, granite countertops, white backsplash tile, a custom range hood, hardwood flooring, stacked stone, floating shelves, under-cabinet lighting, USB outlets, and new trim all worked together to create a cohesive main floor.

As the project reached completion, Wichita Home Works handled final interior details, exterior trim painting, final photos, screen follow-up, cleaning, and post-construction care. Later follow-up visits addressed small finish refinements such as ceiling touch-ups, ventilation adjustments, and a sink replacement coordination item so the completed remodel continued to function the way the homeowners expected. 

The finished St. James Place remodel shows how a traditional Wichita home can be transformed with layout changes, custom cabinetry, warm finishes, and careful coordination across several connected rooms.

Project Coordination Highlights

Open-Concept Main Floor

Selected wall removals, new headers, floor support work, reframed openings, and drywall finishing helped create a more open connection between the kitchen, dining, living, office, and entry areas.

Custom Kitchen Design

The kitchen gained Chiffon perimeter cabinetry, a Basalt island, Bianco Springs granite, farmhouse sink, gas cooktop, double oven, custom range hood, under-cabinet lighting, and improved storage.

Wet Bar and Office Upgrade

The office/bar area added Basalt cabinetry, mini fridge and ice maker space, bar sink, granite countertop, under-cabinet lighting, and a more useful secondary serving area.

Fireplace and Living Room Built-Ins

The living room gained a remodeled fireplace, ivory stacked ledger stone, tile hearth, cedar mantel, entertainment cabinetry, TV shelf, floating shelves, and storage.

Window and Door Transformation

Rear openings were reworked with new windows, new full-lite entry doors, exterior brick coordination, trim, paint, lighting, and outdoor electrical.

Main-Floor Finish Cohesion

Hardwood floor installation and refinishing, coordinated paint, matching cabinet finishes, repeated granite, consistent trim, and warm wood accents tied the project together.

The Finished Result

The finished St. James Place remodel created a more open, useful, and polished main floor.

The kitchen now feels larger and more functional, with a generous island, bright perimeter cabinetry, dark contrast cabinetry, granite countertops, a farmhouse sink, updated lighting, and better appliance planning.

The living room now has a more finished fireplace and entertainment wall. The office area now includes a wet bar that supports entertaining and daily convenience. The entryway now has built-in storage. The rear exterior now connects more cleanly to the remodeled interior with updated doors, windows, trim, lights, and masonry work.

The result is a full main-floor transformation that improves flow, storage, entertaining, cooking, natural light, outdoor access, and the overall character of the home.

Why This Project Matters for Future Full Remodel Clients

This project is a strong example for homeowners who want their main floor to work better as a whole.

A kitchen remodel can create a major improvement, but the real impact often comes when the kitchen, living room, dining room, office, entryway, fireplace, flooring, lighting, windows, and exterior openings are planned together.

For homeowners near Wichita, Eastborough, Andover, Bel Aire, College Hill, Crown Heights, Derby, Maize, and nearby communities, this project shows how Wichita Home Works can coordinate a complex main-floor remodel from early design through final finish details.

Thinking About a Similar Full Main-Floor Remodel?

If you are planning a kitchen remodel, open-concept main-floor remodel, wet bar, fireplace update, custom built-ins, hardwood floor refinishing, window and door changes, or whole main-level transformation near Wichita, Wichita Home Works can help you think through the full project.

That includes layout, structural support, cabinetry, countertops, backsplash, appliances, flooring, fireplace design, lighting, plumbing, gas lines, HVAC, exterior openings, masonry, paint, trim, timeline expectations, and final closeout.

A full main-floor remodel has many connected decisions. The right design-build team helps organize those decisions into a clear, manageable process from planning through completion.

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