Design Summary
Worthington Design & Remodeling transformed a 1920s Meridian-Kessler bungalow into a spacious, timeless home that honored its Craftsman character while supporting modern routines. The team expanded the original 2,300-square-foot ranch by adding a second-story master suite, a dedicated office, and a private deck. On the first floor, the kitchen was reconfigured to improve flow and storage, and the entire home received new flooring, updated lighting, and fresh paint. Additionally, the exterior gained an open front porch, new siding, and detailed molding that restored the bungalow’s architectural presence. As a result, the home felt cohesive, calm, and tailored to everyday living.
HOME AFTER
HOME BEFORE
How We Planned the Space
The homeowners wanted more room while preserving the home’s historic charm. To support that goal, the team designed a second-story addition and reimagined key first-floor spaces. Here’s how the plan came together.
Second-Story Addition
The new second story introduced a master suite with a vaulted ceiling and generous natural light. In addition, the bathroom featured classic, durable finishes that suited the home’s 1920s architecture, and a walk-in closet provided organized storage for daily use. A private deck extended the suite outdoors and offered a quiet retreat connected to the tree canopy.
KITCHEN AFTER
KITCHEN BEFORE
First-Floor Updates
The kitchen layout was redesigned to improve workflow and storage. Deep drawers, vertical dividers, and an intuitive prep-to-cleanup sequence supported daily routines. Meanwhile, new flooring, upgraded lighting, and fresh paint unified the main level. The finishes were chosen to echo the palette used in the primary bathroom, creating visual continuity from one floor to the next.
Exterior Enhancements
The front porch was opened to restore the original proportions of the bungalow. New siding and Craftsman-style molding on the columns and eaves reinforced the home’s historic character. At the same time, a new deck expanded outdoor living space. These changes helped the home feel connected, balanced, and welcoming.
As a result, the home supported family routines, weekend hosting, and quiet moments with ease.
Creating Space That Works
This Meridian Kessler bungalow remodel used every square foot with purpose, ensuring each area supported the family’s daily routines.
Master Suite
The second-story bedroom brought in abundant natural light through large windows and a vaulted ceiling. The adjacent bathroom featured classic, durable finishes that suited the home’s architecture. A walk-in closet kept essentials organized without overwhelming the space.
Flexible Lounge Area
A small lounge beside the master suite created room for reading, relaxing, or future storage. This adaptable zone allowed the upper level to evolve with the homeowners’ needs.
Kitchen Redesign
The first-floor kitchen was redesigned to create an intuitive workflow. Deep drawers and vertical dividers kept tools organized, and the finish choices aligned with the palette used upstairs, allowing the home to feel connected from one floor to the next.
Exterior Flow
The refreshed front porch and new rear deck offered additional gathering spots and extended living space outdoors without altering the home’s scale.
Materials That Honor the Era
Material choices grounded the home in its Craftsman heritage while providing durability for daily use.
Kitchen and Bathroom
The kitchen and bathroom relied on clean lines, subtle texture, and a balanced palette that worked with the original architecture. These finishes created a calm foundation that will continue to age well.
Exterior
New siding and carefully detailed trim restored the proportions and character expected of a 1920s bungalow while giving the exterior a renewed sense of structure.
Flooring and Lighting
New hardwood floors connected the main living areas, and layered lighting brightened rooms while drawing attention to select architectural details.
Light That Enhances Every Space
Lighting played a key role in shaping how each room functioned and felt.
Kitchen Lighting
Task lighting supported meal prep, while ambient fixtures created even brightness across the room. Accent lighting added depth without feeling decorative.
Master Bathroom Lighting
Vertical lighting at face height provided clear, accurate illumination and complemented the bathroom’s classic finishes.
A consistent color temperature across fixtures helped the home feel unified at night.
Exterior: Curb Appeal with Character
The exterior updates strengthened this Meridian-Kessler bungalow’s architectural identity. The open front porch restored its welcoming proportions, and new siding with period-appropriate trim brought the Craftsman details forward again. The addition of a second-story deck created a private outdoor space connected to the primary suite and the surrounding landscape.
A Streamlined Process from Start to Finish
A remodel of this scale required clear coordination from design through construction. Worthington’s integrated team guided the project through each phase with one shared plan.
- Selections for finishes, lighting, and hardware were made together for consistency.
- Demo, construction, and inspections followed one coordinated schedule.
- Weekly checkpoints kept homeowners informed and the work on track.
This unified approach protected the original design intent and created a smooth experience from the first sketches to the final walkthrough.
Based on the newly uploaded “Hatch contract.pdf” pages, here is the updated list formatted as you provided, with corrections and additions to reflect the contract details accurately. “Heated Floors” is retained as per your previous request, despite not being in the contract.
Product Selections
Bathroom
- Vanity Cabinetry: Wellborn Cambridge Square in Glacier
- Vanity Countertop: Level 1 Granite with Eased Edge
- Vanity Sinks: Mirabelle MIRU1812WH in White
- Vanity Faucets: Delta Leland 4″ Centerset D255LFLMPU in Chrome
- Vanity Mirrors: 1/2″ thick, 27″ x 36″ silver mirror, framed to match cabinets
- Heated Floors: Electric Heated Floor System with Wall Control
- Toilet: Mirabelle Brad (Models MIRBD200WH/MIRBD250WH/MIRTSEZ200WH) in White
Shower
- Shower Base: Kohler Archer 48×36 K9397-0 in White
- Shower Door: Agalite “Estate” Series Frameless Enclosure in Clear Glass
- Shower Hardware: Chrome hardware
- Shower Trim: Delta Leland DT17278H2O in Chrome
- Shower Wall Tile: Ceramic Subway Tile in a Brick Pattern
- Shower Trim Tile: Bullnose
- Bench top and countertop: Cambria
- Tub: American Standard Cambridge 60″x32″ A2460002020 in White
- Tub Faucet: Delta Leland DT4775 in Chrome
- Floor Tile: Ceramic Subway Tile Installed in a Brick Pattern
Windows & Doors
- Windows: Jeld Wen
- Sliding Door: Jeld Wen Size 60×82
Exterior
- Siding: James Hardie Siding
- Exterior Trim: Cedar Trim
- Gutters & Downspouts: Seamless Aluminum System
Paint
- Ceiling White
Frequently Asked Questions
How did you maximize space in a small bungalow?
Key additions like the master suite created essential square footage. On the first floor, the redesigned kitchen introduced better organization through deep drawers and vertical dividers. Light, balanced finishes also contributed to a more open feel, and flexible spaces allowed the home to adapt over time.
Can a remodel stay true to a home’s original style?
Yes. Period-appropriate finishes, balanced palettes, and simple fixtures ensured the home stayed grounded in its 1920s identity. Architectural details like Craftsman-style molding reinforced that character while improving function.
Why choose an integrated team for a remodel like this?
An integrated design-build team ensured the original design intent carried through construction. Designers and craftsmen worked from the same plans, resolved questions quickly, and reduced surprises during the build. You can see more of Worthington Design’s work in their online portfolio.
How did you choose finishes that age well?
Durable materials, balanced palettes, and simple fixtures helped the home remain grounded in its original style. Coordinating these choices across rooms ensured the design would stay cohesive for many years.
Does a remodel make sense if the homeowners might sell soon?
Yes. A thoughtful remodel enhances daily living while appealing to future buyers through improved function and cohesive finishes. As a result, the home becomes more enjoyable now and attractive later.
What is The Worthington Way?
The Worthington Way is our integrated, planning-first approach to remodeling. It begins with understanding how you use your home each day, then translating those routines into clear layouts, lighting strategies, and storage plans. From there, our designers and craftsmen work from one shared set of drawings, ensuring the design intent carries through construction. With fewer handoffs, steady communication, and one accountable team, the process stays organized and predictable from the first sketches to the final walkthrough.
How does Worthington keep a project on schedule?
We maintain the timeline by coordinating every phase under one roof. Before construction begins, the team finalizes layouts, material selections, elevations, and lighting plans so decisions are made early. During the build, weekly site check-ins keep progress steady and allow us to address questions quickly. Because our designers and craftsmen work together daily, adjustments happen efficiently and the schedule stays on track without sacrificing quality.
Contact Us
Ready to explore a Meridian-Kessler bungalow remodel of your own? Contact Worthington Design & Remodeling to schedule a complimentary consultation. Call (317) 593-9381, visit us at 99 E Carmel Dr, STE 100, Carmel, IN 46032, or fill out the form here. Our team will guide you through The Worthington Way, from first ideas to the final walkthrough.
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