By Pam Dewey

_{Resident cat Tib stops to smell the flowers. Photo by Jon Carnes}

Leah Drury has been a realtor since 2010 and is the co-founder of MSP Nest real estate team. She’s been a homeowner for even longer. Leah has seen house trends come and go, some with more staying power than others. While many are still clamoring for open-concept spaces, she’s ready to bid farewell to that trend.

_{Tib relaxes in front of the living room fireplace. The painting hanging over the mantle was painted by Leah’s uncle. Leah and Dave have a wonderful collection of artwork. Photo by Jon Carnes}

“I appreciate a semi-open concept, so you get the good flow, but it’s somewhat compartmentalized. With one open room, you’re stuck in a fishbowl,” says Leah. “Rooms have separate functions. It’s nice to leave the dishes in the sink and retire to the living room to watch something on TV without seeing the mess. You want a home that functions with how you actually live.”

_{Leah and Dave’s dining room is separated by an archway. Photo by Jon Carnes}

You can achieve a semi-open concept with an archway. When Leah and her husband, Dave, had their kitchen remodeled, they added an archway between the kitchen and dining room. Before, the spaces were separated by a wall with a swinging door.

_{Leah and Dave had their kitchen fully remodeled in 2022. The wallpaper is from local brand Hygge & West. Photo by Jon Carnes}

“It’s true what they say; everyone always wants to hover in the kitchen. So, we opened this up to have better sight lines and better light front to back. It can get dark in here later in the day, since all the windows are east-facing. So, having an archway keeps things a bit separate, but it’s open enough to let people hang out and bring the light in,” says Leah.

_{When the kitchen was remodeled, Leah was finally able to get her bay window installed. Photo by Jon Carnes}

Another piece of advice from the seasoned realtor and long-time homeowner: don’t DIY everything.

“There are professionals who do this for a living. It’s more expensive up front, but you’ll save money in the long run by getting it done right the first time.,” recommends Leah.

Leah has felt the pain of someone else’s DIY mistake. The previous homeowners had installed a bathroom in Leah and Dave’s basement. When they decided to add a sink to their downstairs bar—what seemed like a minor change—they discovered the basement bathroom had to be replumbed because it wasn’t done correctly.

_{The main floor bath is filled with this charming original green tile, and Leah added this lovely Hygge & West wallpaper. Birds are repeating theme throughout the house. Photo by Jon Carnes}

“When you remodel with a contractor, you have the city inspectors come in, and they will check everything. It can turn into this domino effect, like it did for us,” says Leah. 

But more than just avoiding a future headache, Leah believes in supporting her local economy and paying skilled tradespeople.

“I could try to learn how to hang wallpaper, but why? My wallpaper guy can do it lickety-split fast,” says Leah. “I’m happy to pay him for his expertise and time and to get it done right.”

_{Along with the Hygge & West wallpaper in the kitchen, Leah had wallpaper installed in the stairway up to their upstairs suite. Photo by Jon Carnes}

For those working with a limited budget, Leah suggests you execute your renovation in stages.

_{Leah and Dave’s upstairs suite is spacious and filled with light. Photo by Jon Carnes}

In 2011, Leah and Dave decided to tackle their upstairs suite remodel. First, they hired architect Ted Barnhill from Design 45 to help envision the space. In 2012, local company Stinson Builders completed the framing, which was needed to support items like the tub and other finish work. Next, they had spray foam insulation installed. After that, they paused to save for the next step. 

_{The main suite bathroom has a large soaking tub with a skylight overhead. The private bath also a shower. Photo by Jon Carnes}

When Leah and Dave reached their budget goal, they worked with a general contractor who followed the architect’s specifications. The couple also hired an interior designer, who helped them complete the final transformation into a beautiful, bright, relaxing main suite. The space was finished in 2013. 

_{The shower is also spacious and filled with light. Photo by Jon Carnes}

Her final piece of advice? Ask for a consultation.

“Don’t be afraid of architects and designers. Many of them will do an hourly consult, which will give you the confidence to move forward with your project,” says Leah. “We went through maybe 20 different versions of plans for our main suite with our architect. He was patient, and we are still so happy with the space. It’s worth it to invest the time and money in a space you’ll continue to love for years.”

_{The main suite bathroom has ample storage. Photo by Jon Carnes}