whole house remodeling

Designing for Connection: Making Your Hosting and Entertainment Spaces Effortless

An expertly crafted home is a balance of many elements: aesthetics, comfort, functionality, and hospitality. When designing hosting and entertaining spaces for our clients, we prioritize connection and create environments that foster community. So, what makes entertaining look effortless? We would argue it all flows from thoughtful design. All of life is richer when experienced in community. It's no wonder, then, that hosting is a common pain point homeowners cite as a reason for remodeling. While every home is different, there are universal ways to make a space feel inviting. In our opinion, the foundation of a hosting-friendly home is a smart floor plan. For example, a great room with lots of cozy nooks for quiet conversations and connection, or a flowing main floor that seamlessly leads guests from the entry to mingling to dinner to dessert and drinks. Looking for entertaining space inspiration? Scroll to explore photos from a handful of client projects that demonstrate an easy, effortless flow for guests!

Bright & Airy Kitchen

Cozy Main Floor

Warm & Welcoming Neutrals

Classic Coastal Charm

Traditional Mixed with Trends

Gorgeous New Build in Wayzata

It's been a while since we shared any of the projects we've been working on, and today we're coming back strong! Our team recently put the finishing touches on this stunning new build in Wayzata, and it's truly something special. Designing new construction in an established community is a delicate balance. Certainly, the home will feature the technology and amenities of modern construction, but its essence should feel classic and blend into the surrounding neighborhood. It doesn't get more charming than downtown Wayzata; this lakeside town is a slice of Minnesota history that J.J. Hill once called home! Our mission was to create a modern home that complements Wayzata's charming small-town vibe. We're excited about the results! As soon as you step inside, this home feels like a breath of fresh air, with an elegant, transitional style. A seasoned host will feel right at home here, from the formal yet welcoming main floor to the casual basement bar. A few of our favorite features include the soaring three-story staircase, a moody pocket office, the dining room butler's pantry, a tucked-away prep pantry leading into the mudroom, and every inch of the incredible kitchen! Are you ready to see more of this magnificent new construction home? Scroll through the photo gallery below for a full virtual tour! Dreaming of your next remodel or forever home? Contact our team today to begin turning your ideas into reality - we'd love to help!

Interior Home Remodeling for a 1930s Home in Wayzata

Preserving the charm of a 1930s home while integrating modern amenities is no easy task, but we were excited to work on this interior home remodeling project in Wayzata. Utilizing our interior design services, our goal was to create a perfect balance of character and contemporary living while ensuring every detail flowed beautifully throughout the home.

Enhancing Curb Appeal with an Exterior Update

The exterior of this Wayzata home was beautifully updated with siding in a rich, modern color, and windows that fill the home with natural light, which has created a welcoming new entryway. One of our favorite updates is the enclosed transition from the house to the new garage – it adds both charm and practicality.

Creating Warm and Inviting Interiors with Modern Enhancements

Inside, we focused on blending modern comforts with historic details through our expert interior home remodeling and interior design services. The new hardwood floors brought warmth and depth to every room, while the rebuilt staircases offer both style and current code compliance. A new mudroom and enclosed spaces add function while maintaining the home’s original charm. Every window, trim, and detail was carefully considered to create a space that feels both fresh and timeless. The kitchen remodeling included new cabinets, countertops, and tile that feel both sophisticated and welcoming. We introduced fresh fixtures and finishes for a timeless look in the bathroom remodeling portion of the project. The upper-level rooms were also remodeled to include larger closets, with a spacious walk-in closet in the master bedroom.

Ready to Start Your Remodeling Journey?

Every element of this whole home renovation in Wayzata was completed with care and attention to detail. From custom cabinetry to elegant finishes, we made sure our interior design services made every corner of this home felt thoughtfully designed and beautifully executed. Dreaming of transforming your own home? We’d love to help bring your vision to life. Contact Knight Construction to learn more about our interior home remodeling services today!

We have another exciting project feature to share today! Our team recently completed this whole home renovation in Hopkins, Minnesota. The homeowners purchased the property and wanted to remodel it to make it their own — and our team was more than happy to help! We partnered with Martha O'Hara Interiors to bring the homeowners' vision to life. There's so much to love about this newly remodeled home; with plenty of elegant design details found throughout, it's the perfect blend of modern and timeless. Some of our favorite features include:

- Two-tone kitchen cabinetry
- An oversized kitchen island that doubles for food prep and hosting guests
- An eye-catching black brick fireplace flanked by custom built-ins
- Expansive windows that allow for an abundance of natural light
- Incredible millwork craftsmanship throughout
- A spacious primary bathroom with a walk-in tile shower and soaking tub
- Patterned tile floors in the guest bathroom and laundry room
- His and hers home offices

Ready for a closer look at this stunning Hopkins remodel? Scroll below for a peek at the completed project! If you're considering a home remodel, contact our team. We'd love to help make your dream home a reality! Hopkins Whole Home Remodel

Project Feature: Minnetonka Main Level Transformation

We're excited to finally share the details of this stunning main level transformation our team recently completed! The homeowner of this Minnetonka, Minnesota rambler, felt like her main level had become dated and a little cramped. The original floor plan featured a large fireplace that extended from the basement up through the roof, which separated the kitchen and family room. To create a more functional, open floor plan, we removed the entire fireplace structure. Once we started demolition on the main level, our team found some structural issues with the roof. The repair required removing and rebuilding the roof structure in the middle of winter. Despite the setback, the final design turned out beautifully! We love the mix of white cabinets with stained cherry, which adds warmth and depth to the space. The kitchen is so much more functional now, thanks to the ample counter space and a generous island topped with a gorgeous quartz countertop. Creative storage solutions in the drawers and cabinets keep the kitchen organized and clutter-free. The great room's wood beams and fireplace mantle perfectly complement the built-ins and give the space character. Rounding out this main level transformation is the newly remodeled sunroom, which features shiplap and wood beam ceiling accents. Our team had so much fun working on this project, and the homeowner was a joy to work alongside! She knew her vision was from the beginning, which made it easy for us to bring it to life. Keep scrolling for a closer look at this newly renovated Minnetonka rambler—and be sure to get in touch with our team to discuss your next remodeling project. We'd love to help you complete your home transformation! Design Details Cabinets: Modern Design Cabinetry Fireplace: Sherman Masonry Countertops: Cambria Appliances: Warners' Stellian

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After

Remodeling for the Test of Time

Remodeling your home requires a pretty big investment and it's safe to say you want your new space to look great for years to come. While it can be a pricey process, it's important to consider the long-term benefits of remodeling your home. Aside from breathing new life into an outdated design, remodeling can help you fall in love with your home all over again. Other benefits include:

Making your home more comfortable to live in
Redesigning your space to be more functional
Increasing the value of your home
Potentially making it easier to sell down the road
Creating more living space or storage as needed
Saving money by improving your home's energy efficiency
Improving your home's curb appeal with a few exterior updates

Using the following tips will help guarantee your remodeled home stands the test of time.

Hire an Experienced Remodeling Contractor

Not every remodeling contractor is created equal. Whether they lack the skills or don't understand your overall vision, picking the wrong contractor can lead to disaster. While interviewing potential contractors, ask to see examples of past projects. This will help you get a feel for their work and if their style is a good fit for your project. You can also ask for references from past clients or check out the Better Business Bureau website for any negative feedback. Another thing to keep in mind is you get what you pay for. While it's important to find a contractor that fits your budget, be cautious of those who are cheap and available right away.

Don't Get Too Trendy

While we're big fans of incorporating trends into home design, we recommend proceeding with caution. Trying to do too much at once can make your space look busy and unfocused. A good rule of thumb is to select one or two trends you love rather than a vast array. Another downside to trends is accidentally picking one that doesn't have staying power. If that happens, your space will quickly look outdated and you're forced to either live with it or invest more money to update it. With that in mind, it's a good idea to stick with timeless classics for more permanent materials like floor coverings and tile. Doing so not only ensures your remodeled space will stand the test of time, but can also help trendier selections pop.

Invest in High-Quality Products

Ensuring your investment doesn't go to waste is vital. One way to protect it is to opt for high-quality products. This doesn't always mean purchasing the most expensive products, though. When selecting products and materials, do your homework. Find out what you can about the brand, read reviews, and don't be afraid to ask questions. Picking products with warranties is also a beneficial way to protect your investment. The peace of mind a good warranty offers will make it easier to justify the price of more costly products and materials. Thinking about remodeling your home? We'd love to help! Get in touch with our award-winning team to learn more about our remodeling process. Read More

Should You Remodel or Move?

Your home isn't just a big investment; it's where you spend your time making memories. With that in mind, loving your home is important. If you've been experiencing bouts of house envy lately, it might be time to make some changes. The question is, do you remodel or move? There are a lot of factors to consider but weighing the pros and cons can help you decide which choice is right for your family.

The Pros of Moving

Moving Offers the Chance for a Fresh Start Have you been craving a new adventure in a different city? Are you tired of the same old? If so, moving may just be the fresh start you've been looking for. A New Home in a New Location From unwelcome changes in the neighborhood to long commutes, there are many reasons you may be unhappy with your current location. Regardless, cosmetic changes won't make you love your neighborhood. If that's the case, moving is more than likely the best option. Building Your Dream Home Unfortunately, there are times when no amount of remodeling will make you want to stay in your current home. Purchasing a home built to spec lets you customize it to suit your unique style and needs.

The Cons of Moving

Selling Your Home Can Be Costly Realtor fees and moving costs are generally expected when selling your home, but there are many other costs to consider. For example, you may need to purchase appliances, furniture or decor to fit your new home's design. Moving is Stressful and Time-Consuming Moving means unpredictable showings, endless packing, and a lot of cleaning. In addition, moving can require you to take time off of work, especially if there are tight closing deadlines. You May Not Sell Your Home for Asking Price If you live in an older home, be prepared to make some updates in order to sell your home for the desired price. At the very least, you may need to make concessions on things like flooring or appliances to the seller so they can make their own updates. You May Have to Make Sacrifices Finding a home in your price range that checks every box on your list may be easier said than done. Knowing what you want is great, but be prepared to make some sacrifices.

The Pros of Remodeling Your Home

Staying in Your Neighborhood Perhaps on the biggest benefits of remodeling is getting to stay in the neighborhood you adore. If you love your home's location and have come to rely on your neighbors, remodeling might make more sense than moving. Replicating the comfort that comes from knowing your neighborhood and the people in it can be difficult. Redesigning Your Space to Fit Your Needs After living in your home for a while, chances are you know exactly what you need to change in order to make you happy. Whether that's a few tweaks here and there or a complete overhaul, redesigning your space could be exactly what you need to fall back in love with your existing home. No Moving Expenses or Tight Timelines Moving can be a very expensive ordeal. From securing a moving truck to realtor fees, even the smallest of costs start to add up. When you add in the stress of trying to find a new home while selling your current one, you might just begin to wonder if it was worth the hassle. Though remodeling can be expensive too, there's often a lot less to juggle.

The Cons of Remodeling Your Home

Living in a Construction Zone Remodeling your home often means living in the middle of a construction zone. While the project is underway, you can expect to deal with dust, noise, and a little chaos until it's complete. Unexpected Expenses Remodeling your home can stir up some costly surprises, especially if you plan to tear down walls or relocate existing plumbing. However, leaving a cushion in your remodeling budget to cover hidden expenses is an easy way to prepare for any issues that may arise. While there are pros and cons to both sides, deciding whether to remodel or move is a choice only you and your family can make. If you think remodeling is the right choice for you, get in touch with our team. We'd love to chat! Read More

Knight captures Triple Crown of 2015 NARI CotY Awards for Outstanding Edina Project

The National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) named Knight Construction Design 2015 National Contractor of the Year last weekend for its outstanding work at a Mirror Lake Drive, Edina, home. The Chanhassen remodeler won in the entire house remodeling $250,000-500,000 category. Seven other NARI MN members won in smaller categories. This is the fourth National Contractor of the Year Award Knight Construction Design has won since joining NARI in 2000. It also holds dozens of Minnesota and regional homebuilding and remodeling awards.

Gary Knight had received NARI Minnesota Contractor of the Year gold honors last fall and then took top prize in the NARI North Central Region 3 CotY Awards in the same category earlier this year to qualify for national consideration.

The triple award-winning project features a 17x32-foot addition, dual-sided Montana stone fireplace, large Marvin windows and doors, expanded mudroom, and enhanced master suite and office.

“The addition modernized the flow of the main level and connected the kitchen and living room to the new sitting/dining room. This made the space much brighter and more comfortable,” explained designer Kristen Peck.

By adding just three feet to the home’s front elevation, Knight was able to match the rear addition roofline and make the whole house look new and appealing.

Gary and Kelley Knight are pictured above after receiving the award at the NARI National Evening of Excellence event. Some 160 entries vied for national honors in 36 categories. Judges evaluated the projects on problem solving, functionality, aesthetics, craftsmanship, innovation, degree of difficulty and presentation without knowing who submitted the entries. Read More