When we came to see Barb and Roger Ludwig’s home, they hadn’t lived in since a tornado had wrecked their house five months prior. This sweet couple has been married for 47 years and has experienced some difficult times within the last year. Barb told us that the tornado had been very stressful, but the biggest frustration had come after as they struggled to find someone to repair the house. Most contractors don’t want to take on the risk of working on a home with severe storm damage. On top of that, Roger was diagnosed with melanoma during this time, adding a heavy emotional weight to an already stressful season. We were so happy to take on this project. Our hope was to give Barb and Roger the warm, welcoming home they so deeply deserve.

BEFORE

Because of the tornado, the exterior of the home and the landscaping around it took a major hit. A large tree fell onto (and through) the house, cutting through the roof and a large chunk of the main bedroom. 

Our plan was to fully restore the exterior by replacing the siding, roof, and front door. Barb had envisioned a darker color for the house, so we leaned into that idea and paired deep, rich tones with crisp white trim. To give the exterior dimension and a timeless feel that fits the neighborhood, we used a combination of brick, board and batten, and shake. The natural wood front door adds warmth and contrast, and we chose oversized, lantern-style lights to create a welcoming, classic entryway.

AFTER

SOURCES

Flag | Allegiance Flag Supply

Lights | Capital Lighting

Siding | Cornerstone- Brunswick

Brick Paint Color | Color Matched to Siding

BEFORE

Barb and Roger weren’t really using the dining room, and they weren’t fans of the columns either. One of the columns was structural, but by shifting the staircase over slightly, we were able to transfer the load—and in the process, give the staircase a fresh, modern update with a sleek new handrail. Throughout the home, we installed white oak engineered hardwood floors for a warm, natural feel. We added canned lighting and an oversized ceiling fan at the tallest point of the vaulted ceiling, bringing in so much more light and airflow. And instead of painting the main interior space white, we chose a soft mushroom tone—it still brightens the home but adds a cozy warmth that white just can’t achieve.

AFTER

SOURCES

Art | Paige Dirksen

Flooring | AHF

Wall Paint Color | Sherwin Williams Drift of Mist

BEFORE

The galley-style kitchen worked well for Barb and Roger, except for one awkward spot at the end of the counter—an angled peninsula that felt like it cut the whole kitchen off. We adjusted the layout slightly, removing that piece to open things up and make the space more functional. 

The plan was to add new cabinetry that reached all the way to the ceiling, update the lighting and wet bar area, and maximize storage throughout. Because there was a lot of plumbing and electrical running along the top of the wall, we installed dummy cabinets with false doors to conceal it all. Even the custom range hood got a small notch cut out to fit neatly around some existing pipes. It’s a huge improvement over the old soffit, and it all looks seamless now.

Instead of a traditional backsplash, we continued the countertops up the wall—keeping the look clean, classic, and timeless. The contrast between the dark counters and natural wood cabinets adds just the right amount of depth. There’s now plenty of room for dining, and the beautiful windows fill the space with natural light, making the kitchen feel both warm and welcoming.

AFTER

SOURCES

Can Lighting | Kichler

Sconces | Peared Creation

Countertops | Santa Margherita

Cabinets | Premiere Wood Concepts

Cabinet Hardware | Top Knobs

Flooring | AHF

Runner | Turkish Trunk

Wall Paint Color | Sherwin Williams Drift of Mist

BEFORE

The living room had sustained quite a bit of damage, but thankfully the main structural walls hadn’t shifted. That allowed us to keep repairs minimal and focus instead on updates that would make the space feel fresh and inviting. Once the staircase was moved over nearly five feet, it opened up the entire room and gave us much more space to work with.

One of the first things Barb and Roger mentioned was wanting to update the fireplace.We wrapped the existing fireplace in beautiful quartzite and added a wooden beam made from wood Dave found in the barn. It’s a simple, classic combination that adds just the right amount of warmth and texture. 

We also continued the same white oak engineered hardwood floors into this space to tie everything together. 

AFTER

SOURCES

Can Lighting | Kichler

Furniture | Howse

Coffee Table | Heritage Woodwork

Ceiling Fan | Fanimation

Sconces | Capital Lighting

Fireplace Tile | Neolith

Flooring | AHF

Wall Paint Color | Benjamin Moore White Dove

BEFORE

The Ludwigs had mentioned they weren’t using their formal dining room much and were open to turning it into something new. When Barb shared her love of wine and Roger mentioned he enjoys bourbon, we knew this space could become something really special—a cozy, moody lounge made just for them.

We painted the room a sophisticated dark green, which instantly gave it a rich, inviting feel. I found the perfect antique card catalog at one of my favorite local shops, and Dave cut it in half to mount beneath two custom shelves he built. In between, we added a small sitting area with a bench and playful wallpaper to turn the nook into a true focal point.

To make the space even more personal, our friend Bethany Carroz—who painted the watercolor of the Welcome Inn—designed a custom wine label just for the Ludwigs, commemorating their return home. We placed a bottle with the label on the counter and also framed and hung the artwork as a reminder of how far they’ve come.

AFTER

SOURCES

Picture Light | Lumens

Chandelier | Crate and Barrel

Wallpaper | Spoonflower

Furniture | Howse

Cabinets | Premiere Wood Concepts

Cabinet Hardware | Top Knobs

Wine Label Art | WestOak Watercolor

Flooring | AHF

Runner | Turkish Trunk

Wall Paint Color | Color Matched to Wallpaper

This is the room that sustained the most damage. It needed to be completely rebuilt from floor to ceiling. Since we would be working with a clean slate, the Ludwigs had a few ideas for their new bedroom. They wanted a partition wall for an exercise space, a remote control fireplace and vaulted ceilings. 

We were also able to make the footprint of this bedroom bigger by extending it out more into the backyard. That gave us plenty of space to add on two large walk-in closets. Now that the bedroom is much larger, an easy trick to make it cozier is to break it up by adding some extra seating. We placed two comfy chairs in front of the fireplace and now it’s a spot I can picture Barb and Roger sitting in every morning. 

As a special gift for Roger, Dave built a putting green with a hinge that makes it so Roger can easily put it up or down when he wants to use it or put it away. Custom pieces like this turn a house into a home and it’s nice to be able to give something special to Roger after he’s been through a tough time with his health. 

SOURCES

Can Lighting | Kichler

Ceiling Fan | Kichler

Sconces | 1800 Lighting

Flooring | AHF

Mantle Art | Juniper Print

Dresser Art | Paige Dirksen

Putting Green | Custom by Dave Marrs

Putting Green Art | Buddy Whitlock

Closet Runner | DJM Collection

Fireplace Paint Color | Farrow & Ball Mouse’s Back

Wall Paint Color | Farrow & Ball Jitney

The bathroom was outdated. The ludwigs wanted to get rid of the large corner bathtub and replace it with a narrower one that would be more modern and swap out the current shower for a zero entry version.  

The trim work around the new bathtub creates a beautiful moment right when you walk in and the light-colored shower tile brightens up the entire room

With the reconfiguration, we were able to give Barb and Roger their own sinks and create the dedicated makeup space Barb had dreamed of. 

SOURCES

Can Lighting | Kichler

Vanity Lighting | Capital Lighting

Countertops | Santa Margherita

Vanities | Premiere Wood Concepts

Vanity Hardware | Top Knobs

Shower Wall Tile | Daltile

Shower Floor Tile | Daltile

Floor Tile | Daltile

Rug | Turkish Trunk

Brick Paint Color | Farrow & Ball Jitney