Editor's note:  This is the second article in a three-part series about a home renovation in Bronxville.  The first article was focused on the Open Concept.  This article will focus on Functional Living.  The third article will focus on Updating the Upstairs.

By Tisha Leung, Sweeten.com

Sep. 4, 2019:  With this article, we continue with Sara and Mike’s renovation story of their 2,500-square-foot 1930s Bronxville Tudor house.  Sara and Mike wanted more functional space including a pantry, mudroom, and powder room.  They did this by reconfiguring the interior of the home.  They built a mudroom with storage, downsized a full bathroom into a powder room, and created a pantry tailor-made for baking. 

Home during renovation

Butler's Pantry

A butler’s pantry—set up as a baking station—fulfilled one of the main bucket list items for Sara and Mike. They installed lower-than-typical counters, custom made by their contractor, topped with butcher block for an optimal height on which to do baking prep. They added a cabinet with a pop-up interior shelf that raised a mixer to counter height when needed. And a bonus for the kids: a designated lower cabinet with pull-out shelves so that the kids could help themselves to snacks. 

Sara’s mantra for the renovation: “A place for everything and everything in its place. I wanted to be able to ‘hide’ all the mess when company came over, but without sacrificing the daily utility of the rooms.”

New baking kitchen

Mudroom

The narrow mudroom by the back door was also tailored to the needs of the growing family. Outfitted fully in custom millwork to blend with the kitchen, the space features a low bench so you can sit down to take your shoes off, and four storage cubbies beneath the bench that offer space for each member of the family (including the newest one!). A closet hides messy bags, various gear, and coats, while the built-in desk offers a place underneath for pet bowls.

New mudroom

Powder Room

By reimagining the layout, Sara and Mike's contractors converted the full bath to a powder room, now located off the mudroom and the back door entrance. The lower walls are clad in beadboard, with a bird-themed wallpaper above. Sara has had a love for birds instilled since childhood from her father and grandfather. Their favorite birds make an appearance in the home.

New powder room

Stay tuned for Sara and Mike’s upstairs bathrooms, the last of the renovation series.

Sweeten is a free service that matches homeowners with vetted general contractors, monitoring the renovation until completion.

Photos courtesy Sweeten.com

Editor's note: As a public service, MyhometownBronxville publishes articles from local institutions, officeholders, and individuals. MyhometownBronxville does not fact-check statements therein, and any opinions expressed therein do not necessarily reflect the thinking of its staff.