SUMTER AVE | GOLDEN VALLEY, MN

ORIGINAL HOME BUILD: 1962

Whole Home

After partnering with these repeat homeowners on previous remodeling projects, we were honored to help transform both their kitchen and exterior into spaces that better reflect their lifestyle and the character of their home. Inside, the kitchen improves storage, circulation, technology integration, and views of the backyard while maintaining distinct living spaces. Outside, a striking mid-century modern exterior, updated roofline, new siding, fencing, shed, and carefully coordinated details dramatically enhance curb appeal, functionality, and low-maintenance living. Together, these renovations create a cohesive home designed to be enjoyed for years to come.

Having worked with these repeat customers before, we were excited to help them complete another significant chapter in their home's evolution. The project included a complete kitchen remodel along with a comprehensive exterior renovation, requiring careful design, material selections, engineering, permitting, and construction coordination.



The kitchen was designed to support the homeowners' daily routines while preserving the home's distinct living spaces. Rather than creating a fully open floor plan, we enlarged openings and added pass-throughs to improve visual connection and circulation while maintaining separation between rooms. The clients wanted to remove the eat-in table without sacrificing a place to enjoy views of the backyard, so we carefully planned seating within the kitchen without incorporating a traditional island. A walk-in pantry with custom face-frame cabinet doors, specialized cabinetry accessories, and thoughtfully planned storage solutions provide exceptional functionality. Wi-Fi-enabled appliances, a Ring security system, and integrated audio/visual components further modernized the home. We also coordinated flooring, lighting, paint, and finish updates throughout the adjacent dining room, living rooms, hallway, and front entry to create a cohesive interior.

Outside, the homeowners envisioned an updated mid-century modern aesthetic with improved functionality and lower maintenance. LP® SmartSide® brushed smooth siding in Black Abyss, painted brick, a teal front door, new planters, and carefully selected architectural details dramatically improved curb appeal while respecting the neighborhood. Functionality was enhanced through a redesigned roofline with exposed beams, replacement of the storm-damaged roof, a new storage shed, low-maintenance privacy fencing, and consultation on landscape improvements that complement the renovated exterior.

Inside, one of the most complex challenges involved supporting floating countertops beneath the rear windows and a full-height Cambria® slab backsplash behind the range. Custom steel brackets and structural supports were engineered, fabricated, modified in the field, and carefully concealed to preserve the clean design. Specialized cabinetry around the undercounter beverage refrigerator required meticulous planning to allow future service access while maintaining a seamless appearance. We also efficiently resolved subcontractor measurement and ordering errors, including re-centering the range hood and replacing an incorrectly delivered oven.

The homeowners worked from home throughout construction, making communication, maintaining electrical service whenever possible, accommodating their dog's comfort, and coordinating around their sons' college schedules important priorities.

The exterior renovation presented its own unique challenges. To create the desired roofline, we collaborated with a structural engineer and carpenter to redesign the front overhang, ensuring proper support, permit approval, and precise gutter integration. The exposed beams wrapped in warm wood-look steel create a dramatic architectural feature while remaining low maintenance.

During construction, the homeowners decided to replace a deteriorated shed. We quickly developed a change order, secured permits, removed trees, sourced an economical kit, and custom-built the missing base when manufacturer components failed to arrive. Designing the new privacy fence required balancing aesthetics, maintenance, grade changes, parking needs, gate locations, and budget while coordinating with multiple suppliers and the landscaper.



Throughout the project, we solved unexpected issues, including repairing electrical wiring accidentally damaged during siding installation with minimal disruption to the homeowners. Details such as mock-ups for exterior lighting and reflective house numbers ensured proper scale, visibility, and functionality. Working closely with the homeowners, engineer, landscaper, and trade partners, we completed the entire project in time for an important family graduation celebration—delivering a cohesive home that beautifully blends thoughtful design, craftsmanship, and lasting value.

We have known and used Laura and Orfield Design and Construction for 1O+ years on multiple home projects. From day one it's been a great fit for us as we navigated various home improvement projects. We've been happy with all our projects but our latest kitchen and living area upgrade as well as the exterior update really was the best! We were able to work with Laura and the team to design the best space for our functional needs while really elevating the look of our home. We always knew our home had potential, but Orfield was able to bring it to life with their creativity, practical thinking and design and construction experience. Laura listened to our input and provided suggestions and recommendations using her expertise. She understands priorities and also helped us think through where to best spend or save our money. If you're looking for someone to take the stress out of home remodeling, we highly recommend Orfield to anyone looking to do a home improvement project, big or small.