Construction: Skelly Build | Design: Emily Lauren Interiors | Photos: Lindsay Brown
The upstairs floorplan at our Spanish Oaks Home felt disjointed and underutilized. Previously used as an overflow bedroom and “catch all” space, the homeowners asked us to rethink the layout and to elevate the space both in form and functionality. The goal of the upstairs was to create the ultimate entertainment space. This new space would include a cozy media room, a guest bathroom, and a modern kitchenette for all those “much needed” mid-movie snacks! To improve the flow and use of space downstairs, we reimagined and renovated a new mudroom and laundry room combo. The end result of this renovation is a high-impact remodel packed with thoughtful finishes, integrated storage, and creative design solutions.
Media Room
The new media room became an upstairs showpiece. First, we framed out the new spaces: a media room, a guest bathroom and a kitchenette area. For the main media wall, we needed to custom frame and sheetrock over some existing windows. This allowed for passive air and heat transfer and is one of the hidden details that make a big difference in this renovation.
In order to enhance the design and acoustics of the media room, we built a theater platform with integrated step lights and trimmed everything out with beautiful white wainscotting for a polished, tailored feel. Initially, we planned for LED tape lighting on the stair risers, but after testing a few iterations of lights, we pivoted to a more durable and visually streamlined solution: riser lights. This tweak added both function and ambiance, and ultimately felt more aligned with the space’s high-end aesthetic.
The finish palette throughout our Spanish Oaks Home also contributes to the warmth and texture of this renovation. We finished the walls and ceilings with lime wash for an earthy, lived-in patina. We installed rich, dark soapstone countertops in the kitchenette and laundry areas, offering a natural contrast to the cleaner lines of the shaker-style cabinetry with beaded detailing. Carefully selected lighting, cabinet hardware, and wall treatments throughout the space create cohesion and warmth.
Guest Bath & Kitchenette
In the guest bath, a marble sink and decorative P-trap make a sculptural statement against the limewashed, plastered walls. Every renovation has its hiccups, and ours happened in this room. We discovered the wall-mounted faucet had been roughed in slightly too low for the new basin sink that had been selected. The bathroom had already been limewashed, so the faucet placement couldn’t be moved easily without causing major setbacks. Moving the plumbing or sink would’ve meant tearing into the finished limewashed walls. In the end, we sourced a similar but different faucet that matched the aesthetic and worked with the existing installation. It was a smart, clean save that preserved both the original design and the craftsmanship.
The Laundry + Mudroom You Didn’t Know You Needed
This laundry room is every homeowner’s dream. Custom cabinetry includes pull-down drying racks, a built-in hamper, glass drawer inserts, and basket storage—all with beautifully painted exteriors and clear-sealed interiors for durability and ease of maintenance. Open wood shelving with stained L-brackets above the sink adds for even more storage capability. Every detail, down to carefully placed outlets and custom paneling, was designed and built with the homeowner in mind.
The adjacent mudroom was another standout. We fabricated cabinetry with custom toe kicks, beadboard backs, and even built-in venting, merging style with good airflow functionality. Little touches—like installing hooks inside the cabinetry—were planned to support everyday use and easy organization for the whole family.
Small Moments, Big Impact
This home is filled with little decisions that paid off: from clear-coated interior cabinet boxes for extra durability, to beveled backsplash edges in the guest kitchenette, to thoughtful AV blocking and closet framing in the upstairs retreat. When asked what part of the project stood out most, our team agreed: the finished upstairs space was the crown jewel. Once disjointed and overlooked, it now flows effortlessly—offering the homeowners an entirely new entertainment wing of their home that feels intentional, beautiful, and built to last.
Are you ready to make your space more fun and functional? Contact us today to get started!
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