bsdg6892-hrlt00odrd5ejrkj

4 Small Bathroom Ideas

Mon, 06 Apr 2026 11:00:08 GMT

Small Bathrooms Big on Style!

Bathrooms measuring between 120 and 170 square feet strike an ideal balance of comfort and possibility. With room for separate showers and tubs, double vanities and thoughtful extras like makeup stations or water closets, these generously sized spaces invite both function and personalization. Below, see how designers elevated these bathrooms into inviting retreats with distinctive style and a refined feel

1. Soothing Sanctuary

Bathroom at a Glance
Who lives here: A couple with two kids younger than 5
Location: Walpole, Massachusetts
Size: 120 square feet (11 square meters)
Designer: Sierra M. Hartley of Laurel Wreath Homes

Before: This Walpole, Massachusetts, en suite primary bathroom had a dark brown double vanity, a cramped stall shower, an alcove tub and a maze of doors and walls — including a water closet and a linen closet — that made the space feel closed off and uninviting. The homeowners, a busy couple with two young children, wanted a more calming retreat.

Read full article on Houzz

What Does a Remodel Cost These Days?

Wed, 25 Mar 2026 11:00:00 GMT

Bathrooms, Kitchens and Mudrooms......OH MY!

Kitchens in St. Paul and Minneapolis

In the Twin Cities, the cost of a kitchen remodel in 2026 varies significantly based on whether you are doing cosmetic refresh or a full structural "gut" renovation. Because of the high volume of historic homes in Minneapolis and St. Paul, costs can often be 10–20% higher than the national average due to specialized labor and the need to bring old wiring or plumbing up to modern codes.

Here is the current breakdown of average costs in the Minneapolis–St. Paul metro area:

Twin Cities Kitchen Remodel Cost Tiers (2026)

Remodel TypeAverage Cost RangeTypical ScopeMinor / Cosmetic$25,000 – $50,000 Refacing cabinets, new countertops (quartz/granite), new backsplash, and entry-level appliances. No layout changes.

Mid-Range / Major$70,000 – $130,000 Semi-custom cabinetry, new island, mid-tier appliances, updated lighting, and minor electrical/plumbing updates.

High-End / Luxury$150,000 – $230,000+ Custom cabinetry, professional-grade appliances (Sub-Zero/Wolf), moving walls, structural changes, and premium stone.

Local Cost Drivers

The "Old Home" Tax: If you live in neighborhoods like South Minneapolis, Summit-University, or Tangletown, expect surprises behind the walls. Contractors often build in a 10–15% contingency for resolving lath-and-plaster issues or ungrounded electrical.
Labor Rates: Local skilled trades (plumbers and electricians) in the Twin Cities currently range from $75 to $115 per hour .
Permitting: Minneapolis and St. Paul have rigorous inspection departments. Permit fees and the time required for approvals are generally higher than in outer-ring suburbs like Lakeville or Blaine.

Where your money is spent:

On average, a full Twin Cities remodel budget breaks down as follows:

Cabinetry: 30% – 35%
Labor & Installation: 25% – 30%
Appliances: 15% – 20%
Countertops & Backsplash: 10% – 15%
Flooring & Lighting: 5% – 10

Estimated Return on Investment (ROI)

In the current Twin Cities housing market, a minor remodel typically recoups the highest percentage of its cost—often 75% to 85% —at resale. Major upscale remodels usually see a lower ROI (around 50-60%) but significantly increase the "salability" of homes in competitive areas like Edina or the North Loop.

Call us for a "to the penny" estimate on your Kitchen!

Bathrooms in St. Paul and Minneapolis

Just like kitchen renovations, bathroom remodel costs in the Twin Cities for 2026 are heavily influenced by the age of the home. In Minneapolis and St. Paul proper, you're often dealing with cast iron tubs, lath-and-plaster walls, and ancient venting—all of which can add "hidden" labor costs compared to a newer build in the suburbs.

Here is the 2026 cost breakdown for the Twin Cities metro area:

Twin Cities Bathroom Remodel Costs (2026)

Remodel TierAverage Cost RangeBest ForPowder Room / Half Bath$5,000 – $12,000 Updating a small 2-piece bath (sink/toilet) without moving plumbing.

Guest / Standard Full Bath$15,000 – $35,000 Replacing the tub, vanity, and tile in a standard 5x8 space.

Primary / Master Suite$45,000 – $85,000 Walk-in tiled showers, double vanities, and high-end fixtures.

Luxury "Spa" Remodel$95,000 – $150,000+ Structural changes, heated floors, steam showers, and premium stone. Cost Per Square Foot

If you are calculating by size, Twin Cities contractors currently average:

Budget/Cosmetic: $100 – $150 per sq. ft.
Mid-Range: $250 – $400 per sq. ft.
High-End: $500+ per sq. ft.

Local Factors & "Minnesota Add-Ons"

The "Cold Floor" Tax: Radiant floor heating is an extremely popular request in Minnesota. Expect to add $1,500 – $3,000 to your budget for electric floor warming systems.
Ventilation Upgrades: Because of our extreme humidity swings and tight winter seals, Twin Cities inspectors are very strict about high-CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute) bathroom fans. Budget $500 – $900 for a high-quality fan and proper exterior venting.
Historic Plumbing: In older neighborhoods like Summit-Hill or Linden Hills, replacing old galvanized pipes or lead bends can easily add $3,000 – $5,000 to a "simple" project.

Return on Investment (ROI)

In 2026, a mid-range bathroom remodel in the Twin Cities typically recoups 60% to 72% of its value at resale. Interestingly, adding a second bathroom to a one-bath home in Minneapolis (very common in 1.5-story bungalows) offers one of the highest ROIs of any home project, often exceeding 80% .

Are you looking to remodel an existing space, or are you considering adding a brand-new bathroom to a basement or attic? Give us a call for a "to the penny" estimate on your project.

Beauty Meets Utility

Thu, 19 Mar 2026 16:39:01 GMT

Mudrooms the Create a Beautiful Utilized Space!

Think of the Whole Family

This large mudroom , designed by Kristina Crestin, has something for everyone including the family's lovable pup. There's a cubby outfitted with hooks and baskets for each human and a spacious kennel for fido, where he can bask in the natural light. Slate floors make cleaning up any messes a breeze..

What to think about

Happy Kitchen Happy Home

Thu, 05 Mar 2026 17:06:46 GMT

Kitchen Design Layout and Features that make Your Space More Inviting

At West End Kitchen, we understand that the right layout and space can make all the difference in how you cook and entertain. Especially when it comes to creating a warm, inviting functional space that reflects your unique style and personality.

That's why we wanted to share some design tips with you to help you brighten up your entertaining space!

1. Work Zones

For decades, the "Work Triangle" (the distance between the sink, stove, and refrigerator) was the gold standard. While still relevant, modern life often requires work zones:

The Prep Zone: Large counter stretches near the sink.

The Cooking Zone: Centered around the range with spices and oils within arm's reach.

The Social Zone: Usually an island or peninsula where guests can perch without blocking the oven door.

2. Layouts That Encourage Connection

The shape of your kitchen dictates how people move through it. Here are the most "social" configurations

The "Social Island" L-Shape

This is the MVP of open-concept living. By placing the cabinets against two perpendicular walls, you open up the floor plan.

Why it works: It eliminates "dead ends."

Pro-Tip: Add a "waterfall" island with seating on two sides so guests can face each other rather than sitting in a cafeteria-style line.

The Double Galley (The Walk-Through)

Common in urban spaces, the galley can feel tight unless one side opens into a dining area.

Why it works: It's incredibly efficient for the cook (everything is a pivot away).

Making it inviting: Use open shelving on the upper half to prevent a "tunnel" feel.

The U-Shape with a Peninsula

If you don't have room for a floating island, a peninsula provides the same "bar-top" feel while defining the kitchen's boundaries.

Why it works: It keeps kids and guests out of the "hot zone" while keeping them in the conversation.

3. Design Elements of an "Inviting" Space

Layered Lighting

Dimmer switches and under-cabinet LEDs create warmth after the "heavy lifting" of cooking is done.

Lighting in zones- softer in entertainment areas and brighter in work/prep areas.

Hidden Appliances

Integrated panels make the kitchen feel like an extension of the living room rather than a laboratory.

Appliance "garages" pull out shelves and strategic storage for those bulky appliances keeps counter clean and beautiful.

The "Beverage Station"

A dedicated spot for coffee or wine keeps guests away from the main prep area. The old desk in the kitchen is a great spot to convert to this.

Natural Materials Wood Accents

Floating shelves, wood accents or a wood hood over the range soften your stone counters and the "cold" feel of stainless steel.