Project Spotlight: A Kitchen and Bathroom Remodel in Greater Lafayette
Restoring Function and Timeless Character in a 130-Year-Old Home
Location: Greater Lafayette, Indiana
Project Type: Kitchen and Bathroom Remodel
Investment: $120,000
Timeline: September 16, 2024 – March 15, 2025
Completion: On Schedule
Project Highlights:
– Sewing stand bathroom sink
– Timeless style
There’s a certain responsibility that comes with working on an older home. Every decision carries weight. Every adjustment has to respect what came before while making space for how the home will be lived in today.
That was the foundation of the Kallok Kitchen project.
Completed in March 2025, this kitchen and bathroom remodel reflects thoughtful craftsmanship in practice. Kim and Joe Kallok came to S. Brown Construction after meeting the team locally, looking for a partner who could guide them through the process. Their 1899 home had character in abundance, but it no longer supported their day-to-day life in a meaningful way.
As a design-build remodeling contractor serving Greater Lafayette, S. Brown Construction approached this project with a clear objective: improve how the home functions while preserving the integrity that makes it worth caring for in the first place.
The Goal: Improving Function Without Losing Character
From the outset, the Kalloks were clear about what they wanted. The home needed to work better for how they live today, but it also needed to feel like the same home they fell in love with.
That balance defined the project.
Like many older homes in the Lafayette and West Lafayette area, the existing layout created friction in everyday use. The kitchen lacked efficiency. Storage was limited. The bathroom felt dated and disconnected from the rest of the home. None of the spaces reflected the owners’ personal style.
The goals for this kitchen and bathroom remodel were practical and purposeful:
- Create a kitchen that supports both daily routines and gathering
- Improve flow between the kitchen, laundry, and adjacent spaces
- Introduce durable, high-quality materials that will age well
- Design a bathroom that feels personal, functional, and grounded in the home’s history
- Integrate modern appliances and systems without disrupting the overall character
This is where the role of an experienced residential remodeling contractor in Greater Lafayette becomes critical. The work is not just about building. It is about guiding decisions so that every investment contributes to long-term value.
The Challenge: Correcting a Century of Movement
Homes built in the late 1800s rarely offer straight lines or level surfaces. Over time, materials settle, layers are added, and small inconsistencies become significant obstacles.
In this case, the most important work happened before any finishes were installed.
The floors were uneven from years of added flooring layers. The walls had shifted enough that cabinetry installation would have been compromised without correction. These are common conditions in older Lafayette homes and rural farmhouse renovations, but they require a disciplined approach to resolve properly.
Structural Corrections
Floor leveling:
All existing layers of flooring were removed to reach the original structure. New joists were installed alongside the existing ones to create a level, stable base.
Wall alignment:
Additional wall studs were installed next to the original framing. This ensured that new cabinetry and tile could be installed cleanly and perform as intended.
This phase required time and precision. It is not the most visible part of the project, but it is where quality is established. Without this work, even the best materials would fall short.
The Design Approach: Timeless and Intentional
Once the structure was corrected, the design direction focused on restraint and longevity. The goal was not to introduce something new for the sake of change, but to create spaces that feel appropriate to the home.
The result is a design that feels settled rather than staged.
Kitchen Highlights
The kitchen brings together warmth, durability, and clarity in its material palette:
- Cabinetry: Cherry cabinets with a Prairie stain provide depth and consistency without overpowering the space
- Countertops: Quartz (Cambria Ironsbridge) offers durability with a subtle, natural pattern
- Flooring: Travertine-look porcelain tile in an ashlar pattern adds texture while maintaining a grounded feel
- Hardware: Unlacquered brass pulls and knobs introduce a finish that will develop character over time
- Lighting: Alabaster pendant lighting paired with under-cabinet strip lighting supports both function and atmosphere
- Sink: A farmhouse apron sink reinforces the classic foundation of the design
New windows overlooking the outdoor space bring in natural light and connect the kitchen to its surroundings. The space feels open, but not overstated.
Bathroom Highlights
The bathroom follows the same philosophy. The materials are simple, but carefully chosen:
- Floor Tile: Penny round mosaic tile with black flower accents introduces a subtle pattern
- Wall Tile: Beveled white subway tile provides a clean and familiar backdrop
- Shower Fixtures: Matte black fixtures create contrast without feeling harsh
- Lighting: A semi-flush chandelier and wall sconces bring a residential scale to the space
And then there is the defining feature…
A Defining Detail: The Sewing Machine Vanity
The bathroom vanity began as an old sewing machine base. It was repurposed and adapted into a functional sink.
This decision reflects a broader mindset. Not everything needs to be replaced. Some elements can be reimagined in a way that adds meaning to the space.
The result is a feature that feels personal and grounded. It connects the past to the present without feeling forced. In many Greater Lafayette remodeling projects, these are the details that give a home its identity.
Design Priorities That Guided the Result
Every successful project is guided by a clear set of priorities. For this remodel, three principles shaped the outcome:
1. Respect the Home’s History
The design builds on the existing character rather than competing with it. Materials and proportions were selected to feel consistent with the age of the home.
2. Improve Daily Function
Layout decisions were driven by how the space is used. Storage, workflow, and accessibility were considered at every step.
3. Focus on Longevity
From structural corrections to finish selections, the emphasis remained on durability and long-term value.
These priorities are consistent across S. Brown Construction projects, where homeowners are investing in homes they intend to live in and care for over time.
The Value of a Design-Build Process
This project also reflects the importance of a cohesive, well-managed approach. A design-build remodel in Lafayette, Indiana, allows the team to identify challenges early and respond with clarity.
Key benefits include:
- Early alignment between design intent and construction realities
- Clear communication throughout the project
- Fewer surprises during construction
- Decisions that reflect both aesthetics and performance
For a 130-year-old home, this level of coordination is essential. It ensures that the finished result is not only visually cohesive but also built on a reliable foundation.
A Thoughtful Transformation
The Kallok Kitchen project demonstrates what is possible when an older home is approached with care and discipline.
The transformation is not defined by dramatic gestures. It is defined by consistency, attention to detail, and a clear respect for the home itself.
For homeowners considering a kitchen remodel or bathroom remodel in Greater Lafayette, this project offers a practical example of how to approach the process with confidence.
Tour This Stunning Kitchen and Bathroom Remodel
Kitchen Remodeling Cost Guide
Planning a major remodel starts with understanding the investment. Download our Remodeling Cost Guide to get clear, realistic numbers that help you prepare with confidence.
- Typical cost ranges for whole home, kitchen, bathroom remodels, and more in Greater Lafayette
- Budget factors that influence pricing and scope
- A framework for aligning design decisions with the right level of investment
Where We Work
S. Brown Construction serves homeowners throughout Greater Lafayette with a focus on communities that value thoughtful planning, quality craftsmanship, and a professional design build approach. Our work spans established neighborhoods near Purdue as well as rural properties where larger additions and whole home remodels are common. We know the local architecture, building requirements, and patterns of growth across the region, which helps us deliver well-planned and well-built projects.
If you do not see your area listed, please reach out, and our team will let you know if we can support your project.
Our Service Area
- Lafayette
- West Lafayette
- Battle Ground
- Brookston
- Rossville
- Dayton
- Stockwell
- Thorntown
- Buck Creek
- Clarks Hill
- Colfax
- Crawfordsville
- Delphi
- Flora
- West Point
- Frankfort
- Linden
- Monticello
- Mulberry
- Otterbein
- Romney
- Wingate
What Our Clients Say
"S. Brown Construction Co. do highly skilled, quality work. They are a step above their competitors, highly recommended!"
Lucas Powell
"When it comes to home remodeling, finding a reliable and professional contractor can often feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. Thankfully, S. Brown Construction, led by Scott Brown, is a shining exception in the industry.
From the very first consultation, Scott’s calm, patient demeanor and exceptional listening skills set the tone for a positive experience. He takes the time to fully understand your vision, ensuring that the project aligns perfectly with your expectations.
Scott’s team mirrors his professionalism and organizational skills. Their methodical approach turns the potential chaos of remodeling into a manageable, even enjoyable, journey. The process is clear and well-structured. They work seamlessly from start to finish, ensuring that every phase of the project is executed with precision and care."
Jennifer Kasper
"Scott and his team are wonderful to work with. I'm in a NAHB remodelers club with him and I know he is a person of integrity and respect. He has high standards of quality and will make sure his clients are happy and satisfied with his work and if its not right he will make it right as does everyone in the group."
Jeremy Blosser
"We really enjoyed working with Scott and his team. We did a huge remodel project with him that spanned several months.
Scott was one of three contractors that we worked with to quote this job. From the beginning we liked him the best and his quote came in the lowest which made the decision an easy. His team did a great job of communicating with us what was happening and when. They were very courteous, professional, and were kind of members of our family for a while. We did experience unplanned issues along the way, but Scott was quick to deal with them in a way that was acceptable to us. We would highly recommend them to anybody looking to do some work on their home."
Ben Schoon
"I had a bad leak in a bathroom which required the replacement of the subfloor, floor, vanity, and some drywall. S. Brown Construction worked with me to design a beautiful new bathroom with new tile and vanity. As they did the remodel, they protected the carpet on their entrance and path to the bathroom so that no damage was done to the rest of the house. Ella and Alex worked with me on scheduling their work with my schedule."
Donna Osborn
"S. Brown Construction Co. built a 400-square-foot addition to our house, integrated it with the existing structure, and also remodeled a bathroom. From the early design phase to the final completion, the team worked closely with us to ensure that our wishes were fulfilled, including not only the construction itself but also the budget. Based on our initially rough ideas, the chief designer developed a very creative and attractive plan and had a keen eye for detail. The team also worked hard to complete the project on schedule despite the challenges posed by the pandemic."
David Kemmerer
Start the Conversation About Your Project
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Reach out to share your goals, and our team will walk you through the next steps. We make it straightforward to determine scope, expectations, and whether your project is the right fit.