A Full Gut, A Fresh Start: This Napa Home Gets a Glow-Up

From Overwhelmed to Exceptional: How Smart Planning and Design Transformed This Napa Home

Every great remodel starts with a solid plan—and for this Napa homeowner, that began with rethinking the bones of the house. The original structure had low ceilings and a segmented layout that felt dated and cramped. During our initial design phase, we proposed something bold: remove the roof entirely. By doing so, we created the opportunity for vaulted ceilings in the living room, dining room, and primary bedroom—dramatically improving the sense of space and light. With strategic space planning, we reimagined the layout to better support how the homeowners live today, making room for a larger kitchen, a new mudroom/laundry area, and an overall flow that just makes sense.

But as with many full-home renovations, once the plans were approved and the construction timeline kicked off, reality set in: choosing materials felt overwhelming. And we get it. Remodels are a major investment, and most people won’t take on something of this scale again for 20 years—or not until their next home entirely. Every choice matters, and getting it right the first time saves time, money, and stress.

That’s where JLM Designs truly shines. Unlike most architects or interior designers who focus on only one piece of the puzzle, we bring both technical precision and a designer’s eye. Design isn’t just about how a home looks—it’s about how it feels to live in. We think through the little things that make a big difference: how a floor plan encourages connection, how ceiling height adds breathing room, and how natural light moves through your day. And yes—every finish should be beautiful, but also built to last. A well-designed home works as beautifully as it looks. We design with intention—planning for how people move, connect, and feel in each space. From ceiling heights to cabinetry to tile, every detail is chosen with both form and function in mind.

For this project, we walked with the homeowners through every decision—from layout refinements and cabinet detailing to selecting all of the finishes and fixtures in each room as well as all the exterior details.

Designing a home—whether it’s a new build or full renovation—requires hundreds of decisions. With JLM Designs, you don’t have to make them alone. We’re here to guide you from space planning through selections, ensuring every detail is functional, timeless, and true to your vision.

Thinking of remodeling? Let’s make your forever home feel like you—from the ground up.