A Forever Home, Done Right: Reimagining a Prairie-Style Ranch in Cottage Grove
Whole Home Remodel — Aging-in-Place Design for Real Life
When Margie and Dave bought their 2004 Prairie-style ranch in Cottage Grove, it checked the boxes—but not the ones that mattered most. The bones were solid, yet the layout fought their rhythm. A hulking foyer closet blocked light, the kitchen’s soffits pinched space, and the bedroom-bath-laundry loop never quite worked.
They first saw TDS Design Build’s work in a friend’s home—a remodel so seamless “you couldn’t tell what was new and what was original.” That was all the convincing they needed. “We know what really good work looks like,” Margie said. “We didn’t even look anywhere else.” For their last big project, they wanted a team who would listen, think alongside them, and get it right the first time.
TDS’s task was to reimagine flow and function—without touching the footprint. The team reconfigured the primary suite, opened up the entry, refreshed the kitchen, and carried maple floors and light through the entire main level. Every move balanced beauty, practicality, and the couple’s desire to “live here forever.”
We know what really good work looks like, we didn’t even look anywhere else.”
Circulation, Simplified
Removing the foyer closet became a defining decision. Instead of another coat rack, the couple opted for light, art, and a cabinet that feels more gallery than storage. “We tested living without that closet for a year,” Margie said. “We never missed it.” Now, the space flows naturally from entry to living room, daylight stretching through continuous maple floors with no thresholds to trip over.
Suite Serenity, Re-Imagined
A new layout created an easy, natural flow from bedroom to bath to closet to laundry—comfortable for everyday living now and well into the future. The bath feels like a spa but functions with everyday practicality: a zero-threshold shower, generous clearances, and thoughtful storage. “It meets form and function for us,” Margie said. “It’s built for the way we live now—and later.”
Kitchen Reboot with an Eye Toward Universal Design
In the kitchen, soffits disappeared and cabinets now extend to the ceiling—expanding storage and creating an airy and unified feeling. A pantry now occupies the footprint of the old closet, and recycled cabinetry found new life in the laundry room. Counter heights and clearances were refined for comfort. “They worked with every constraint we gave them—kept every window, made every inch count,” Margie said. “And they did it all inside the same footprint.”
Process and Craftsmanship
TDS’s process impressed them as much as the finished product. Each week brought a Monday walk-through with their project manager, Kevin. The plan was followed daily and any changes were communicated immediately.
The TDS team’s commitment to communication, organization, and process really stood out before, during, and after the project. Truly an outstanding experience—we love our new forever home.”
Timeless Craft, Future-Ready Living
This remodel didn’t add an inch of space, but it added possibility. By refining what existed, TDS gave Margie and Dave a home that honors how they actually live. Reclaimed closets, widened doorways, and thoughtful sightlines ensure the home is as practical as it is beautiful. It’s not just built to last—it’s built to let them live fully, now and for years to come.
Are You Ready to Remodel?
Let’s reshape your space for how you want to live—today and tomorrow. Connect with TDS Design Build to start the conversation.
