A Kitchen & Mudroom Remodel Built for Modern Living

A Light-Filled Transformation: Chanhassen Home Remodel

Chanhassen, MN

With approximately 5,000 homes built in Chanhassen during the 1980s and ’90s, many homeowners in the area are finding themselves ready for a refresh—and this family was no exception. These Chanhassen homeowners came to James Barton Design-Build with a clear vision: they wanted to brighten up their dated interiors and improve the layout and functionality of their kitchen and mudroom to better suit their everyday needs.

Their 1990s home featured the typical closed-off floor plan and limited natural light common in that era’s design. The homeowners sought a space that felt lighter, more open, and better suited for entertaining, cooking, and keeping life organized. JBDB responded with a full kitchen and mudroom remodel that combined modern design sensibilities with timeless materials and practical updates.

Kitchen Design Details

This Chanhassen kitchen remodel strikes a beautiful balance between rustic character and modern simplicity. The design is rich in texture and layered with intentional details that bring warmth and style to the heart of the home.

A Clean, Balanced Palette
White enameled upper cabinets create a bright, airy atmosphere, while soft gray lower cabinets ground the space with a modern, neutral tone. Marble-veined countertops tie the look together, offering timeless elegance and subtle movement.
Textural Interest from Top to Bottom
To maintain an open and spacious feel, the JBDB team made the strategic decision to stop the cabinetry short of the ceiling. In its place, a full-height ceramic herringbone tile backsplash extends from countertop to ceiling—adding both texture and a sense of verticality.
Rustic Touches with Purpose
Key rustic design elements, including a custom wood hood and classic farmhouse sink, add warmth and character. One of the standout features is a structural beam that was thoughtfully refinished to resemble reclaimed barn wood—blending authenticity and craftsmanship with the new design.

Kitchen Functionality

Thoughtful functionality was at the core of this kitchen remodel, with every detail designed to enhance how the family lives, cooks, and entertains.

A Welcoming Beverage Center:
Positioned just outside the main cooking zone, the beverage center offers a dedicated space for guests to gather without disrupting kitchen workflow. It doubles as a morning coffee nook and includes additional refrigeration—perfect for busy daily routines.
Intentional Lighting Choices:
Two open, modern pendant fixtures were selected to float above the island, offering both style and practicality. Their sleek design adds visual interest while remaining easy to clean—a smart choice for a high-use space.
Custom Storage for Everyday Cooking:
With the homeowners’ love of cooking in mind, JBDB added custom features like a pullout cabinet for cutting boards and a prep area located directly above the garbage, making meal prep more efficient and intuitive.

Mudroom Design & Functionality

Designed with real-life function in mind, the mudroom was completely reimagined to better serve this busy family of four. By reworking the floor plan and maximizing every inch of available space, James Barton Design-Build created a practical, stylish entryway that keeps clutter in check.

Smarter Layout for Everyday Living:
An under-used closet was removed to make way for more efficient, accessible storage solutions that better support the family’s daily routines.
Seasonal Storage Made Easy:
Wire drawer pullouts were added beneath the bench, offering concealed storage and a dedicated drying space for wet winter gear like mittens and hats.
Custom Cabinetry with Built-In Tech:
A sleek built-in cabinet and countertop provides a catchall surface, while integrated drawer charging stations help keep devices powered and organized.
Seamless Style with the Kitchen:
To visually tie the mudroom to the newly remodeled kitchen, the same neutral paint palette and quartz countertop were used throughout. A stained wood bench echoes the rustic kitchen hood, bringing warmth and continuity to the space.
Durable, High-Traffic Flooring:
Porcelain tile flooring was selected for its durability and easy maintenance, making it ideal for Minnesota winters and active family life.

Two-story home exterior with elevated deck and landscaped backyard

The truth is, awards are really more for our homeowners than they are for us. They’re the ones who made the award possible by bringing us their dreams and by placing their trust in our work.

James Madsen, Owner & President, James Barton Design-Build

Every step of the project was itemized and scheduled. The schedule was followed like clockwork. The finished product is beautiful and was completed on time.

Doug Andersen, Apple Valley, MN

Each year “Remodeling Magazine” recognizes 50 companies who have set the standard for professionalism and integrity through smart marketing, exemplary business practices, unique design, and extraordinary impact in their community or the industry at large. We are proud to include James Madsen, of James Barton Design-Build, as one of our Big50 inductees.

Sal Alfano, Editorial Director, Remodeling Magazine

“I hadn’t been able to see the vision. We’re so glad that JBDB could.”

Bryan Wilson, Chanhassen, MN

Newly remodeled white kitchen with black accents and appliances

Very well done project! JBDB is a great group of people to have working in your home. They get it done and on time!

John and Keri, Apple Valley, MN

James Barton Design Build is a professional but approachable group of people. The team and the sub-contractors are the best of the best when it comes to quality work and eye for design. The designers will get to know your thoughts, ideas, budget and style for your home project or remodel and help to make it a reality.

Erin and Eric, Apple Valley, MN

High end, luxury kitchen remodel from James Barton Design Build in Minneapolis

Teamwork is paramount at James Barton Design-Build. There’s no room for egos here, no finger pointing, no passing the buck. Just a total focus on working together to take care of our clients: resolving issues to deliver the products of their dreams with minimal problems.

James Madsen, Owner & President, James Barton Design-Build

I could not have asked for a better experience. Craftsmanship was top notch, scheduling was excellent, response to customer’s concerns/questions-excellent!

Tom Smith, Lakeville, MN

This is the 4th project we’ve done with JBDB – they are an excellent company to work with and all their employees are great people as well as professional! Such a great team!

The Kauls, Burnsville, MN

Emily, Ryan and Troy were great to work with though our entire project! The project commenced and finished on the dates established by Troy, adjusting the schedule where necessary to accommodate all of the variables involved with an assignment like ours! We could not be happier with our end product and cannot wait to work with this team again on our next home improvement project!

Tarrah & Dan, Chanhassen, MN

View Project

When we met with JBDB it was clear they had the most realistic idea of what we were trying to do.

The Petersons, Burnsville, MN

We have followed your projects for at least 5 years & based on what we saw expected great work, but you EXCEEDED our expectations! Every detail met with our satisfaction. The entire team was fantastic!

John & Nancy Tauer, Apple Valley, MN

I can’t say enough about how impressed we are with James Barton Design-Build. I never had any doubt about the quality, but I didn’t expect to feel so comfortable with the amazing team you gave us.

Kevin & Jennifer Bollum, Apple Valley, MN

James was extremely knowledgeable and listened to our issues,” said the homeowners. “We liked the advantage of having a full design before building to maintain timelines and budget, and we didn’t want to project manage the construction or different components of the build. Throughout the design process, we learned more about how JBDB operates and felt confident the job would be completed exactly like we envisioned.

Elise and Brian, Edina, MN

Rosemount lower level remodel with pool table and entertainment center

When James Madsen heard the Chamber was considering moving into new offices, he offered to build a new conference room and storage room at no cost to the Chamber. The following year, he built an addition to the community center. This year, he provided a daycare in a building he co-owns and helped them purchase and install a new playground. True philanthropy is when you just do what is right and needed without asking for notoriety.

Ed Kearney, President, Apple Valley Chamber of Commerce

Thank you so much for the extra efforts you and your team displayed in fixing someone else’s mistake. Your “Lead by Example” attitude is truly exceptional. Thanks to the JBDB team, we've received many many compliments!

Jay Micholic, Rosemount, MN

It was a fantastic project! The job John did getting all the subcontractors lined up was awesome. The project flowed so nicely. There were no problems that the JBDB team could not resolve!

Dan Cuka, Farmington, MN

Anyone that provides customer service on such a high level and pays attention to the smallest detail (even setting our clock) is someone who will go the extra mile and do exceptional work. It's awesome to be working with JBDB!

Susie Smith, Lakeville, MN

Three Season Porch with a fireplace, television, and comfortable seating

Detailed, professional, reliable and a pleasure to work with. So often contractors are late or unresponsive, but not JBDB!

The Theisens, Rosemount, MN

When our friends enter our new space, their reaction is wonderful. They gasp when they see how beautiful everything is and what a difference it makes. “You have a new home” is the constant refrain.

The Martins, Apple Valley, MN

Modern bar seating area with floating shelves

Outstanding from beginning to end, we were impressed with the quality of work, attention to detail, professionalism, communication, and responsiveness by everyone on the JBDB team.