curated, livable luxury
by Carie McMichael | photos by Sarah Shields Photography
Every remodel begins with the scrutiny of a designer’s gaze. Not to impose a new identity, but to open a dialogue between past and present that preserves its character while reimagining it for modern living.
The Reigner home was already a winsome hearth of curated living. Designer Stephanie Wiott, who describes the home holding an “artsand-crafts kind of vibe,” worked closely with the homeowners to elevate their beautiful space to its full potential.
For the past 25 years, Wiott has been helping Indiana homeowners realize their homes’ potential. “We do remodels, but we also do a ton of full-on new-construction homes,” Wiott says. “As far as our aesthetic goes, I think we’ve been called a little bit on the whimsical side, but with livable luxury. We really focus on the family and their needs. Make sure that it’s not only beautiful, but very functional.”
For the Reigner remodel, Wiott set out to do just that, bringing the space into the 2020s with an aesthetic that balances her enchanting style with the family’s functionality. The home already sported large windows that bathed the interiors in natural light and possessed a wealth of inherent, albeit dated, utility: a practical mudroom, a spacious laundry room, and modest office space. The striking fireplace in the living room remained untouched, with the contractor crafting custom built-ins on site, adding storage to the space.
The kitchen, however, was no longer meeting the homeowners’ needs. Before the remodel, the kitchen was a blend of an island and an L-shaped layout, which had started feeling disjointed. In addition to changing the island itself, the homeowners also wanted to add a scullery pantry, which is a popular solution for concealing counter clutter.
“We moved some walls, and changed some openings and things like that to make it more of a symmetrical, higher level design that’s very functional,” Wiott says. “It was just such a big, beautiful space with so much natural light that wasn’t taken advantage of in the way it could have been.”
In one of the most dramatic transformations of the remodel, Wiott gave the front hall entrance a full facelift to anchor expectations from the first step over the threshold. The solid entry doors were replaced by a pair of French doors, inviting natural light to bathe the front hall. Dark, moody flooring was replaced by light oak flooring. The Craftsman-inspired staircase became a more organic contemporary-modern style with cleaner lines and lighter wood. The neutral palette sets the mood for the rest of the remodel with warm whites, oak, brass, and muted taupe textiles, creating a serene, high-end atmosphere.
Wiott’s remodel heightens the style of an already beautiful home, transforming inherent opulence into livable luxury. True luxury isn’t about chasing every new trend; it’s about creating a home that supports the way you live while reflecting your unique point of view. When thoughtful craftsmanship, enduring materials, and meaningful details take precedence over fleeting fads, the result is an interior that feels as relevant years from now as it does today.
“I think it’s hard sometimes to stay focused, given all the things that are out there, and all the places there are to look for inspiration,” Wiott says. “Whether it be Instagram, or Pinterest, or someone else’s home. Mood boards are good, but it comes down to what works for you and your family, and not getting pulled into whatever is trending, resulting in something timeless and trustworthy.”
