The Hickory Haven: A Plano Whole Home Remodel with Modern Elegance
Introduction
Welcome to “The Hickory Haven,” a stunning transformation of a 1980s home in Plano, TX. This project showcases how thoughtful design and expert craftsmanship can bring a dated space into the modern age while meeting the unique needs of a growing family. With standout features like a custom butler’s pantry, an elegant home office, and gorgeous hickory hardwood floors, this remodel is the perfect balance of style and functionality.
The Vision and Goals
The homeowners dreamed of modernizing their home to create a more open and functional space. As a busy family, they needed a home that could serve multiple purposes: a place for the husband to run his videography business, the wife to homeschool their children, and everyone to relax and enjoy family time. This whole-home remodel was designed to blend timeless design with customized spaces for work, learning, and entertaining.

Challenges and Solutions
As with many 1980s homes, this remodel presented its fair share of challenges. Electrical, plumbing, and framing updates were needed to meet modern building codes. The most significant challenge was the living room, where an enclosed patio had a lower foundation than the rest of the house. Our team leveled the space and seamlessly integrated it into the main living area, creating a functional and cohesive open floorplan.
The Final Transformation
The finished home is a true reflection of the family’s needs and style. It now offers modern functionality, timeless design, and custom spaces that cater to work, learning, and entertaining. The Hickory Haven isn’t just a remodel—it’s a reimagining of what a home can be, blending beauty and practicality at every turn.

Key Features and Upgrades
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Living Room Transformation
The living room was reimagined as an open-concept space, perfect for family gatherings. We leveled a formerly enclosed patio area and seamlessly blended it with the main living room, overcoming foundation challenges to create a continuous, unified space. -
Custom Office with Function and Style
A highlight of the project is the husband’s custom office. Designed to be both functional and beautiful, the space features built-in navy cabinetry with white oak accents, open shelving with integrated lighting, and multiple picture frame monitors for his videography work. This sophisticated office serves as a productive workspace and a welcoming environment for hosting clients. -
The Butler’s Pantry
The butler’s pantry is a true showstopper. Custom white oak cabinetry, sage green lower cabinets, and a herringbone backsplash in soft green tile elevate the space while providing ample storage and functionality. This thoughtfully designed area is perfect for entertaining and keeps the main kitchen free of clutter.
- Hardwood Floors Throughout
New hickory hardwood floors were installed throughout the home, adding warmth, durability, and timeless appeal to every room. The rich tones of the flooring set the stage for the rest of the home’s updated design. -
Closet-to-Office Nook Conversion
A former closet was transformed into a charming office nook with botanical-inspired wallpaper, floating wooden shelves, and a built-in desk. This compact yet functional workspace is ideal for homeschooling or tackling quick tasks. -
Guest Bathroom Refresh
The guest bathroom was completely renovated to reflect the modernized aesthetic of the home. Updated fixtures and finishes create a clean and inviting space for visitors. -
Dining Room Update
Removing wallpaper and applying a fresh coat of paint modernized the dining room, creating a serene space for family meals. The diamond-paned windows and natural decor accents add elegance and character.
Hickory Haven Project Gallery

Office Sitting Area
A refined home office with attention to every detail, from the built-in desk to the floating shelves with integrated lighting. The large artwork and soft neutral tones on the furniture keep the space professional yet inviting, ideal for hosting clients or focusing on creative work.

Custom Office Desk
This custom-designed office is a perfect blend of elegance and functionality. The dark navy cabinetry is accented with white oak drawers and trim, creating a warm yet modern aesthetic. Open shelves feature built-in lighting to showcase awards and decor, while the shiplap wall adds depth and character to the space.

Office Sitting Area
A refined office blends classic and contemporary elements, centered around a stunning fireplace with geometric mosaic tile. Plush seating in neutral and warm leather tones offers an inviting space for gatherings, while green accents in pillows and plants bring vibrancy to the design. Light streams in through diamond-paned windows, highlighting the thoughtful layering of textures and decor, making this room a perfect blend of elegance and comfort.

Custom Office Desk
This fully customized office space perfectly marries elegance and utility. Dark, bold cabinetry features white oak accents, adding warmth and texture. Integrated open shelving provides ample display space, while the long, built-in desk spans the width of the room, offering a productive work environment. Natural light filters through large windows, keeping the space bright and inspiring.

Custom Butler's Pantry
This show-stopping butler’s pantry combines stunning design with practical storage solutions. Custom white oak cabinetry is paired with sage green lower cabinets, accented by brass hardware for a modern, polished look. A herringbone backsplash in soft green tile adds texture and depth, while the built-in wine fridge and open shelving provide functionality for entertaining.

Custom Office Built-In
This custom-built home office showcases elegant functionality, featuring rich, dark cabinetry with inset white oak accents. Thoughtfully designed open shelving with integrated lighting highlights the homeowner’s videography accolades, while the built-in desk provides an ideal workspace for both creativity and productivity.

Custom Living Room
This beautifully staged living room exudes comfort and family-oriented functionality. A large, framed TV artwork serves as the focal point, while layers of soft textiles and modern decor in warm neutral tones create a cohesive, inviting space. The light wood and blue accents add depth and a subtle modern flair.

Custom Office Nook
A charming office nook tucked into an alcove transforms a former closet into a functional and stylish workspace. Wallpaper with botanical-inspired patterns adds a playful, sophisticated touch, while floating wooden shelves and a built-in desk create a compact yet efficient work area. Soft lighting and cozy seating complete this inviting setup.

Modern Beige Chair
A cozy reading nook features plush, textured armchairs paired with a minimalist black side table. The natural wood frames and warm-toned accents perfectly complement the hickory hardwood flooring, creating an inviting space that blends style with comfort. A tall, leafy plant and large window with diamond-pane details bring in light and greenery for a serene atmosphere.

Living Room
This serene corner of the living room is designed for relaxation and comfort. A cozy swivel chair in a soft blue fabric is paired with a textured white pillow and a classic floor lamp, creating the perfect reading spot. The space is accented by minimal artwork and a natural wood media console adorned with greenery, balancing simplicity and style. The family's adorable dog adds a heartwarming, personal touch to this inviting space.

Custom Fireplace
The reimagined office centers around a dramatic, geometric-tiled fireplace surrounded by crisp white paneling. Neutral tones in the furniture, including soft beige and light wood, create a timeless, tranquil setting. Carefully curated decor accents, such as a vintage-style vase and layered textures in pillows and throws, add to the room's sophisticated yet cozy feel.
Inspired By The Hickory Haven?
Whether you’re looking to remodel one room or transform your entire home, our team specializes in creating spaces that are beautiful, functional, and tailored to your needs. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward your dream home!