Project Summary
Location: Annapolis, Maryland
This Annapolis condo renovation was designed around one simple goal: making more room for family. Located in a high-rise at Park Place in downtown Annapolis, this project brought together two adjacent condo units to create one flexible, welcoming home. The homeowners loved hosting their grandchildren, who traveled cross-country to visit and often stayed for extended periods. But with just one condo, long visits meant crowded rooms, packed suitcases, and constant rearranging.
By combining two condos into one thoughtfully planned space, the homeowners gained comfort, storage, and flexibility. The finished home feels open and connected when needed, yet can easily function as two separate living areas. Every decision, from layout to materials, was guided by how the family truly lives.
The Challenge
This Annapolis condo renovation faced two main challenges: space and logistics. The grandchildren visited often and stayed for weeks, so they needed their own bedrooms, storage, and room to spread out. At the same time, the grandparents wanted privacy and a calm home when guests were gone.
The project also required HOA approval, which was complex since combining two units raised concerns about resale and future separation. As a high-rise renovation, strict rules applied. Work hours were limited, utilities had to be scheduled in advance, and elevator access required coordination.
The Process
The process began with early discussions focused on how the homeowners actually used their space and how often family visited. At first, the idea was to completely remove the wall between the two condos and make one large open home. But as the conversations deepened, it became clear that flexibility mattered more than openness alone.
Winthorpe developed several layout options that allowed the condos to work as one or two spaces. Sliding glass doors and pocket doors were added in two locations between the units. When open, the home feels like one large condo. When closed, it functions as two private living spaces.
To address HOA concerns, the team designed the connection points so they could be closed off in the future. If needed, the condos could be converted back into two separate units with minimal effort. This helped protect resale value while still meeting the family’s current needs.
Because the homeowners traveled frequently, much of the design work happened remotely. Detailed drawings, video walkthroughs, and virtual meetings helped them stay involved and confident throughout the process.
The Transformation
Once construction began, the team fully renovated the condos from top to bottom. Nothing was left untouched. The crew opened walls strategically, replaced flooring, and reworked kitchens and bathrooms. New lighting, paint, and finishes tied the entire home together and created a cohesive look.
The kitchens saw the most dramatic change. The team turned the kitchen in the newly added condo into the main kitchen. They enlarged and redesigned it to support everyday cooking and family gatherings. This new layout also created space for a proper dining area, which had been difficult to achieve in a single condo.
The original kitchen was partially dismantled but left in place as a secondary prep or “dirty” kitchen. This gave the homeowners a practical space for entertaining without sacrificing the clean look of the main kitchen.
The team re-carpeted the bedrooms to keep them warm and comfortable. They improved storage throughout the home. They also installed wide-plank flooring to replace much of the original carpet, brightening the space and making it feel larger.
The Details
Thoughtful details made this Annapolis condo renovation truly special. Custom closet built-ins replaced basic rods and shelves, turning tight storage areas into highly usable spaces with drawers and organized shelving.
In the bathrooms, every surface was updated. New vanities, tile, and lighting brought a fresh, modern look. One bathroom presented a unique challenge due to its tight layout. There was no room to place the shower controls outside the shower door, a common but frustrating issue.
The solution was a custom glass panel with a small operable cutout. This allows the user to reach in, turn on the water, and adjust the temperature before stepping into the shower. It’s a simple idea that dramatically improves everyday comfort.
Material selections reflected the homeowners’ personal taste. They chose bold, high-end finishes, including custom cabinetry, statement lighting, and dramatic three-dimensional tile. While some choices leaned more toward style than function, the result is a home that feels deeply personal and one of a kind.
The New Space
The finished home now works beautifully for every stage of life. When the grandchildren visit, they have bedrooms of their own, space to play, and room to store their belongings. Family members can stay for weeks without feeling crowded.
When guests are not there, the grandparents can close the connecting doors and enjoy a quieter, more intimate living space. The home adapts easily, whether it’s hosting a full house or enjoying a peaceful day alone.
Just as important, the design protects the future. The ability to separate the condos again provides flexibility for resale and peace of mind for the homeowners.
At the end of the project, the homeowners were thrilled. Seeing the space come together in stages made the transformation even more rewarding. Final adjustments were made before the grandchildren arrived, and the home was ready to be enjoyed right away.
This Annapolis condo renovation shows what’s possible when thoughtful design, technical experience, and real-life needs come together. It’s not just a renovation. It’s a home built around family, flexibility, and the way people truly live.
