Grosse Pointe residents take pride in their architecturally stunning homes, nestled within a gorgeous and safe community they love—making luxury remodeling a popular choice for enhancing both lifestyle and home value. Many are updating kitchens, bathrooms, basements, and outdoor spaces, blending timeless elegance with modern convenience.
Renovating these grand estates, from Tudor Revival to Victorian, requires expertise in preserving intricate brickwork, stone facades, slate roofs, and historic interiors. As Grosse Pointe’s most trusted remodeling firm, MainStreet Design Build shares expert insights on high-impact renovations that enhance both your home’s value and livability.
#1 Impact: Kitchen Upgrades
For many Grosse Pointe families, the kitchen is the heart of the home—a space where both daily life and special moments unfold. Originally designed for cooking and dining, these grand homes now require kitchens that serve as versatile gathering spaces for family and guests alike.
This shift has created exciting opportunities for creativity and innovation in kitchen remodeling. Rather than splurging on short-lived luxuries, many homeowners are investing in custom cabinetry, high-end countertops, premium appliances, and smart technology—upgrades that enhance both home value and everyday living. Expansive pantries, statement backsplashes, and elegant flooring further elevate these spaces, making them as functional as they are beautiful.
Key Kitchen Remodel Upgrades That Increase Home Value
These upgrades not only boost your kitchen’s functionality but also offer a strong return on investment when it’s time to sell!
✔ High-Quality Countertops – Quartz, granite, or marble surfaces enhance aesthetics and durability.
✔ Custom Cabinetry – Upgraded, soft-close cabinets with smart storage solutions improve function and appeal.
✔ Modern Appliances – Energy-efficient, high-end appliances attract buyers and improve kitchen efficiency.
✔ Upgraded Lighting – Layered lighting, including under-cabinet and pendant fixtures, adds warmth and functionality.
✔ Open Floor Plan – Removing walls to create a more spacious, connected layout increases desirability.
✔ Large Kitchen Island – Adds prep space, seating, and storage, making it a central gathering spot.
✔ Luxury Backsplash – Timeless tile or statement backsplashes add character and elevate design.
✔ Hardwood or LVP Flooring – Durable, stylish flooring enhances aesthetics and resale value.
✔ Smart Kitchen Features – Touchless faucets, smart lighting, and Wi-Fi-enabled appliances add convenience.
✔ Walk-In Pantry – Maximizes storage and organization, a sought-after feature for modern homes.
Grosse Pointe kitchen renovations are among our most rewarding projects,” says Steve Ramaekers, Founder and Creative Director at MainStreet Design Build. “One of my favorites was a stunning Grosse Pointe Farms home with a decorative archway leading to the great room. While elegant, it made the kitchen feel dark and disconnected—highlighting a common challenge in these historic homes: blending traditional layouts with modern, open-concept design.
“The structural and aesthetic redesign gave us the freedom to completely transform both the look and functionality of the space,” says Amy Fischer, Interior Designer. “By opening up the kitchen in both directions, we created a more spacious, centralized layout, anchored by a striking Onyx Painted island. Chunky Everest-honed Quartzite countertops, custom European white transom cabinetry, and top-tier Subzero and Wolf appliances set the stage, while a built-in wet bar, wine cooler, and a breathtaking ceiling-hung glass and metal shelving unit became the ultimate showstoppers.“
#2 Impact: Bathroom Renovations
Most Grosse Pointe homes were built long before the rise of home wellness trends, transforming bathrooms from purely functional spaces into luxurious retreats. Basic bathtubs have given way to elegant free standing and built-in tubs with many options for air, bubbles, heat, etc., standard showers have evolved into spa-like wet rooms, and traditional fixtures are now smart-tech equipped with remote controls and LED lighting.
Like kitchens, bathroom remodels are complex, requiring seamless coordination of electrical, plumbing, and ventilation with high-end materials and modern features. “The good news is that bathrooms significantly boost home value and enhance everyday living,” says Kim McDevitt. “Clients love spending time in their bathrooms—who would have thought?”
Key Bathroom Upgrades That Increase Home Value
These upgrades not only enhance comfort and aesthetics but also offer a strong return on investment:
✔ Walk-In Showers – Spacious, curbless designs with frameless glass enclosures add luxury and accessibility.
✔ Freestanding Soaking Tubs – A sought-after feature that enhances relaxation and elegance.
✔ High-Quality Countertops – Quartz, marble, or granite surfaces elevate aesthetics and durability.
✔ Custom Vanities & Storage – Double sinks, soft-close drawers, and smart storage maximize functionality.
✔ Heated Flooring – Increases comfort and efficiency, making bathrooms feel more high-end.
✔ Upgraded Lighting – Layered lighting, including vanity sconces and dimmable overhead fixtures, enhances ambiance.
✔ Luxury Tile & Backsplashes – Timeless porcelain or stone tiles improve durability and style.
✔ Water-Efficient Fixtures – Smart toilets, low-flow faucets, and high-efficiency showerheads reduce water consumption.
✔ Smart Bathroom Technology – Features like digital shower controls, anti-fog mirrors, and touchless faucets add modern convenience.
✔ Ventilation & Humidity Control – Upgraded exhaust fans and humidity sensors prevent mold and improve air quality.
“Allow me to upstage Steven with my own personal favorite Grosse Pointe remodel,” teases Christine Ramaekers, Cofounder and Creative Director of Interior Design. Another Grosse Pointe Farms home, this primary suite bathroom felt outdated with an oversized tub deck and aging materials. We opened up the space, replaced the bulky tub with a sleek freestanding design, and introduced custom cabinetry, open shelving, and stylish new fixtures to give it fresh energy while honoring its classic charm.”
“The transformation thrilled us as much as it did the clients!” adds Kim McDevitt, General Manager at MainStreet. “We took a drab, uninspired layout and turned it into a sophisticated spa retreat. His-and-hers vanities on one side, a chic dressing area on the other, and stunning details—custom Omega black cabinets, white quartz countertops, elegant porcelain tile, and striking mirrors, hardware, and lighting—all brought this space from classic to effortlessly classy.”
#3 Impact: Refurbished Basements or Lower-Level Living Spaces
Another prime opportunity to blend old with new and maximize your home’s potential is a basement renovation. In Grosse Pointe, underutilized and unfinished basements are common, as architects from 50 to 100 years ago never envisioned them as functional living spaces. Today, however, basements can be transformed into anything from entertainment centers and home gyms to offices and extra bedrooms—adding both livability and value.
Unlike kitchen or bathroom remodels, which must work within existing layouts, basement renovations offer a blank slate for creativity while instantly increasing usable square footage. “However,” warns Kim, “basements come with unique challenges, such as immovable support columns, bulky water heaters, and other utilities that must be carefully integrated into the design.”
Key Basement Upgrades That Increase Home Value
These upgrades transform your basement into a valuable, livable space while offering a strong return on investment!
✔ Finished Living Space – Converting an unfinished basement into a functional living area adds significant resale value.
✔ Guest Suite or In-Law Apartment – A bedroom with an en-suite bathroom appeals to buyers seeking multi-generational living options.
✔ Home Theater or Media Room – A dedicated entertainment space enhances home appeal and functionality.
✔ Custom Wet Bar or Kitchenette – Adds convenience for entertaining and increases property value.
✔ Home Gym or Wellness Space – A private workout area or spa-like retreat adds luxury and practicality.
✔ Office or Workspace – Remote work trends make a well-designed home office a valuable addition.
✔ Egress Windows & Natural Light – Improve safety, bring in light, and make the basement feel like an extension of the home.
✔ Upgraded Flooring – Waterproof luxury vinyl plank (LVP) or engineered hardwood enhances durability and aesthetics.
✔ Efficient Lighting & Electrical – Layered lighting, recessed fixtures, and updated wiring modernize the space.
✔ Smart Storage Solutions – Built-in shelving and under-stair storage maximize functionality.
✔ Improved Insulation & Climate Control – Enhances energy efficiency and comfort year-round.
“We couldn’t wait to release our architects and interior designers on this unfinished 1,800 square foot basement with a wide open floor plan,” fondly recalls Christine. “With only an angled stairway and legacy plumbing to navigate, we set out to bring the homeowner’s vision to life—a teen entertainment hub with pool and ping-pong tables, shuffleboard, a stylish new bathroom, and a full food and drink station.”
“The centerpiece became a modern fireplace wall with Peau de Beton concrete paneled tile,” reminisces Amy. “We created a custom room divider with bar stool seating on one side, gaming space on the other. Dynasty cabinetry with brushed nickel hardware overlooked Caesarstone Symphony Grey Quartz countertops, with a gorgeous and practical Country Oak Wood Plank vinyl floor below. Matching fixtures in the ½ bath with complementary colors were amazing!”
#4 Impact: Outdoor Living Spaces
Grosse Pointe’s charm lies in its breathtaking natural beauty—tree-lined boulevards, forest preserves, and stunning views of Lake St. Clair. These scenic backdrops make outdoor living spaces a prized extension of the home, offering both enjoyment and exceptional value. In fact, outdoor renovations often deliver an ROI of 80% or more, making them one of the smartest remodeling investments.
From tiered terraces, pergolas, and fire features to built-in seating, cocktail bars, and full outdoor kitchens, the possibilities are endless. “The key,” says Amy, “is seamlessly blending form and function to create a space that enhances your family’s lifestyle.”
Key Outdoor Upgrades That Increase Home Value
These high-impact upgrades not only improve everyday outdoor enjoyment but also offer a strong return on investment!
✔ Patios & Decks – Expanding usable outdoor space with high-quality materials like composite decking or natural stone boosts curb appeal and functionality.
✔ Outdoor Kitchens & Built-In Grills – Adds luxury and convenience for entertaining, increasing resale value.
✔ Fire Pits & Fireplaces – Creates a cozy gathering spot, extending outdoor usability year-round.
✔ Pergolas & Covered Structures – Provides shade, protection, and enhances the aesthetic appeal of outdoor spaces.
✔ Landscaping & Hardscaping – Professional landscaping, retaining walls, paver walkways, and decorative elements increase curb appeal and home value.
✔ Swimming Pools & Spas – Highly desirable in warm climates, adding both luxury and recreational value.
✔ Outdoor Lighting – Enhances ambiance, safety, and security with pathway lights, uplighting, and smart lighting systems.
✔ Smart Irrigation Systems – Increases efficiency and property value by maintaining a well-kept lawn with minimal effort.
✔ Privacy Fencing & Decorative Screens – Enhances security, privacy, and aesthetics.
✔ Functional Outdoor Seating & Dining Areas – Extends living space for relaxation and entertainment.
“A wonderful local home where that strategy came to life,” illustrates Kim, “is a 2007 French country house that boasted intricate glazed brick designs, meticulously handcrafted corbels, and gracefully curving rooflines, each detail contributing distinct charm. Our objective was to seamlessly integrate every new addition into the existing design, preserving the home’s unique character throughout, especially when blending seamlessly with the new outdoor living space.”
“The new family room flows seamlessly into an open patio,” says Christine. “It features a three-sided stone and concrete bar, an automated pergola with retractable screens and vinyl panels, and a stunning covered porch with a soaring pine ceiling, custom lighting, heaters, and a grand stone fireplace for year-round enjoyment. Together, the indoor remodel and outdoor expansion provide the perfect setting for endless entertaining.”
#5 Impact: Smart Home Upgrades
Beyond aesthetics, the most impactful home improvements often go unseen—especially when expertly planned by a premium design-build firm like MainStreet. Among the top value-boosting upgrades are energy-efficient solutions, from insulated windows and smart HVAC systems to solar panels and tankless water heaters. These enhancements not only reduce utility costs but also deliver a high return on investment.
Energy-Efficient Upgrades That Boost Home Value
- Insulated Windows & Doors – Reduces energy loss and improves temperature control
- High-Efficiency HVAC Systems – Lowers energy costs and enhances home comfort
- Smart Thermostats – Optimizes heating and cooling for maximum efficiency
- Tankless Water Heaters – Provides on-demand hot water while reducing energy waste
- Solar Panels & Renewable Energy Systems – Cuts electricity costs and increases sustainability
- Energy-Efficient Appliances – Reduces power consumption and modernizes the home
- LED Lighting & Smart Controls – Lowers electricity usage and allows remote operation
- Advanced Insulation (Walls, Attics, and Basements) – Improves thermal efficiency and soundproofing
- Geothermal Heating & Cooling Systems – Utilizes renewable energy for long-term savings
- Radiant Floor Heating – Increases comfort while using less energy than traditional heating
- High-Performance Roofing (Cool Roofs or Reflective Materials) – Reduces heat absorption and cooling costs
- Water-Efficient Fixtures & Smart Irrigation Systems – Lowers water bills and promotes sustainability
Partnering with a design-build team ensures early planning, strategic budgeting, and access to top local suppliers, maximizing savings on insulation, smart appliances, and advanced home automation. The ‘connected home’ trend is thriving in Grosse Pointe, with homeowners integrating smart thermostats, remote-controlled lighting, security systems, and energy-efficient heating and cooling.
By blending timeless elegance with cutting-edge technology, MainStreet creates homes that are as functional and efficient as they are beautiful—delivering luxury with long-term savings.
“The ‘connected home’ or ‘smart home’ is all the rage throughout Grosse Pointe,” adds Christine. “In addition to full kitchen, bathroom, basement, and other renovations, we are experts at cutting edge accouterments to make the lives of our clients easier, while also saving them thousands of dollars per year on energy costs. Their luxurious homes are traditional in look, and classic in layout, but ‘under the hood’ we empower them with the very latest tech.”
Invest in Your Home’s Value with a Trusted Local Expert
Unlike automobiles that rapidly depreciate, your home’s value appreciates over time—especially with well-planned renovations. A strategic remodel not only enhances your lifestyle but also maximizes your home’s potential resale value.
A successful renovation requires more than just great design—it demands expertise in local housing trends, permitting, and architectural harmony. That’s where Mainstreet Design Build excels. With deep roots in Grosse Pointe, we understand how to seamlessly integrate modern upgrades while preserving the area’s rich architectural heritage, from classic Colonials to mid-century estates.
Renovating your home doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Our proven design-build process ensures a smooth experience, with a dedicated project manager overseeing every detail—from concept to completion. Let’s bring your vision to life while adding lasting value to your home.
Partner with MainStreet Design Build
MainStreet Design Build is a full-service, design-build remodeling firm headquartered in Birmingham, MI. A local leader, MainStreet is committed to delivering a luxurious end-to-end experience marked by personal care, accountability, timeless design, and exacting attention to detail. Since 1991, our team has made the renovation process comfortable, enjoyable, and safe, ensuring your home and basement transformation exceeds your expectations at every turn.
With a deep bench of architects, interior designers, and craftspeople, MainStreet Design Build is favored by discerning homeowners throughout Southeast Oakland County who value a high level of comfort and trust in knowing that their remodeling project will be done RIGHT. Browse our gallery of award-winning local renovations, and schedule a virtual design consultation. Let’s partner today to add value to your already luxurious home, and do it on time and on budget.
