A home remodel isn’t just about choosing the right colors and finishes; it’s about transformation, both of space and of life. For someone recently widowed, a remodel can take on an entirely different meaning, as it’s now reshaping a home into a sanctuary that supports a new phase of life.
From home to haven
This homeowner and her husband first moved to the Columbus suburb of Westerville to be closer to her daughter and grandchildren. But, when her husband passed shortly after deciding to remodel, the homeowner was faced with an entirely new challenge: what could her home look and feel like to represent this new chapter?
Designed for daily life
To guide her through the decision making and remodeling process, she partnered with Scott and Danette Veatch of Ron Scott Design Build. Their first step was to identify the things that would make the homeowner most comfortable in her reimagined space. “We recommend designing around a holistic concept,” Scott explains. “We focused on creating a wellness- and family-centered design.”
At 6’2”, the homeowner knew she wanted a raised kitchen island she could use comfortably. The 42” island stands six inches taller than the average kitchen island, making everyday cooking feel more accessible. The rest of her kitchen counters stand at lower heights to account for guests and family members.
Once they were certain the updated kitchen would allow for comfortable use, Scott then got to work filling the space with other functional luxuries. This includes ample storage with soft-close doors, hidden outlets, and a breakfast nook, complete with tall, custom-made dining chairs.
The kitchen and living area open out to an all-season sunroom, which the homeowner says is now one of her favorite places. The space was intentionally designed to be used through all four seasons, with tinted windows that mitigate sunlight and UV during the summer, as well as heated floor tiles for winter use. It’s the perfect place for the homeowner to dig into a good book and relax with her dogs.
Hidden hobbies
The previous basement was half unfinished and felt disconnected. The renovation provided an opportunity for the homeowner to have more of her favorite things readily available to her. The finished basement now includes a dedicated storage space, an office, a sewing room, and, most notably, a swimming spa.
Swimming spas aren’t commonly seen in the home, as it’s difficult to contain the moisture and often leads to mold and mildew. But Scott wasn’t deterred and instead sealed off the spa from the rest of the house, dehumidifying the space through negative pressure.
“Negative pressure is a separate ventilation system that sucks the air out of a given space,” Scott explains. “The walls and the floor were sealed so the chemicals and moisture wouldn’t migrate through the rest of the house.”
But the impressiveness of the swimming spa doesn’t end with the engineering feat: the spa includes accessible handrails both in the pool and above, an attached spout and hose, and a wave generator, which allows for regular swimming and aerobics.
The homeowner and her granddaughter love spending time in the swimming spa together, so the décor was infused with her granddaughter in mind. “It’s her favorite place, so we made it bright for her,” the homeowner explains. “The picture frames have lollipops in them, so it feels very kid friendly.”
Future planning
Many of the homeowner’s decisions were made with the future in mind, especially a future that could come with unexpected difficulties. Given her husband’s recent passing and her own battle with cancer, the homeowner understands that each day isn’t guaranteed. “I wanted to make sure I could stay in my house for as long as possible,” she explains. “If I was already renovating, it felt silly to not think of the things I might need in the future.”
This meant accounting for accessible features that otherwise may not have been included, especially in the owner’s suite and bathroom. The bathroom incorporates universal design principles, from ensuring wheelchair turn radius and a high-low sink, to enlarged shower doors, a walk-in tub, and ambient lighting. “It was important the space felt accessible without feeling medical,” says Scott. “It has everything she might need to age comfortably but still feels cohesive with the rest of the design.”
Beyond the blues
The color blue serves as a throughline throughout her home, bringing depth to different spaces while capturing the serenity the homeowner hopes to experience.
Danette is a true color expert, meaning she’s certified in tailored color recommendations and color psychology. She took her keen understanding of color to support the homeowner through her grief journey. “I love the color blue, and Danette was able to find a shade of blue with violet undertones for my bedroom, which is known to help with grief and sorrow,” says the homeowner. “It changed the tone of the whole house.”
The new space represents everything the homeowner is: pragmatic, colorful, and full of character. She’s thrilled with the final product and says it’s a place where she feels truly happy. “It feels like my home now,” she shares. “This is a place I can stay for years to come.”
RESOURCES Design and construction Scott Veatch, CR, CCIPP, Ron Scott Design Build Interior design Danette Veatch, CCIPP, CE, CMI, Ron Scott Design Build Swim spa Endless Pools Cabinetry Showplace Cabinetry Countertops Cambria Plumbing fixtures, vanity mirrors, sink Bathworks Faucets Kohler Backsplash TileBar Tub ShaK by Vital Hydrotherapy Shower Cambria panels Windows Pella of Columbus Doors Cavity Sliders USA Flooring America’s Floor Source Lighting Visual Comfort Furniture Homestead Furniture Accessories Havertys Furniture Artwork Barloga Studios Window treatments Buckeye Window Treatments Drapery Silver Threads Closet system Birdie Brennon Painting No Drip Painting Flowers Reno’s Floral Custom framing Andy’s Frame Setting
Article by Sydne Santo | Photos by Christi Cartee/Emerald Creative Content
Article originally appeared in November 2025