Split-Level Personality
You need only look at the before picture of the SYI Studio space to understand the background of this project and need for a new work space.
Susan lives with her husband, three kids and dog in a 1960 split-level in Bloomington, which they've updated over the years and didn't want to leave, thanks to a great location and even greater neighbors. As the SYI team grew so did the three Yeley kids, and it became clear that not only did the team need more space but so did the family.
1.5 bathrooms + 3 bedrooms + 5 people = exponentially increasing discontent.
By 2016, it was time to pull the trigger. Everyone needed more room, and an offsite studio wouldn't work: Susan is not just Creative Director and Owner of SYI but Full Time Activities and Meal Coordinator at Chez Yeley.
The design, conceptualized entirely by the SYI team and executed by JL Benton Contracting, reclaimed the existing 4th bedroom from SYI space, added an ensuite bath and walk-in closet, and created a studio space with its own exterior entrance and full bath—making it perfect for a mother-in-law or Airbnb suite down the road.
The project added over a thousand square feet to the house—and should add many more years for the family to live and work in a home they love.
Contractor: JL Benton Contracting
Cabinetry: Richcraft Wood Products
Photographer: Gina Rogers