We’ve had a fascination with building since we were kids. Our great-grandfather was a plumbing contractor, our grandfather was a general contractor and our dad was just plain handy. So, it’s no surprise that we ended up as partners in our own construction company.

We recently had the opportunity to strap on our tools and renovate an early 1980s two-bedroom, two-bath family vacation home in Palm Desert, Calif. We thought that you might enjoy a look at the remodelers’ remodel.

The kitchen

The early ’80s kitchen had Euro-style almond plastic laminate cabinets with oak trim and stark white ceramic tile countertops. The floor was covered with salmon-colored 6-by-6-inch ceramic tile. The major appliances were a hodge-podge of black-on-black and almond.

The old sink was enameled steel and the faucet was a powder-coated single lever spray spout. Although they were in fair condition, they needed to be replaced in order to accommodate the new satin nickel theme.

Though the finishes were essentially in good shape, the kitchen, like the rest of the home, was in dire need of an updated look and modern features.

The new cabinets are maple with a clear finish and traditional “style and rail” construction. Solid raised-panel doors have concealed Euro hinges. The pulls are a sleek satin nickel to match the sink faucet and trim. The new countertops are rich slab granite with a handsome bull-nose edge detail. Diagonally set matching granite tile was used to create a full backsplash. The new appliances are a mix of stainless steel and black. The new side-by-side refrigerator is “counter depth” and does not protrude beyond the face of the cabinets.

The sink and faucet trim are stylish, functional and a decorator’s dream comes true. The premium 18-gauge stainless steel sink is under-mounted below the granite for a sleek look and easy-to-clean configuration.

The sink trim consists of a distinctive satin nickel finish. The faucet has an 81/2-inch spout length reach, 15-inch height, and full spout swing for great sink coverage. Plus, an independent pause button on the pullout wand turns water off and on as needed. The filtered water system provides great tasting filtered water for drinking and cooking.

The look of a natural travertine tile floor was achieved with 16-inch square Italian porcelain tiles. Porcelain offers all of the beauty of travertine with none of the maintenance. A painted wood base with a decorative profile was used throughout to complete the job and tie the finishes together.

The master bath

The acrylic oval tub was spacious, but was worn and discolored and lacked a whirlpool. The tile shower walls, though in fair condition, were glued directly to the wallboard – presenting a potential water damage condition. The faucet and shower head were “builder’s basic.” The original vanity, mirror, vanity light, cabinet and double bowl configuration were spacious, but dated and worn. The cabinet was a laminated particleboard and the countertop consisted of a man-made cultured marble with two integral bowls. The shag carpeted floor was dated and difficult to maintain.

The old tub was replaced with a new luxury whirlpool tub with six adjustable jets. The shower-tub faucet configuration has a vertical spa set with a temperature control valve and five-function transfer valve all with a satin nickel finish. The five-function valve operates everything simply and easily.

New 12-inch-square porcelain Italian tile with a warm neutral tone was used at the shower surround and at the tub skirt. The tile walls travel to the ceiling and are installed in a floated bed of mortar for extra water protection and a smooth, uniform finish. Matching copper decos were placed along the walls and skirt to add interest. A new shower enclosure with clear glass and a satin nickel frame finishes the job.

Like the kitchen, the footprint of the master bath remained the same. However, the new finishes made a dramatic finish on the feel and comfort of the space. A new clear-finish maple vanity with raised panel doors, Euro hinges and sleek pulls were installed in the same location as the previous vanity. The top is 3/4-inch slab granite with a 4-inch splash. The sink openings are polished to accommodate the under-mounted vitreous china bowls.

Matching bath accessories coordinate with the faucets and split finish. A new mirror, high-end medicine cabinet with full mirrored interior, new mirrored wardrobe doors with satin nickel trim and, of course, a new water-efficient toilet rounded out the space.

The living area

It is very Southwestern and also very dated. We essentially stripped everything from the space with the exception of the wallboard and the windows and patio doors. We even removed the popcorn ceiling to bring the space into the new millennium.

The difference in the look and feel of the space is unbelievable. The ceiling was finished to match the walls a light “orange peel” spray texture. We chose “Swiss coffee” as the color to be used on the ceilings. It is bright and cheery and coordinates well with the other earthy colors. New wall-to-wall carpet and pad with a sculptured pattern was used throughout with the exception of the kitchen, bathrooms, laundry and entry. The color is rich and goes well with both “hard finishes” and furnishings. Several trips to various furniture retailers produced a delightful, well-pulled-together look that is both attractive and comfortable.

For more home improvement tips , visit James and Morris Carey at www.onthehouse.com. Readers can mail questions to On the House, APNewsFeatures, 50 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10020, or e-mail careybro@ onthehouse.com.