Most Californians with a passing interest in architecture are familiar with the work of Joseph Eichler, who built over 10,000 mid-century modern tract homes in California.  So popular was his style that he inspired a subgenre known as “Likelers,” homes with the look and feel of an Eichler that were built by someone else.  This “Likeler” home in Kenwood had many of the desirable features of that era: large walls of glass, an indoor-outdoor floorplan, and wood paneling.  The clients’ wanted to keep the original character while bringing in the conveniences of a modern home. We modified the floorplan to open up the kitchen to indoor and outdoor entertaining areas with a see-through bar service area as a focal point and installed new kitchen cabinetry with a natural walnut finish as a nod to the paneling common in many original Eichlers.  To keep the house grounded in a playful mid-mod style, pill shaped tiles from Sonoma Tilemakers in a bright teal color were used for the kitchen backsplash.   Lastly, the floor of the entire home was redone with beautiful, large-format terrazzo tiles and the fireplace was reclad in a deco relief tile.  The resulting space is perfect for this couple that loves to cook and entertain.

This property started its life in the early 1960s as did most homes in Midtown Terrace: a two story living space inspired by the Midcentury Modern movement with simplicity and clean lines.  The 1980s brought a remodel that layered on a Post-Modern aesthetic, with curving walls, contrasting shapes, and bold colors highlighting classical architectural forms.  The clients wanted to modernize the living space while downplaying the post-modern elements.  The challenge?  How to bring the home up to the standards of the present day without the cost of extensive exterior construction. The interior spaces of the house received a contemporary makeover.  A beautiful architectural feature wall, grounded in a playful 1950s sensibility, provides separation between the kitchen and living room while maintaining an open floorplan.  Skylights and windows were maintained and expanded, forging a connection between the interior and exterior spaces.  A muted color palate downplays the curving front wall of the primary suite while decorative columns and tray ceiling from the Po-Mo remodel were removed.  The bathrooms were completely rebuilt resulting in a contemporary yet timeless aesthetic.  

Noted architect Jonathan Bulkley originally designed this midcentury modern home to bring in as much daylight as possible.  The barrel vault roof and arched windows in the living room showcase the home’s unique design and are a feature typical of Bulkley’s work. Located on an extraordinarily steep lot, the building is a perfect case study of the mid-mod movement’s focus of bringing the outdoors in with views over San Francisco.   The clients were ready to update the home and placed great importance on retaining the feel of the original architecture while ensuring they had all the modern amenities. In the kitchen, walnut cabinets were paired with sleek white laminate uppers, riffing on the midcentury modern aesthetic.  Hand-glazed tiles in the backsplash were inspired by the adjacent exposed brick.   The bathrooms were completely reconfigured with colorful tile that adds a pop of excitement in keeping with the playful spirit of the era. The custom blend in the primary bath is washed in natural light from a new skylight overhead.    The remodel successfully maintains the original vision of the home while infusing it with updated touches that made it feel fresh and contemporary. 

I completely reimagined a 1950s-era property for my clients in this down-to-the-studs remodel. Custom finishes with one-of-kind designs and subtle nods to the home’s mid-century roots are throughout. A contemporary, open floor plan with the kitchen, dining, living and an intimate library seating area center on a dramatic new stair to the upper-level primary bedroom. I was thrilled that the clients were willing to pull-out the stops for the dramatic tile in the guest bath. And in the primary bath, the calm porcelain tile walls give way to a completely custom waterjet cut tile design on the floor that adds interest without overwhelming. In addition to custom cabinetry pieces throughout, the family room cabinetry (shown as built and with its 3D schematic) provides ample storage and display space with the clever ability to slide open the wood slat doors to reveal the television. I’m so excited to share the final product!

We modernized this 1980s rancher, building a great room with walls of windows opening up to the Mayacamas Mountains.  The owners didn’t miss the warren of spaces that comprised the kitchen, dining and an awkwardly located bathroom.  The expansive openings with sliding and pivoting doors replaced two small windows to truly bring the outdoors in.   In the kitchen, a 10 foot island makes for perfect entertaining and ample space for guest, food and wine.  The guests love the bathrooms, all modernized with floating vanities, dramatic tiles, and modern fixtures.  The public and private areas of the house transition seamless through decks and stairs to the pool and hot tub area.  This is wine country living at its best!

This project started as a typical 1930’s San Francisco single-family residence, with two small bedrooms, original canary yellow tile in the bathroom, and a 1970s era kitchen that had seen better days.  Now in its place stands a handsome two-unit building comprised of more than 5000 square feet. Color choices on this project ensured that the space was warm and inviting while still being sleek and contemporary.  Custom walnut cabinetry is installed throughout the home, complemented in the living room with teal and orange accents in pillows and ripplefold drapery.  In the master suite, a cooler palette of blues and beiges with silver accents is reflected in the custom headboard and artwork.  The kitchen includes everything you’d expect and more: a high-BTU gas cooktop, double ovens, an extra prep sink, and a walk in pantry, which feels almost opulent by San Francisco standards.