An outdated ranch-style home on the east side of Sonoma had a kitchen that was dark, cramped, and cut off from the rest of the house.  My clients wanted to open up the walls and have a kitchen fit for entertaining friends and — even more importantly — their grandsons who live nearby.  The melamine cabinets from the 80s were the first thing to go so the walls between the kitchen, dining room and living room could be opened up to their full widths.  The bright blue and white color palette, a subtle trellis relief pattern on the backsplash tile, and timeless cabinet hardware and lighting tie the space together, that is now an integral part of the living area.  In addition, an awkward transition from the living area, garage, and rear yard and pool was reconfigured, providing not only better light and flow, but a new powder room and laundry too.  My clients are very happy now to have their grandsons over as much as they want.

In the Outer Richmond, new homeowners had a charming home blocks from the ocean, but with all the original 1942 finishes in place.  They had a clear vision for the aesthetic they wanted, and with some minor tweaks to the layout and custom built cabinets, the strategic placement of Vitsœ “606 Universal Shelving System” units, and solar-tube skylights to bring in more light at the back of the kitchen the transformation was complete.  In the bathroom we removed the cramped shower and moved the vanity to open the room.  Crisp white picket tiles from Sonoma Tilemakers and green penny rounds on the floor and accented in the niche, provide the background to what is now a function and timeless bathroom.  Now these are spaces they can enjoy for years to come. Staging by Patricia Theel Design and original artwork by Katja Francesca Tapia.