Originally built in the late 1950s and once owned by a prominent local dentist, this hillside house originally featured small, dark, and disconnected rooms, extensive wood paneling, a built-in hi-fi record player, and a small, cramped entrance. The kitchen was purely utilitarian and hidden from the main living space, leading down to a dark basement garage and subterranean laundry room. Additionally, the main bathroom had an institutional feel with wired glass skylights and industrial lighting, and it was oversized compared to the undersized primary bathroom. Inefficient aluminum windows with metal roll-down shutters gave the exterior a closed-off, dated appearance.
Working closely with the new owners, our design team transformed the home by highlighting its mid-century character and opening up the space:
Layout & Light: We removed isolating partitions, expanded the entryway, and added new windows to fill the home with natural light, which required structural re-engineering to accommodate the new openings. These changes also improved the indoor-outdoor connection.
Living & Dining: Reorienting the stairs opened up views of the valley below. Off the oversized dining room, we added an art studio separated by custom sliding partitions. We also removed a dining room wall, using decorative shelving to create a subtle separation from the living room while preserving the unique fossiliferous limestone chimney as a focal point.
Kitchen: The kitchen is now open to the living room and features custom cabinetry, a waterfall island, understated lighting, and a refined backsplash that balances traditional warmth with modern, clean lines.
Bathrooms & Laundry: By resizing the bathroom, we created an appropriately sized space and moved the laundry room to the main living level. These rooms feature clean detailing, sculptural fixtures, tile, and custom cabinetry that deliver an eclectic, luxurious feel.
Bedrooms: Updated with earth tones, pops of color, ample natural light, and new views, the bedrooms have also been transformed into inviting, bohemian-style retreats.
