When our clients bought this century-old Spanish-style house, there was no shortage of charm and character—an octagonal entry foyer with doors leading to each of the major spaces; abundant wood detailing; three fireplaces; and comfortable, human-scaled rooms throughout. But the most striking feature was a central courtyard, an originally outdoor space that had been covered with a skylight and become the heart of the interior.
The client came to us wanting to bring the small, isolated kitchen into the daily life of the house, making it a central family and entertaining space. We transformed three distinct rooms—the courtyard, breakfast nook, and kitchen—into an open kitchen and pantry, unifying them with new wood flooring and a consistent material and color palette of natural wood and white paint. A peninsula edges the kitchen work space, but also provides a homework and eating surface to accommodate family time.
We transformed the single upstairs bathroom into a master and a second bathroom, reclaiming space from an adjacent dressing room and hallway to make the master bath a generous size. Downstairs an existing bathroom was remade into a full bath and laundry room, and a guest room was added behind a hidden bookcase door in the laundry room.
Every element of the new design responds to the original character of the house, but brings in modern lines and details that enhance the charm. More importantly, the changes reflect how the family lives, giving the house an emotional heart and gathering space in the kitchen and courtyard, while leaving other rooms that can be closed off and private.
