When the family purchased this home, they encountered an unexpected challenge: the planning and building codes did not align with the notion of the basement being habitable square footage. Consequently, their plans to remodel the home as initially envisioned were impeded. However, with a creative and determined approach, we managed to find a solution that would fulfill the family's objectives of modernizing the home and providing the necessary usable space for a contemporary working family.

We explored two options to address the issue. The first involved excavating the basement to meet the legal ceiling height requirements, while the second entailed lifting the house off its foundation and constructing a new level underneath. Surprisingly, the costs for both options were comparable. After careful consideration, we decided to raise the house by approximately 4 feet, resulting in lofty 10-foot ceilings on the newly established first floor. This transformation allowed us to relocate the kitchen, living area, and dining room to the first floor level and retain the second level for bedrooms.

Throughout the project, our primary focus was on maximizing natural light. We incorporated playful window shapes and placements to infuse the updated design with a light-hearted spirit. The new staircase perfectly blends beauty and functionality, with shadow-reveals that draw attention to the cascading natural light and the custom metal railing. It also provides ample storage space underneath.

To create a warm and inviting atmosphere, we combined the natural beauty of wood with soothing blue hues both in the interior and exterior of the home. Custom oak and deep grey-blue cabinets served as a warm counterpoint to the clean and crisp neutrals. The powder room became a captivating study of modern patterns and colors, featuring specialty hand-painted tiles by Fireclay. In fact, we determined the size of the room based on achieving the perfect composition of these unique tiles.

Cathedral ceilings on the second floor further enhance the overall sense of spaciousness. The main bedroom suite exudes a playful brightness, with a band of wood on the custom closets that complements the furnishings. Carefully designed windows with corner units and low sills create a bright and visually captivating space.

Externally, we employed a combination of stucco and kiln-dried wood siding to add interest and variety to the facade. At the entry, we created an outdoor room complete with a built-in bench and trellis, providing a place to gather or to remove shoes. The pattern of the entrance trellis is echoed over the rear deck, which serves as a transitional space from the living areas into the custom garden.

Through meticulous planning and a creative mindset, we successfully transformed this home into a modern, functional, and aesthetically pleasing space. The harmonious blend of natural elements, attention to detail, and thoughtful design choices resulted in a truly remarkable outcome that the family can enjoy for years to come.