Divisadero Avenue Victorian

A large San Francisco Victorian single-family home had been used as a nine-unit boarding house when purchased. The interior of the structure was divided into separate living spaces, each with their own bathroom; however, this couple hoped to restore the building back into a unified home. One husband was a strategic real estate agent and envisioned renting the finished home out for events. 

The common kitchen was small and dark and did little to serve their grand plans, so was relocated into one of the boarding units at the back of the house. This larger space allowed for a kitchen that could both serve the couple as well as effectively work for caterers. A long continuous island was implemented to provide caterers the workspace they needed, while also placing party-goers on one side from their meal preparation on the other.  A raised breakfast counter was added into the existing bay window with an integrated coffee machine nearby.

The minimal design of the Arclinea cabinetry fits the aesthetic preferences of the clients, while many aspects of the original home were preserved to honor the victorian bones. These would include the bay window and the back of a brick fireplace, discovered during construction. 

As architects, we often find ourselves designing around the most important members of our client's families, the pets, and feel it's important to note that the color palette and finishings of this project match the client's cats, one white and the other walnut brown.

Sub-Zero Wolf Kitchen Design Contest Regional Winner