Evelyn Avenue Bungalow
A family of five was ready to expand their California bungalow. Every corner of the house was being used, including an enclosed porch that had been converted into a bedroom. An isolated living room, a compact kitchen, and a bathroom, unhappily located in the center of the floorplan, were design obstacles that wanted to be resolved to make the house more livable.
It can be surprising for clients to find out that working around an existing room can sometimes cost more than moving it to the right location. In this case, the central bathroom had been previously updated by our clients; however, we recommended sacrificing it, allowing for the ideal organization of the spaces. A new bedroom suite and kitchen were thoughtfully added to the rear of the home, meeting the program without the need for a second story. A generous corridor was centrally located to connect the public and private sides of the home. Without a second story, skylights became an important part of the design language, filling the central corridor with warm light, offering glimpses of blue sky in the kitchen, and providing a venting glass ceiling over the primary shower.
It was important for this project to remain within budget. In the kitchen, stock cabinet boxes were fitted with custom moss green fronts reflecting the many plants decorating the house. Light cabinets along the pantry wall bounceback light and brighten the space. Neutral colored Heath tile found in their overstock room was pieced together to create a dappled backsplash beneath a custom hood, which is seamlessly plastered to integrate with the wall.
The exterior is a weave of smooth stucco, bronze-colored windows, concrete, and accents of horizontal siding in celadon green.
“I am a general contractor and I love working with Stacy. She quickly grasps problems that come up during construction and finds solutions that keep the job moving. Her portfolio may display her design talents, but it doesn't show her superior skill in building good relationships and guiding all parties through constructive meetings.”
- Darrell Rupe, Wood Horse Construction (Contractor)