Noe Valley 4
A porch and a pantry were incorporated into the new Kitchen. What would have been the darkest interior wall is painted gloss white. The length of the space is enhanced by making a long wall of rich, dark mahogany cabinets. The continuity of the marble counters visually unify the horizontal space. A second island can be used for casual dining. The formal, elegant character of the finishes integrates the Kitchen with the rest of the house.
One of the owners grew up in this house, so as architects we aimed to be sensitive to its layers of history even as we renovated the space to suit the needs of a couple.
To enhance their enjoyment of cooking and entertaining we made a spacious chef’s kitchen. We lowered kitchen window sills so that as parties spill out to the garden, guests would feel connected to the action inside and out. We wrapped the garden with a tall wall to shape an exterior room and shelter it from wind.
We designed a private guest suite on the main living level, a sprawling master bedroom suite on the third floor, and a secondary unit on the lower level.
The original architecture of this Queen Ann house was enhanced, even while we incorporated modern and Japanese design elements. A modern, stucco exterior integrated several prior remodels and repairs into a dignified, low-maintenance whole.
“[We] wanted someone who would listen... Michael was a very good listener. He has a great talent for melding new and old architecture. It's been a very pleasant experience.” - JA