East Bay homes are far from the cookie-cutter houses we often see in the movies. From neighbor to neighbor, homes in our area differ from each other in all the best ways possible! It’s no wonder that many homeowners approach us wanting to protect the vintage bones of their homes. Having worked in the local area for over 30 years, we carry a deep understanding of older, East Bay residences and take pride in our ability to maintain the unique character of the home our client’s fell in love with.
Is your home full of history that you want to preserve, but also in need of a refresh?
Here are some examples of how our design and production teams bring in updated amenities while honoring a home’s history and working within the parameters of the existing space:
1900’s Bathroom Remodel
This classic clawfoot tub was originally tucked into the tiny bathroom of a Victorian home. It stood apart from a hodgepodge of DIY improvements seen through the years and our clients envisioned a new life for it as a centerpiece in their bright, eclectic, Boho-inspired primary bathroom. The tub was shifted to a new location in the expanded bathroom, refinished, and outfitted with a brand new matte black faucet.
1910’s Bathroom Remodel
Informed by wood built-ins and original light fixtures found in other areas of our clients’ Craftsman period home, we kept the unique stained glass transom window in this bathroom remodel and added handcrafted built-in shelving and a picture trim rail that echo design elements throughout the rest of the home. A new vanity and industrial, oil rubbed bronze sconces reflect the original Craftsman aesthetic.
1920’s Bathroom Remodel
Though this bathroom is in sync with current trends, the rounded cast iron tub is an antique dating back to the Roaring ‘20s when the house was built. In the spirit of environmental friendliness, and to pay homage to the home’s roots, the tub was salvaged from a first floor bathroom and relocated to the second story in this bathroom remodel.
1940’s Bathroom Remodel
Glass blocks were an original element in this custom 1940s home in Kensington. Keeping them in this bathroom remodel was a choice that not only preserved the home’s history and its place as part of the character of the local community, but also simplified the permit process as significant changes to the exterior would have prompted a more rigorous permit review.
1950’s Kitchen Remodel
With clerestory windows and a vaulted, white shiplap ceiling, there’s no mistaking this home’s mid-century origins. Taking cues from these features, which also overlap with a coastal design aesthetic, our team removed a wall in this kitchen remodel to open up the space and brought in brand new kitchen cabinetry in a driftwood finish to brighten and enhance this home’s modern, beachy vibe.
Remodels don’t have to completely wipe the slate clean! We’d love to learn more about the historic features of your unique home that made you fall in love in the first place. Reach out to us today to schedule a complimentary in-home consultation and we’ll help preserve the integrity of your home while bringing new life to your space!