The clients’ primary goal was to create a kitchen that better supported their growing family’s needs for daily function, flexibility, and long-term usability. At the heart of the design was a thoughtful balance between preserving the home’s original character and enhancing it for modern life. We honored the existing wood paneling, celebrated the architectural integrity of the house, and emphasized the sweeping views, all while introducing new elements to support a more functional, family-friendly layout.

One of the biggest challenges came from coordinating around an on-site tenant, which limited direct access to the home and affected the pace of early design milestones. From delayed site walks to trade visits requiring rescheduling, our team remained flexible and communicative throughout the process to keep the project moving forward.

The home itself presented its own set of complexities. As with many older homes, the construction revealed surprises beneath the surface. Inconsistent wall thicknesses, awkward transitions between rooms, and outdated appliances required a reimagining of the home’s infrastructure. Once demolition began, we discovered the house was significantly out of level—prompting a structural update. The clients agreed that this proactivity would significantly improve the longevity of their home.

The final result is a kitchen that blends heritage with utility—rich in character, deeply functional, and designed to serve the family well for years to come.