Bay Area Home Remodeling Including Bathroom and Kitchen Remodeling in Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, Palo Alto ...

This was accomplished by removing a number of interior walls to create an open floor plan with multi-use spaces and reconfiguring adjacencies for a more functional flow.

To increase the home’s curb appeal, a centrally-located bump-out was added for an entry and foyer with coffered ceiling. A new half bath located close to the living areas was also added as was and a master bedroom suite with an enlarged upscale bathroom and his-and her-closets. The kitchen was moved and enlarged with room for an island with seating and serves as the hub of the home in the center of the living room, dining room, and family room. The office was enlarged and moved to the front of the home to more easily accommodate business visitors. Overall, the new configuration makes the interior of the home feel and function as a much larger space because of the open floor plan with unobscured views to nearby rooms.

All new siding, windows, trim, doors, and door hardware were installed. A number of windows were enlarged to increase natural lighting. The roof was reframed to create a more pleasing silhouette with a second peak above the new entrance. The exterior received a new roof, stucco, and cultured stone siding, new light fixtures, and a paver stone driveway.

The home’s energy efficiency was increased with a new dual-zone HVAC system, LED lighting throughout the home, a whole house fan, and an on-demand water heater. For additional energy efficiency and comfort, radiant barrier sheeting was installed prior to the installation of the new roof.

The exterior also lacked architectural detail. Our goals for this design + build project were to:

1. Improve the architectural integrity and appearance of the home
2. Enhance the functionality of each room and the flow between them
3. Create a large chef’s kitchen with a floor plan designed for entertaining
4. Add a master suite with a spa-like ambiance
5. Remodel daughter’s bedroom and bath with a Hollywood Glam theme
6. Use high-end materials but assure that the house is very comfortable–not formal or fussy

The original structure was “lopsided” with a second story built only on one side. The garage was single story and flat-roofed. An addition of approximately 700 sq ft was added to the second story to create a master bedroom and bath suite, and to bump-out of a small bedroom to create a professional home office. On the front exterior, the home’s flat façade and shed roof did nothing to enhance the home’s appearance. A gabled timber-framed entry porch with stone columns and additional roof and window gables provide the symmetry and architectural interest that was missing. On the first floor, small bump-outs were added to the dining and family rooms to create a more open floor plan. The existing family room was on a different level and cut off from the kitchen. Now the rooms are on the same level and flow smoothly into each other. The gourmet kitchen with large island, walk-in pantry, and professional appliances is perfect for entertaining. A bulk storage pantry and half-bath were configured where the former laundry room existed. The flow is functional and relaxed. The finished home is just shy of 4,000 sq ft. The daughter’s bedroom borrowed space from neighboring rooms and was re-configured to include a private bath and walk-in closet. Former bedrooms were re-purposed as a laundry/sewing room, professional office and guest room- creating a place for everything. Throughout the home, the family’s love of nature inspired the choices of a soft color palette, organic textures and natural materials that are luxurious but not at all fussy.

The floor plan was broken up into several small rooms making the circulation poor.

The main focus of this remodel was to create an open floor layout, maintaining the original footprint while improving the flow between the kitchen, dining room , study area and family room. In the kitchen we replaced out dated appliances, cabinets, counter tops and fixtures. The cook top was moved from the island to the back wall creating a strong focal point and provided additional counter space. The former wet bar was converted into a workspace and study area for the kids. The master bath was also transformed from an outdated bathroom with oak cabinets, chrome fixtures and white tile with dark grout and dull and inefficient lighting to an elegant spa getaway. We began with replacing the enclosed set-in tub to a Whirlpool freestanding tub. The chrome encased shower was replaced with a frameless shower, enabling them to view the shower accent of Akdo Carrara marble mosaic stones.

All natural Stone, Carrara honed marble tile floors and White Princess polished Granite together with the custom dark walnut cabinets made for a dramatic contrast. Added touches such as the chandelier and rain frosted windows added to the classic and serene ambiance. The little girls room upstairs was a typical sized bedroom without much character. The high ceilings that existed above the closet resulted in dead space and was not finished off for additional storage. The client used their own vision and creativity as an opportunity to build a loft area in which her daughter could express herself and have a space that is all her own.

This 3 bedroom, 2 ½ bath home had very little maintenance over the years and the objective was to transform the worn interior and bring color, life and personality to the home.

In addition to the remodeled rooms showcased in this project, the full home remodel included the following: new doors, windows & molding throughout, all new flooring throughout, paint all interior and exterior, new plumbing, electrical fixtures and re-roof with new fascia and gutters and downspouts.

Minimal square footage was added only to the office to allow for the master bath expansion. All of the former metal windows throughout the home were replaced with Milgard Fiberglass windows for better insulation and were framed with a wood clad interior and then stained which added the warmth of real wood. The clients expressed needs were outlined as follows:

• Keep the layout and footprint the same, contemporize the look and feel of the home but to ‘not go over the top’.
• Keep the design calm, visually quiet and to have the feeling of living with nature and incorporate subtle elements of the Far East.
• Make it an energy efficient home by including all led lighting, a new foam roof, double pain windows and a gas fireplace.
• Focus on the following areas of the home: the foyer, fireplace, kitchen & breakfast area, master bath and hall bath.

The Foyer:  Inspired by Asian elements of simplicity, the entry’s dated ceramic tile was replaced with natural black slate and is carried throughout the foyer and into the adjacent living room fireplace wall. The fireplace was designed to create a better focal point for the living room. The custom mantel was built with Cherry wood and adds warmth and contrast to the dark slate. Master Bath:  A dated tub with chrome shower doors was transformed into an open curb-less shower. The shower is lined with bamboo-inspired ceramic tiles and flat Venetian Graphite pebbles on the back shower wall to evoke the feeling of a waterfall and continues on the shower floor to the tub resembling a stream.  The pebbles provides anti-slip properties, adds interest and carries the nature theme to the tub. Radiant heat was installed in the master bath and warms the Max Black Lappato porcelain tile floors. The master bath vanity top is rare exotic granite with a strong pebble-like pattern called Golden Mariachi. Earth tones and gray colored rocks are embedded in a black background. This fascinating counter was chosen by the client – a piece they fell in love with because of the elements in nature that it represents. Kitchen: In the kitchen the homeowners wanted to keep the layout and the color of the floor exactly the same. The old linoleum was replaced with Giallo Travertine, a gold natural stone. The oak cabinets were replaced with rich cherry wood with a pecan finish. The new kitchen window was pushed out toward the exterior which provides depth and a deeper sill for plants. It was also framed to match the other doors and windows throughout the home.

Our goals were to bring the structure to current standards structurally and maximize energy efficiency, functionality, and aesthetics. We were to retain the home’s footprint, unless to increase it significantly benefits the flow and function. The homeowners had previously installed an expansive greenhouse window and wanted the open feeling it created extended through the whole home. This was accomplished with the addition of the clerestory that runs the length of the house. Bringing in an abundance of natural light throughout the day, the clerestory also provides ventilation and the architectural integrity that was lacking in the original structure. It makes every room feel more spacious. A 63 sq. ft. foyer bump-out is the only addition to the home’s original footprint and it now provides an attractive transition from the exterior to the interior space as well as a convenience place to put on coats and shoes before departing and a place for mail and keys upon arriving home. The remaining flow and function improvements in this “Not-So-BigTM” home were gained by reconfiguring interior walls. Energy-efficient construction techniques and materials were employed throughout the house including fiber cement siding, a steel, standing-seam “Cool Roof,” radiant barrier underlayment, and foam insulation. Energy efficient windows and doors, lighting, appliances, HVAC, and fixtures and finishes were also installed. An innovative, automated, window control system was conceived to create an air flow “chimney” from the first floor through the clerestory— a whole-house air exchange leveraging prevailing canyon air currents. One of the most rewarding aspects of the project is that the owners told us that we solved problems and removed obstacles they hadn’t fully recognized they had. As an example, the original plans completed by another firm left the kitchen in original 5′ x 7′ configuration. We suggested that two interior walls be moved to extend both the kitchen and bedroom into the living area— about 3′ (originally consumed by kitchen cabinets living in the main room) This created an 8′ x 7′ galley kitchen, completely transforming the experience of that space. A similar solution was suggested for the placement of the HVAC return duct behind a bathroom cabinet, in a space that would have otherwise have been wasted. Craftsmanship is something the homeowners valued: “We appreciate the rear stairs, bathroom tile, stone shower and floors, removal of library door (absence of extraneous features is a positive feature) matching of superstructure to existing foundation (non-square issues); beautiful stained wood window/door frames and molding—all mitered, all perfectly-matched. The overall solidity of construction- there’s nothing “fake” in the house— it’s all rock-solid and exactly what it appears to be— something we’re still discovering and appreciating every day.” The term Not-So-Big is a trademark of Sarah Susanska. For more information see her website.

The main goal of the homeowner was to improve the home’s overall flow and function with an open floor plan that allows visual access to multiple rooms and maintained the traditional style throughout the house.

We added 200 sq. ft. to the front of the home for an entry foyer, laundry room and full-size bathroom. Interior walls were removed and/or opened and ceiling height raised to make the whole house look and feel larger than it is and to create a multi-use Great room used for entertainment and dining. Space from other rooms was borrowed to create a larger gourmet kitchen with high-end appliances, adequate storage, and prep areas for multiple cooks.

After looking for three years to find the perfect home in the location they desired, they decided to have HCI design and build their new home instead of continuing the search. The requirements of their dream home: Walking distance to downtown Campbell, Craftsman style design elements, a big backyard, pool & spa and a vegetable garden.  It should be the home they live day to day and one they could age in place.  Although it took approx. a year to get the design completed and permits acquired, we began the build process and in 8 months, it was completed (and 1 day after the schedule date!) Originally, the clients started the process with thoughts that the home should be a one story home and approx. 2,500 sq. ft. However, after all of their design requirements were met, the final project ended up to be a 3,019 sq. ft. two story home. Not only did they end up with the home they dreamed of,  but many wonderful features that they are thrilled with, including: A huge master closet 6.5’ x 13.9’, a utility room that serves as a pantry, laundry room and mud room for their dog, a great room fireplace that serves as an indoor/ outdoor fireplace. What makes this home particular welcoming is the 8’ x 9’ foyer and extra wide hallways which are 6-8 ft wide instead of the usual 3’ – 4’ wide hallways. While the home is two stories, the Universal Design was incorporated with the long term goal of living on the first floor in later years. Therefore, the master suite is on the main floor, as well as other amenities, and the upstairs becomes guest or other flex space.

The entire house received new doors, windows and moldings. In phase two, an addition created a more spacious dining area and exterior was updated with new stucco siding, architectural woodwork and trim.

its generous 6-bedroom, 4-bath size. And, because the Floor Area Ratio (FAR) was maximized, the design challenge was to reconfigure the existing interior space, rather than add square footage. To accomplish this, the first floor entry, kitchen, and family room were reconfigured into more expansive and visually open plan.

Honed Travertine stone pavers in a Pavio Antigua pattern were installed in the entry, laundry room, and bath. Elegant, Brazilian Cherry hardwood floors were installed in the remaining first floor rooms and second floor hallways. The existing wrought iron stair rail was faux-finished in antique bronze and topped with a bronze stair rail cap. Mouth-blown glass fixtures and a patterned carpet runner completed the entry. The new layout in the kitchen and family room area dramatically improved the ease of meal preparation, family activities, and entertaining. This convenience was enhanced with custom-made cherry cabinets, stainless steel appliances, Vyera granite countertops, and a tumbled slate and glass backsplash. Reconfigured with two walk-in closets, the master suite how hosts a jetted spa tub and an elegant walk-in shower. Dramatic Opera Fantastico marble tops the creamy painted vanity and is offset by the Botticino marble shower and floors. His-and-hers work areas, a large storage closet and double French doors completed the office. All other bathrooms were updated with new cabinetry, marble or granite countertops, and stone or tile floors. The children’s bedrooms received new closet doors, moldings and plush carpet. In addition, new arch-topped doors, dual pane windows, lighting, audio, security and Internet connections were installed throughout the entire home. Using a Mediterranean theme for inspiration, the house was finished with warm paint colors and rich fabric textures.