INTERIOR  DESIGN  &  RENOVATIONS


GREEN REMODEL OF SAN FRANCISCO KITCHEN

The Space: A large kitchen with dark oak cabinetry and heavy tile work from the late 1980s in a San Francisco residence built in the 1930s.The room was defined by a “U” shaped work area bounded on one side by a peninsula which doubled as a work space and a side-by-side dining area for two people. While dining at the peninsula one’s back was turned away from any natural light and a view of the beautiful backyard.

The Need: The client wanted a lighter, updated look with only a minor reconfiguration of the space which, after 15 years of use, seemed to work well for him. He asked for a simple “green” aesthetic design with clean lines which would complement the style of the rest of his home.
 

Before Before

Photo: I-1

The Solution: Knowing there was still sufficient perimeter counter space for the client’s needs, InHouse eliminated the peninsula work station and opened up the kitchen to allow for the client’s recently purchased “period” dining table. The table allowed diners to face the backyard while permitting for more than two diners at a time. Equally important, it was perfect for informal entertaining in the kitchen, something that was not possible with the old configuration.

To address the client’s request for a “green” solution, many of the oak cabinets were retained and refinished a lighter color. Simple Shaker single panel doors, some with patterned glass and some solid, replaced the original doors. Drawers were replaced, new knobs and pulls were installed, and pull-out shelves were added in all cabinets for maximum accessibility. Where the former peninsula met the perimeter cabinetry, new cabinets and drawers were built to address the need for general storage, garbage, and recycling. The walls and ceiling were finished in painted beadboard. A stepped crown moulding was added as an accent to all wall cabinets but not to the perimeter walls so that the beadboard could flow seamlessly from wall to ceiling. 
 


Photo: I-2


Photo: I-3 - Crown Moulding Detail for Wall Cabinets

A sculptural stainless steel hood, superimposed on a full height stainless steel backsplash, replaced a former cabinet. The hood hovers over a new five burner cooktop and a versatile stainless steel countertop. The countertops in the rest of the kitchen were sheathed in an Italian laminate with a fibrous texture composed of recycled cardboard. The linoleum floor, set in a large checkerboard pattern, was also a “green” solution. Recessed lighting was added over the work and dining spaces. Blown glass pendant lights were hung over the sink and an adjacent work area for both utility and drama. InHouse was responsible for the entire design and execution of the renovation including color consultation, electrical and lighting design.

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BUNGALOW BATHROOM REMODEL

The Space: The only bathroom in a bungalow from the early part of the last century. The unheated room, last renovated in the 1980s, had a newer sink and toilet as well as an old claw foot tub. 

The Need:  Aside from retaining the existing sink and toilet, the clients wanted an entirely new updated look. They wanted to replace the claw foot tub with a shower while maximizing storage in this small room. They asked for a design which was sympathetic to the bungalow style of their home.
 

Before

   
Before Original Claw Foot Tub     Photo I-5 New Shower

Photo: I-4 After
      

Photo: I-6 Tile/Beadboard Detail By New Shower
   

 
Photo I-7 Interior of Storage Cabinet by Shower
 
Photo I-8 Make-up Drawer
The Solution: The existing bathroom was demolished down to the studs. New plumbing, a new window and a wall heater were integrated into the design. The toilet was relocated a few inches to the right while the claw foot tub was replaced by a shower balanced on each side by storage cabinets with pull out shelves and integrated laundry baskets. The top of each cabinet features a lit display niche while towel racks serve as pulls for the lower cabinet doors.

By the owners’ request, the original sink was retained but the faucets were replaced. New lighting and a new medicine cabinet were installed above the sink and recessed fixtures were added in the ceiling.

The new shower plays a prominent design role. Its frameless glass corners elegantly extend into the bathroom while the two adjacent storage cabinets are recessed to allow the shower further prominence.

An unsightly storage cabinet next to the sink was replaced by a graceful wall-hung bowed front drawer with a glass top. Aside from supporting a towel rack for the adjacent sink, the drawer provides ample space for the client’s makeup and other accessories.

The two entry doors which opened into the bathroom were replaced by pocket doors to open up the previously claustrophobic space. One of the pocket doors has a decorative glass panel to allow light from the bathroom to penetrate into the adjacent bedroom.

Strategically placed outlets allow for additional uses which require power. The walls and ceiling were covered by painted beadboard and the ceramic tile has an “Arts and Crafts” color scheme to complement  the style of the home . Working with a General Contractor, InHouse was responsible for the entire design and execution of the renovation including tile and fixture selection, color consultation, electrical and lighting.

 
    
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MASTER BEDROOM REDESIGN

The Space: A master bedroom in a recently purchased renovated home

The Need: To design a warm, welcoming space which reflected the client’s personality. New furnishings, lighting, window and floor coverings, carpeting, insulation and a reconfiguration and redesign of a secondary closet were all required.

 

Before

Photo: I-9
The Solution: The redesign of the wall behind the bed in mahogany with a harlequin pattern that plays with grain direction. The space behind the new bed was further accented with a protruding mahogany wall which reflected the height of the adjacent clerestory windows and served as a backdrop for the new headboard. Furnishings, window and bed coverings were designed to complement the new look.

 

Before

CONVERSION OF A MASTER BEDROOM CLOSET FROM UTILITARIAN TO ELEGANT

The Space: A master bedroom second closet.

The Need: Rebuild and redesign this secondary closet to reflect the redesign of the rest of the room while adding built-ins for shoes, shirts and pants.

The Solution: InHouse redesigned the closet creating a more compact solution by boxing in the interior pipes which ran through one side of the existing closet closet and eliminating them from the ultimate solution. The result looks as good on the outside as it does on the interior. The doors are mahogany with a harlequin pattern that plays with the direction of the grain. The closet interior is also mahogany with room for shoes, pull out shelves for clothes, and racks for hanging clothes. A full length mirror was inset in each door.

Photo: I-10 Closet doors closed Photo: I-10 Closet doors open




REDESIGNING AND PERSONALIZING A NEW HOME

The Space: A recently purchased home less than a year old.

The Need: To redesign some unworkable/poorly design spaces throughout the house with traditionally inspired solutions that reflected the clients’ lifestyle and needs.

The Solutions:

HALLWAY CONVERSION

The lower hall was redesigned to become an extension of the adjacent home office/media room and houses much of the clients’ library. Cherry wood with a distressed finish. InHouse designed the lighting and electrical improvements and consulted on the room color. Electrical, cabinetry and sheetrock improvements were all facilitated by InHouse.

Before Photo I-11





Before
REDESIGN OF A KITCHEN/FAMILY ROOM BAR

The kitchen/family room entry was bisected by an unattractive counter. InHouse designed a circular bar which softens the entry, directing guests either right towards the kitchen or left into the family room. Incorporated into the bar are shelves for the clients’ cook books. To serve as a focal point when entering the space, a lit arched display niche with glass shelves was added near the redesigned bar area. Cherry stained/finished to match existing kitchen cabinetry. Electrical, cabinetry and sheetrock improvements were all facilitated by InHouse.



Photo: I-12

Photo: I-13




REDESIGN OF A FAMILY ROOM WALL

The fireplace wall in the family room was utilitarian at best. InHouse redesigned the entire wall, lowered the fireplace, designed a brick hearth and mantle and added open shelving and a closed cabinet with pocket doors to house the flat screen TV and peripherals. A built-in niche for stacked wood (not shown) and crown molding was also part of the solution. Electrical, cabinetry and fireplace improvements were all facilitated by InHouse.


Before


Photo: I-14


Photo: I-15 Cabinet doors open

Photo: I-15 Cabinet doors closed






Before
DESIGN AND INSTALLATION OF AN
OVER-MANTLE CABINET

The master bedroom had an inset box for a TV over the existing mantle. The Clients’ asked for a cost effective/easy solution to mask the box. InHouse painted the mantle and built a similarly colored sympathetic cabinet above it which hid the TV and its components. The solution looked like one tall painted unit.



Photo: I-16 Cabinet doors closed

Photo: I-16 Cabinet doors open

Custom Designed Home Offices, Entertainment Centers, Media Rooms, Wall Beds, TV Cabinets, Home Libraries, Specialty Environments & Built-in Cabinetry

Serving the residents of the SF Bay Area and the northern Sonoma-southern Mendocino coastal
communities near Sea Ranch, CA.

415 824-9266 (SF Studio)
707 785-1928 (Sea Ranch Studio)
Email us at mark@inhousesf.com