Project Spotlight: Urban Homestead
California Bungalow Renovation in the South Bay…
Simple changes can have the biggest impact, and when it comes to renovating a home with a history, understanding the original architectural style is paramount.
Nestled under an old Acacia tree on a quiet corner near downtown Mountain View, the bright yellow exterior and shady front porch of a sweet 1920 California bungalow caught our client's eye. However, its postage-sized backyard and a meandering front yard felt underutilized and disconnected from the house, the existing bedrooms were small, and the placement of the back door created a too-busy path through the kitchen.
The couple wanted to live in the Bay Area long-term, but also knew that as their lifestyle needs changed over the years, they would need to upgrade the home for longevity, beauty, and comfort. Our design approach begins with getting to know the people, and digging deep to really understand how their home needs to function now and into the future.
We removed the existing dining room windows to make way for a new outdoor connection with gorgeous French doors, and now the owners can make use of their lovely corner yard.
We created a small porch for outdoor cooking that connects to the shaded patio so family and friends have outdoor space to gather year ‘round, taking advantage of the temperate Silicon Valley climate.
We rethought and reconfigured the back of the house to allow for a primary bedroom with an en suite bathroom. Now the warm-toned, light-filled space opens onto the new back patio with beautiful views of the garden outside.
By repositioning the kitchen and adding an island, we created more of an intimate and dedicated space for whipping up creative recipes in the kitchen, a beloved pastime for the homeowners, while still allowing easy passage to the relocated backdoor and adjacent sunroom.
Throughout the design process, we kept the character of this charming 1920 California bungalow top of mind to ensure that the renovation felt true to the character of the house. Attention to detail and warm finishes give the home—including the new spaces—an air of permanence, as though they had always been there.
Interested in your own ADU or renovation?
Feel free to contact us at hello@studiomaven.com or 415-494-8255.
Photographer: Gillian Walsworth