An original American Craftsman home constructed in 1912, the Mira Monte Residence was a prime example of a major renovation that shaped the conflicting styles of prior remodels into a cohesive and elegant Craftsman home. When our clients first approached HartmanBaldwin for this project, they were ready to take the next step in creating the home they had always envisioned for their family. Their prior experience with a different architect was less than ideal. Because of this, they searched for a full-service firm with extensive experience with Craftsman homes and would keep their wants and needs in mind throughout the process.

Because of the layout of the house and driveway, the north end of the house always served as a more natural entrance to our clients than the actual front door. So, while the redesign initially focused on the back entryway of the home, the mismatched aesthetics and isolation between rooms from prior designs led our clients to consider a more comprehensive remodel befitting of the contemporary Craftsman style.

Exterior

The exterior renovation of the home coincided with an interior expansion of 186 square feet. This made room to transform the small patio on the west side of the home and provide more entertainment space. A giant and beautiful Coast Live Oak Tree already conveniently shaded the patio. Because of this, the new design incorporated this natural feature. We worked with an arborist to ensure we could keep it safe and healthy during construction. We carefully cut parts of the tree to maintain it. This created enough room for the new deck and expansion of the kitchen and family room.

Kitchen

The 1950s kitchen clashed with the style of the home and main living area. Our clients wanted a bright, airy space to enjoy with family and friends. New steel French doors and windows in a burnished bronze finish complement the space’s other accessories. A new Taj Mahal quartzite countertop from Brazil resembles Italian marble in appearance. However, it is much more durable since it does not have the scratching and etching issues of marble. The combination of cherry cabinetry and a unique handmade Motawi tile backsplash in a dazzling pear color vividly completes the home’s Craftsman aesthetic. It is bright and dynamic, while still appearing tastefully in line with its classic style.

Staircase

The design team relocated the steep, dark, and narrow staircase from the central part of the home to the hallway behind the kitchen, improving access to a previously converted attic. The new stairs provide safer access. It also anchors the space with their detailing and warm cherry finish that complements the new hardwood floors.

Design Details

The team upgraded other elements of the home to match the same heightened aesthetic and function. An example of this was in the dining room. The team carefully preserved the original built-in hutch and relocated it to an adjacent wall to accommodate the kitchen expansion. The hutch was refinished, and a new handmade Motawi tile backsplash was then added to complete the look. In the living room, a little facelift for the fireplace was planned. However, upon closer inspection, major safety issues were discovered. Once repaired, the fireplace was retiled with handcrafted Motawi field and Halsted accent tiles, highlighting the beauty of the Arts and Crafts style.

Mudroom

The new mudroom is now an elegant entrance for guests. It also provides expanded storage space to help a young busy family easy access to personal items like backpacks, purses, and briefcases.

The Mira Monte Residence is now a shining example of how to thoughtfully remodel a vintage home for a modern-day lifestyle. It showcases the best of the California Craftsman style with its elegant yet casual interior that seamlessly integrates outdoor spaces. To learn more about this project, visit our portfolio.

Ready to schedule your consultation?

Tell us about your project below: