With tall ceilings and tons of light, the existing space for their kitchen in this Alameda Victorian was already just the right size. However, the old cabinets were dysfunctional for their family and they knew it needed an update. We chose to accentuate the high ceilings by adding a row of small cabinets above the upper wall cabinets. We also kept the original built-in hutch and had the hardware replaced to make it fully functional again. We used inset doors and drawers with mechanical latches to give the cabinets a feeling of authenticity. For a personal touch, our homeowners found an antique furniture piece that they transformed into their island. Drafting Cafe provided the cabinets for this kitchen.

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This charming Spanish Colonial home had many original details that directed the aesthetic of this kitchen. The kitchen was not much more than a hallway, with a laundry room at the rear. We felt it was important to provide our homeowners with better access and view of their rear yard, so we took down the wall between kitchen and laundry. We also removed the wall between the dining room and kitchen, and added a decorative beam to match the existing beams throughout the home. With new cabinets and appliances to complete the remodel, the most was made of a small space. Drafting Cafe provided the cabinets for this kitchen.

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Being a typical flat in San Francisco, the kitchen was utilitarian and separated from other spaces in the home. Fortunately, it was at the rear of the home next to a living room, with views over the Mission District. We set to work removing the wall between the kitchen and the living area, creating a great room space for the family to come together. Instead of a fixed kitchen island, we proposed a unique detail for the smaller great room – a custom-made picnic bench for meals and prep. The table is more flexible than an island, allowing them to push the benches underneath and around the space, depending on their needs for the space. Drafting Cafe provided the cabinets for this kitchen.

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After settling their family into this untouched mid-century gem in Piedmont, they set to work making it a “livable modern”. We were called in to sort out the kitchen. The space was large but included unused space for a kitchen table right next to the dining room. We removed the peninsula and added an extensive island that filled into this eat-in area. Half the island is custom grain-matched walnut drawers, and the other half is open below for 5 counter-height stools. The family now eats every meal around the kitchen island. Drafting Cafe provided the cabinets for this kitchen.

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Situated on a slightly sloped corner lot, this front-and-center rancher was ready for a facelift. The bones spoke of an unrealized ambition to become a prairie-style craftsman, with several unique level changes and rooflines that reflected the slope of the hillside. We introduced a water table as a continuous horizontal band to visually ground the busy facade. Beams, windows, and doors were cased in stained hardwood on the interior while several fireplaces keep rooms cozy and warm.

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After working hard on the peninsula for many years, our homeowners wanted to play in Santa Cruz in their retirement. They lucked out when they found a property just blocks from the cliffs in Santa Cruz. It had been severely neglected over the years, so they knew it would be a complete renovation. They requested a second story addition to capture a view of the ocean, and clean, open living space connected to the outdoors. Today, they can be found drinking coffee on one of their patios or just returning from a walk to the lighthouse.

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After living in New Mexico for many years, our homeowners chose to retire in Concord, CA to be closer to the grandkids. As an artist, she wanted a wide open living space to display her artwork. By tearing out a wall between the kitchen and the living room, we were able to create a wonderful space to showcase her art collection. Our homeowners also required a more modern master suite, so we added a new bathroom and walk-in closet into the side yard.

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While the existing kitchen and dining room in this Berkeley home had plenty of space, the partition between the two rooms made the dining area much too large - while stifling the kitchen. Removing the partition allowed the kitchen to take over space it desparately needed. We're proud that our client broke the mold and did not require the sink.Our homeowner had already done a wonderful job renovating the exterior of her Alameda craftsman home. Next on her list was to capture the basement space and remodel her kitchen. Because her foundation needed to be replaced and Alameda’s planning process made lifting her home a difficult proposition, we opted to excavate about two feet to achieve a comfortable ceiling height.

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