This 1910 Craftsman home is a great example of what a truly thoughtful remodel can achieve. With convoluted dual staircases, a lack of primary suite, no powder room, and a very cramped, outdated kitchen this 100+ year old home in Portland Heights was in need of a design overhaul!
The original floor plan was quite a labyrinth to navigate. In lieu of a more circular, dispersed floor plan, everything besides the front door was accessed through the rear kitchen. Perhaps the most cumbersome and awkward feature of the home was its two separate sets of stairs in the cramped kitchen–one to access the lower level and garage and one to access the upstairs bedrooms and bath. By flipping the direction of the upper stairs (to create access from the foyer) and aligning the basement stairs below it (with access from the kitchen) an entire staircase was removed from the interior of the home allowing for an expansion of the kitchen without touching the footprint of the original home.
Speaking of kitchens–wow, this one is beautiful: matte white shaker-style custom cabinetry in a U-shaped layout with quartz countertops and a warm, fresh take on classic square white backsplash tile. Anchored by a butcher block topped island in the center, the kitchen takes full advantage of the additional square footage gained from the removal of the original basement stairs. Thermador appliances and champagne gold hardware are highlighted by the sunlight from the additional window above the lovely porcelain farmhouse sink. A little eat-in nook is also tucked in the corner by being able to fill in the former doorway to the original main level bedrooms and hall bath.
On the main level, two small bedrooms and the hall bath were combined into one well-proportioned primary suite that has a quick and comfortable connection to the additional bedrooms upstairs. Whereas the original single bath on the main level could only be reached by walking through the living room, dining room, and kitchen the new powder room is easily accessible to guests and is centrally located next to the new staircase leading upstairs.
What was once one of the most awkward floorplans we have ever been challenged with now flows gracefully and intuitively–dramatically improving the home’s functionality for its homeowners.
