featured project
Residence in Northridge California
Northridge, CA
The owner of the house in Northridge, CA is a young professional whose goal is to retire in her house. She anticipates her needs in 10 to 20 years will be different. She would like her house to be modern, comfortable, easy to move around in, and to have a grey and white color scheme. An animal-friendly interior is also important to her. While working through the layouts, the need for a garage ADU conversion for potential extra income became eminent as well.
a/k/a creatives designed an open kitchen layout, and expanded the living room and bathroom with minimal cost for the main house. The wall that once isolated kitchen was removed. The exterior walls were relocated to the edge of existing roof line, avoiding extra work on the roof. For the kitchen, plumbing lines were kept intact. Bathroom fixtures were minimally relocated while creating a larger bathroom with easy access to the washer/dryer.
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The new wall facing the backyard received full-height double sliding doors with fixed panels, letting natural light into the living space. The wood burning fireplace, which was tucked in the corner and didn’t meet its full potential, became a focal point as you enter the house. Built-in book shelf with storage space under flanked fireplace created cozy space for the owner to relax.
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View from relocated entry
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View from open kitchen
A well-lit open kitchen with expansive cooking island doubles as a place of entertainment. The owner can cook, entertain guests and still keep eyes on her dogs. Full-height cabinetry is extended to the dining area creating much needed storage while taking up minimal space. The dining room, marked by a statement light fixture, is open and airy while still maintaining a cozy intimate feel by the window.
All finishes were selected to give enough contrast without being overwhelming. Lightings were carefully placed so that they provide enough brightness where needed the most. Cabinet and hardware were carefully designed and selected so that they will be easy to use as she grows older. All windows, floors, insulation, lighting will be updated to create an energy efficient home.
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View from dining area
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View from living room area
Below, you will see before and after floor plans as well as before photos of the house.
Demo plan - Dashed lines show where demolished.
New Plan - Solid black lines show new walls
Photo of old kitchen
Photo of old dining area
Photo of old living room area
