This Berkeley renovation reimagines the front of the home as an open, light-filled, and intimately connected living environment. By listening closely to the family’s needs and understanding how they inhabit the space, we drew inspiration from the home’s original character to shape a design that feels both natural and intentional. The living room and dining room were reconfigured through the removal of the existing fireplace, allowing the spaces to flow together and bringing the front of the house into a more harmonious, connected sequence.

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The ceiling was opened to create a vaulted volume, lifting the space and amplifying daylight, while a new skylight draws sunlight deep into the heart of the home. These gestures honor the essence of the original structure while shaping it for contemporary life.

The kitchen renovation continues this approach, featuring warm, natural-toned cabinetry realized through local craftsmanship. The space balances practicality with a sense of quiet elegance, supporting daily life while remaining visually and spatially connected to the living and dining areas.

Designed for a young couple, their daughter, Sasha the dog, and the family cat, the project embraces both rhythm and intimacy. The result is a home that feels alive with light, openness, and a subtle poetry that reflects the way its inhabitants live, play, and gather.

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