berkeley lake

We were thrilled to assist these new homeowners in reimagining their split-level diamond in the rough. The potential within those walls was evident, and we eagerly embraced the opportunity to transform the spaces. Our primary objective was to revitalize the main level of the home, creating a seamless flow between areas.

To achieve this, we began by converting the existing single-car garage into a new living room, complete with a modern fireplace. We then opened up the kitchen to enhance connectivity throughout the main level. The result is a beautifully cohesive space that perfectly blends functionality and style, making the most of every square inch in their new home.

Modern dining area with a wooden table, cushioned chairs, and two glass pendant lights. A chandelier hangs in the background, and artwork and plants decorate the space. Part of a kitchen counter with a flower and scissors in the foreground.

tABLE OF CONTENTS

THE kitchen

Modern kitchen with white cabinets, blue geometric tile backsplash, wooden accents, and a window above the sink.
A modern kitchen windowsill with a potted plant, a cutting board, candles, and a decorative jar with teal geometric tile backsplash and white cabinets.
Close-up of a wooden cutting board with a potted plant, a glass candle, and a cookbook on a light-colored countertop.

The original kitchen was compact and somewhat isolated from the rest of the home. By removing the coat closet, we transformed the space into a beautifully open and light-filled kitchen. Our goal was to design a space that seamlessly connected with the other areas of the home while providing ample room for multiple cooks.

We opted for clean white cabinetry around the perimeter, with a striking blue island to add a splash of personality. For a touch of fun, we incorporated vibrant Escher tile on the backsplash and complemented the look with brass accents in the hardware and light fixtures. Throughout the home, we introduced warm wood accents, and the kitchen was no exception, featuring custom floating shelves and a graceful waterfall butcher block countertop on the island. The result is a cohesive and inviting kitchen that enhances the overall flow and character of the home.

Modern kitchen with white cabinets, blue hexagonal tile backsplash, wooden island, and two white woven chairs.

the dining room

Interior dining room with a wooden table decorated with vases of green foliage, a modern brass and globe chandelier overhead, a staircase with black metal railing, blue accent wall with a framed photo, and a sideboard with candles and a white bowl.
Modern living and dining room with a wooden dining table, gray chairs, a blue sofa, a fireplace, artwork on the wall, plants, and a gold chandelier.
A dining room with a large wooden table, gray upholstered chairs, a chandelier, framed landscape photos on a blue wall, and green potted plants.

The dining room, once serving as the home’s living room, was ready for a transformation. With its dramatic vaulted ceiling and newly installed custom steel railing, the space was primed for a striking light fixture and a large table that could accommodate gatherings of all sizes. Our vision was to harness the room's architectural features to create an inviting and dynamic dining area, perfect for welcoming family and friends.

Open-concept living and dining area with a wooden dining table, gray chairs, and a blue sofa. Modern chandelier hanging above the dining table, artwork on the walls, hardwood floors, and plants.

the living room

Bright living room with beige armchairs, a blue sofa, a wooden coffee table, a fireplace, and a window with cream curtains showing green trees outside.

We converted the original garage into a lovely little living room with a cozy fireplace.  There is plenty of new storage in this space (that ties in with the kitchen finishes), but the real gem is the reading nook with two of the most comfortable armchairs you’ve ever sat in.

Living room with blue sofa, fireplace, abstract art, dining table, and modern decor.

the primary suite

Modern bathroom with wooden vanity, two mirrors, two wall sconces, a white countertop, and a plant in a glass vase.
Close-up of a wooden cabinet with gold handles in a bathroom, with a mirror and tiled floor visible.

This home originally lacked a master suite, so we transformed one of the bedrooms into a charming retreat you'll never want to leave. The master bathroom's aesthetic centers on rich textures, featuring sultry black hex tiles on the floor and dimensional geometric tiles on the walls, creating a serene atmosphere. A warm walnut vanity and brass accents add coziness and complement the home's overall feel. In the master bedroom, we continued the warm wood touches, incorporating a rich accent wall that elevates the sophistication and sets this space apart.

Interior of a bathroom with two wooden shelves holding rolled towels, books, a potted plant, a vase with flowers, a glass of red wine, and glasses, next to a bathtub and a brass faucet.
Close-up of a modern bathroom sink with gold faucet and handles, framed mirror, framed art on white wall, and wooden cabinets with gold handles.
Modern bathroom with a walk-in shower featuring gold fixtures and a glass door, a white vanity with gold handles, and a large mirror, with neutral tile walls and floor.

THE hall bathroom

Modern bathroom vanity with wooden cabinet, white countertop, round mirror, black handles, brass fixtures, black soap dispensers, and a white vase with green stalks, with blue hexagonal tile floor.

The floor tile in this bathroom still makes our hearts skip a beat. We designed the rest of the space to be clean and bright white, allowing the lovely blue of the floor tile to truly stand out. The walnut vanity cabinet, complete with hairpin legs, adds a delightful warmth, while black and brass accents bring in the sophisticated touch we envisioned.

Modern bathroom sink with a gold faucet, a black tray holding a white vase with tall green plant stems, a brown candle, and a cork scrubby. A white towel hangs on a gold hook, and a round gold mirror is partially visible on the wall.
Modern bathroom with white walls, blue hexagonal tile floor, wooden vanity with black handles, round mirror, white sink, wall-mounted light fixture, small window, white towels hanging, and minimal decorative items.

THE office + Hall bedroom

Home office with turquoise wall, wooden desk, gray chair, black desk lamp, potted snake plant, small plants, books, and wall clock

We loved the original built-ins in this office space, and knew they needed to always be a part of this house, but these 60-year-old beauties definitely needed a little help.  We cleaned up the cabinets and brass hardware, switched out the formica counter for a new quartz top, and painted wall a cheery accent color to liven it up a bit.  And voila!  We have an office that is the envy of the neighborhood.

The bedroom refresh invites rich wall color, cozy linens and textiles, and warm woods to bring a balance and serene space for rest.

A cozy bedroom with a bed, nightstand, dresser, and decorative framed artwork on a teal wall.
A bedroom with a wooden dresser, a framed flower artwork, a round mirror, decorative vases, and a white fluffy rug.