Tucked between a tree-lined street and a deep, wooded canyon in Mission Hills, this 1917 Craftsman bungalow has a rich heritage. Unfortunately, its 2000 kitchen addition was an architectural misfit. Dim and crowded, the prior kitchen neither enhanced the home’s character nor functioned comfortably for a modern family. A walk-in pantry devoured valuable space, and a peninsula blocked the flow to the breakfast nook, creating traffic jams. Access to the living/family room was nonexistent—the kitchen’s primary entry opened into the front hall.

Following federal guidelines for historic rehabilitation, IS Architecture demolished the pantry and gutted the room, transforming it into an airy, free-flowing realm that fully respects the home’s architectural character. The kitchen’s footprint hasn’t increased, yet it feels dramatically larger, thanks to an efficient island layout, a space-saving banquette, and enhanced connections to the surrounding rooms and treetop vistas.

The timeless décor reflects classic bungalow style as well as the homeowners’ affinity for clean-lined design. White-painted Shaker-inspired cabinets and subway tile amplify natural light. Costa Esmeralda granite countertops recall the earthy greens of the Arts and Crafts era, while their clean, thick edges echo the masculinity of broad Craftsman trim. Oak planks match the home’s original flooring for continuity. A fresh counterpoint to cottage white, the gray-blue walls and island repeat the living-room palette and blend with stainless-steel appliances. Special touches include sleek contemporary lighting and an Arts-and-Crafts backsplash treatment above the cooktop.

The room’s sight lines and ties to surrounding spaces are vastly improved. A new 4½ -foot passage with Craftsman casing creates a vital link to the living room (and captures its backyard views). The doorway to the formal dining room was subtly shifted, strengthening the connection while allowing a niche with a butler’s pantry in the hallway. The most dramatic merger is a sliding wall of glass that opens to a covered porch with a gas fireplace. A true extension of the kitchen, this new outdoor room is perfectly proportioned to the bungalow’s interior spaces. Beyond, a sunny grilling-and-dining deck overlooks the canyon, while its stairs improve access to the yard.

Today the kitchen echoes the past while embracing the future. The owners’ children can readily chat with the cook while doing homework at the plush banquette. Sheltered from sun and rain, the covered porch sees frequent use as a outdoor home office. The breakfast bar, second sink, and a wine chiller all ease casual entertaining. Airy, bright, and eminently comfortable, this remodel proves that a historic structure can be updated for modern living while honoring its historic pedigree.



Credits:

Architect: IS Architecture
Ione R. Stiegler, FAIA with
Joseph M. Reid, Associate AIA
5649 La Jolla Blvd.
La Jolla, CA 92037
(858) 456-8555

General Contractor: Steigerwald & Dougherty
Dave Steigerwald
427 S. Cedros #202
Solana Beach, CA 92075
(858) 259-5100

Photography: Matthew Meier
1460 Heidi Circle
Vista, CA 92084
(760) 433-1865

Materials: David Snyder
Unique Stone Imports
1130 West Morena Blvd.
San Diego, CA 92110
(619) 275-8300