This historic Georgian style home set on an idyllic street in San Diego projects the colonial architecture of a leisurely bygone era. A young professional couple along with their two very small children fell in love with the historic nature of the home. That was the easy part. The problem was they did not know how it would work with their contemporary fast paced and often hectic lifestyle. The collection of rooms, while good sized, were closed off from each other and were redundant. The kitchen was a thing of the past , remote from the rest of the house and clearly to be used by a staff of servants.

The solution to the problem came by surgically opening spaces up to each other, not by simply removing walls, but by carefully framing large openings to allow for passage of people and light while also preserving some aspect of the original room geometry and detail. Rooms were also assigned new functions. What was a secluded library became the children’s playroom, the butler pantry and small breakfast room became the new open kitchen. The small patio space at the rear of the home was greatly enlarged, and along with a new bbq area, plays host to many a large gathering. The garden area was simplified by removing the rows of small formal hedges and gravel paths making the area more accommodating for frequent exuberant play activities poolside.

A contemporary interior design palette was introduced that more clearly reflects the client’s personal taste. The couple’s colorful art collection takes center stage in this purposely clean and neutral space. Fabrics and accessories combine with sleek furniture and eye catching light fixtures to transform the home into an open and dramatic space, while being mindful of the practicalities of a young family.

The goal of the design was to preserve the original beautiful Georgian style, while making it live modern for its new family and their future.
Often times the best way to preserve the past is to make it relevant for today.