In this Capitola neighborhood, where the Village is just a bike ride away, a trip to the grocery store is a quick ride from mom, and the neighborhood kids meetup when the homework is done, remodeling a home from the ground up means making room for family and friends.

This tiny cottage takes on a whole new life and shape, with a second-story addition that expands the square footage on the tiny lot just enough to accommodate three bedrooms, three baths, and a open kitchen and dining space.

Home Office Nook
An under-the-stairs carve-out creates the perfect spot for a home office. Tucked behind three walls and a sloping ceiling, it’s easy to get lost in work while life continues around the house. One wall of the nook features the same Eastern white cedar shingles as the home’s exterior, a callback to the homeowner’s time living on the East Coast.

Original wood work by the owner were preserved and reused during the remodel to frame the home office nook and incorporated into the vaulted living room ceiling, where a clear pine Marvin windows and a white oak Dutch door deliver light from the front playground yard.

Captivating Kitchen
Wrapped in blue cabinetry against honed white Carrara marble countertops and a crisp white wall backdrop, the central kitchen feels clean and fresh all hours of the day. A trio of cane cafe stools and a rustic plank table provide plenty of spaces for the family to cook, clean, study, and entertain.

French Oak flooring, clear pine Marvin Ultimate collection windows, and custom floating shelves by local cabinetmaker Oxford Design bring the warmth of wood into the space. Unlacquered brass fixtures and cabinet hardware provide another warm accent.

High-end fixtures and appliances elevate the space, including a panel-ready refrigerator, a large farmhouse sink, a white and brass gas range, and maple wood pendant lights over the island.

Bathroom Goals
The primary bathroom is accessed from the bedroom through a sliding barn door. Inside, the space feels bright and serene. A whitewashed retreat that welcomes the morning light through a corner window assembly.

A custom wall-mounted white oak vanity with upper and lower floating shelves was built to fit by local cabinet maker Oxford Design. Beneath is a mosaic of honed marble hex floor tile that continues to the walk-in shower, keeping the room feeling open, airy, and effortlessly functional.

The two additional bathrooms, designed for the boys and guests, each carry their own distinct character. Intentional tile selections add texture and individuality, giving every space a sense of identity while maintaining a cohesive design language throughout the home.

Downstairs, the bathroom vanity is aqua against cement floor tiles with a Moorish pattern and white porcelain tiles in the shower. Upstairs, the vanity cabinets boast a nautically themed Naval blue with a cement encaustic hex floor tile. Each room accented by polished chrome fixtures.

Laundry Room & Outdoor Shower
Living by the coast with two active kids means beach sand and wet bathing suits can pile up during the summer. An outdoor shower and pass-through laundry room help keep the mess out of the main living areas. Floating shelves and more cabinets offer extra storage and utility space.