Miller Residence
In the Marina district of San Francisco, this home began as two identical apartments stacked over a garage and basement garden unit. The two 1,400 square foot units were typical of their era, a warren of small rooms, enclosed and cramped, with halls and walls dividing the spaces into traditional rooms. Low ceilings added to the tight feeling. The entry was a tiny vestibule with angled doors leading to narrow stairs and halls. The owners wished to combine the two units into a gracious 2,800 square foot home, with a dynamic new look to reflect their tastes and accommodate the needs of a family of four. They wanted openness, lots of light and a more sophisticated, contemporary look, without changing the facade and the rhythm of the existing neighborhood.
The remodel began with complete demolition of the interiors, stripping the spaces back to the studs, removing the cabinets, closets, fixtures, and flooring. Every opportunity was taken to open it up to the light and views. Walls and doorways between spaces in the living dining and kitchen areas were demolished, pulled back and punctured to let light and spaces flow into one another. Floors and walls around the existing stair were opened and the stair was reshaped to create a dramatic double high entry with bold black bands defining the railings.
Walls and ceilings were opened at the upper floor to shape the new living, dining, family and kitchen spaces. Carefully placed skylights pull light into the center of this home. Soft shades of yellow, purple and green bathe the rooms in color. Simple maple cabinets with black stone counters and stainless backsplash invite participation in the preparation of meals. The lower unit was remodeled into children’s bedrooms and office space, with laundry, new entries and a comfortable master suite at the rear to overlook the garden.
By eliminating walls and redefining spaces with color, cabinetry and lighting, every space is filled with natural light. A gentle geometry is integrated into a palette of soft, warm materials. The blend of naturally finished maple and polished stone is complementary to the stainless steel appliances and oak floors. The skylights offer the opportunity to capture the sparkle of San Francisco’s brilliant sunlight and flood the new interior with color and warmth.
The remodel began with complete demolition of the interiors, stripping the spaces back to the studs, removing the cabinets, closets, fixtures, and flooring. Every opportunity was taken to open it up to the light and views. Walls and doorways between spaces in the living dining and kitchen areas were demolished, pulled back and punctured to let light and spaces flow into one another. Floors and walls around the existing stair were opened and the stair was reshaped to create a dramatic double high entry with bold black bands defining the railings.
Walls and ceilings were opened at the upper floor to shape the new living, dining, family and kitchen spaces. Carefully placed skylights pull light into the center of this home. Soft shades of yellow, purple and green bathe the rooms in color. Simple maple cabinets with black stone counters and stainless backsplash invite participation in the preparation of meals. The lower unit was remodeled into children’s bedrooms and office space, with laundry, new entries and a comfortable master suite at the rear to overlook the garden.
By eliminating walls and redefining spaces with color, cabinetry and lighting, every space is filled with natural light. A gentle geometry is integrated into a palette of soft, warm materials. The blend of naturally finished maple and polished stone is complementary to the stainless steel appliances and oak floors. The skylights offer the opportunity to capture the sparkle of San Francisco’s brilliant sunlight and flood the new interior with color and warmth.
Country: United States
