As a design and construction studio, we initially pursued the idea of constructing a spacious, brand-new home for our principal designer, Leila Douglah. However, upon realizing that excess space was neither necessary nor desired, Leila shifted focus to a smaller condo. The impracticality of this choice soon became apparent, given that her residence serves as the central gathering point for friends and family. Recognizing the allure of the Silver Springs neighborhood, she decided to acquire a modest home for her third (and hopefully final!) dwelling, intending to renovate it.

Early on, structural issues prompted a strategic shift, leading us to demolish the existing house and embark on a ground-up reconstruction. This approach not only aligned better with budget considerations but also afforded us greater creative freedom in realizing Leila's dream home. She embraced the excitement of her dual roles as both contractor and client, acknowledging that unforeseen challenges are par for the course in construction. Embracing flexibility and managing expectations became key as we navigated this venture from the client's perspective. The culmination of this journey was the completion of a stunning, modern farmhouse-style home, where the initial stresses of construction faded away, giving way to the joy of hosting family and friends once more.

We envisioned a laid-back design, creating an atmosphere that is both inviting and warm. Our goal was to ensure that the home didn't feel overly formal, allowing guests to feel at ease and comfortable. Opting for an open floor concept was crucial in achieving a sense of openness and invitation throughout the house.

A primary objective was to seamlessly connect indoor and outdoor spaces, fostering a smooth transition between the two environments. To achieve this, we incorporated large sliding doors along the back side of the house, opening up to a spacious back patio and logia. The choice of materials throughout the house strikes a balance between practicality and high quality, ensuring durability over time.

We are delighted with the outcome, as the new space perfectly meets Leila's vision. It has become a haven for hosting family gatherings and various events, creating a welcoming environment for all who visit.

Project by Douglah Designs. Their Lafayette-based design-build studio serves San Francisco's East Bay areas, including Orinda, Moraga, Walnut Creek, Danville, Alamo Oaks, Diablo, Dublin, Pleasanton, Berkeley, Oakland, and Piedmont.

For more about Douglah Designs, see here: https://douglahdesigns.com/

To learn more about this project, see here: https://douglahdesigns.com/featured-portfolio/lafayette-modern-farmhouse-rebuild/