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Photo by Mike Casey
The owners of this 1960s ranch house loved their house but it wasn't configured to meet their needs. The house had only two small bedrooms for the family of four, and there was no casual living space for parents and kids to hang out separately. Neither we nor the clients wanted to increase the home's energy usage. It was a tall order: could we increase the home's size without increasing its energy footprint?
ADDING FUNCTIONALITY
We built two small additions, one at the front of the home and one off the side adjacent to the two existing bedrooms. These new spaces provided an additional bedroom on the main level as well as a new stair down to the basement. At basement level, the additions yielded a guest room, a full bathroom and a laundry area. The existing basement, which is now easily accessible from the main floor, was refinished as a casual family room.
The architect designed the new spaces to be spare and bright, replicating the mid-century aesthetic. Every detail—from the open stair, to the light maple floors, to the detailing of the bathroom vanity—echoes the vintage and character of the original home.
INTEGRATING ENERGY AND DESIGN
The key to meeting this challenge was a rigorous and integrated planning process with early-stage energy modeling accompanying design. As the architect (Anita Rogers) worked out the space plan, the energy consultant (Mike Duclos) analyzed how various scenarios could be combined with envelope and mechanical packages to not only hold the line on energy use but improve performance. We anticipate the plan we settled on will save 25% annually over pre-project energy use.

Complete remodel and addition to an existing home
Minimalist exterior home photo in San Francisco
Minimalist exterior home photo in San Francisco

Open concept kitchen - large modern u-shaped dark wood floor and brown floor open concept kitchen idea in Denver with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, black cabinets, quartzite countertops, white backsplash, subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and black countertops

California Closets was able to take a small reach-in closet and make it work triple duty in the laundry room while at the same time keeping the space clutter free.

Sometimes the best solution isn't finding a bigger home, it's reimagining the one you already love. This Portland second-story addition demonstrates how strategic design-build planning can help a growing family gain the space they need while remaining in the neighborhood they never wanted to leave.
Originally, this home was a modest single-level residence with three bedrooms and two bathrooms. As the family's needs evolved, the layout no longer offered the functionality they required. Visiting relatives from California frequently stayed with them, yet the existing floor plan lacked a dedicated guest bathroom. The primary suite was undersized, storage was limited, and the main living room felt cramped for everyday family life. Complicating matters further, the narrow lot provided virtually no opportunity for expansion to the front, sides, or rear of the property. To create meaningful additional square footage, the only option was to build upward.
The transformation began with a complete rethinking of the home's interior organization. An existing bedroom, which had already transitioned into a home office, was removed to make way for a new staircase connecting the first and second floors. Rather than treating the staircase as simply a circulation element, the redesign used it to create a new living area while adding valuable storage beneath. The formerly enclosed dining room was opened to the kitchen and living spaces, resulting in a bright, cohesive great room that dramatically improved both sightlines and daily functionality.
The newly added second floor became the centerpiece of the project. On one side of the addition, a spacious bonus room with vaulted ceilings provides a flexible space for family gatherings, movie nights, homework sessions, and creative projects. Dedicated workstation areas ensure the room can evolve alongside the family's needs while taking advantage of abundant natural light from multiple windows.
On the opposite side, the homeowners finally gained the private retreat they had been missing. The new primary suite features soaring vaulted ceilings, expansive windows, and a walk-in closet approximately six times larger than the home's original primary closet. The adjoining bathroom was designed to balance comfort, practicality, and timeless style, with a double vanity, dedicated linen storage, a separate tiled shower, and a soaking tub that creates a true spa-like experience within the home.
Throughout the renovation, a contemporary transitional aesthetic guided the design selections. New luxury vinyl plank flooring was installed across both the existing first floor and the newly constructed second level, creating visual continuity throughout the home. Matching custom stair treads provide a seamless transition between floors, while updated baseboards and door casings help unify the original structure with the addition so the entire home feels intentionally designed rather than pieced together over time.
The staircase became an architectural focal point, featuring warm wood handrails stained to complement the flooring and black metal balusters that introduce a subtle modern influence. This combination successfully bridges the homeowners' appreciation for contemporary design while respecting the overall character of the home.
Material selections in the primary bathroom create depth through texture rather than bold color contrasts. Softly varied white wall tile ranges from crisp bright whites to subtle cloudy tones, while a gentle watercolor-like surface texture captures and reflects natural light throughout the day. Extending the same tile across both the shower walls and tub surround establishes clean architectural lines and emphasizes the room's spaciousness. Black marble pebble flooring in the shower, paired with matte black plumbing fixtures, mirrors, lighting, and trim details, adds contrast and sophistication without overwhelming the palette.
What makes this project especially meaningful is its ability to solve multiple challenges through a single integrated design-build solution. Through close collaboration with the homeowners and our architectural partner, Candid Design, every square foot was carefully considered to maximize functionality, comfort, and long-term livability. By building upward rather than outward, the homeowners gained a spacious primary suite, an additional living area, improved storage, a dedicated guest bath, and flexible family spaces while preserving the location, character, and community they already loved. The result is a home that feels larger, brighter, and better suited for the next chapter of family life without sacrificing the qualities that made it special in the first place.

An example of the intimate dining room table setting using one of the custom dining room tables. Seen behind is the custom built in storage to help maximize all the space available for the client and addressing their need for storage and a clean contemporary look.

Sometimes the best solution isn't finding a bigger home, it's reimagining the one you already love. This Portland second-story addition demonstrates how strategic design-build planning can help a growing family gain the space they need while remaining in the neighborhood they never wanted to leave.
Originally, this home was a modest single-level residence with three bedrooms and two bathrooms. As the family's needs evolved, the layout no longer offered the functionality they required. Visiting relatives from California frequently stayed with them, yet the existing floor plan lacked a dedicated guest bathroom. The primary suite was undersized, storage was limited, and the main living room felt cramped for everyday family life. Complicating matters further, the narrow lot provided virtually no opportunity for expansion to the front, sides, or rear of the property. To create meaningful additional square footage, the only option was to build upward.
The transformation began with a complete rethinking of the home's interior organization. An existing bedroom, which had already transitioned into a home office, was removed to make way for a new staircase connecting the first and second floors. Rather than treating the staircase as simply a circulation element, the redesign used it to create a new living area while adding valuable storage beneath. The formerly enclosed dining room was opened to the kitchen and living spaces, resulting in a bright, cohesive great room that dramatically improved both sightlines and daily functionality.
The newly added second floor became the centerpiece of the project. On one side of the addition, a spacious bonus room with vaulted ceilings provides a flexible space for family gatherings, movie nights, homework sessions, and creative projects. Dedicated workstation areas ensure the room can evolve alongside the family's needs while taking advantage of abundant natural light from multiple windows.
On the opposite side, the homeowners finally gained the private retreat they had been missing. The new primary suite features soaring vaulted ceilings, expansive windows, and a walk-in closet approximately six times larger than the home's original primary closet. The adjoining bathroom was designed to balance comfort, practicality, and timeless style, with a double vanity, dedicated linen storage, a separate tiled shower, and a soaking tub that creates a true spa-like experience within the home.
Throughout the renovation, a contemporary transitional aesthetic guided the design selections. New luxury vinyl plank flooring was installed across both the existing first floor and the newly constructed second level, creating visual continuity throughout the home. Matching custom stair treads provide a seamless transition between floors, while updated baseboards and door casings help unify the original structure with the addition so the entire home feels intentionally designed rather than pieced together over time.
The staircase became an architectural focal point, featuring warm wood handrails stained to complement the flooring and black metal balusters that introduce a subtle modern influence. This combination successfully bridges the homeowners' appreciation for contemporary design while respecting the overall character of the home.
Material selections in the primary bathroom create depth through texture rather than bold color contrasts. Softly varied white wall tile ranges from crisp bright whites to subtle cloudy tones, while a gentle watercolor-like surface texture captures and reflects natural light throughout the day. Extending the same tile across both the shower walls and tub surround establishes clean architectural lines and emphasizes the room's spaciousness. Black marble pebble flooring in the shower, paired with matte black plumbing fixtures, mirrors, lighting, and trim details, adds contrast and sophistication without overwhelming the palette.
What makes this project especially meaningful is its ability to solve multiple challenges through a single integrated design-build solution. Through close collaboration with the homeowners and our architectural partner, Candid Design, every square foot was carefully considered to maximize functionality, comfort, and long-term livability. By building upward rather than outward, the homeowners gained a spacious primary suite, an additional living area, improved storage, a dedicated guest bath, and flexible family spaces while preserving the location, character, and community they already loved. The result is a home that feels larger, brighter, and better suited for the next chapter of family life without sacrificing the qualities that made it special in the first place.

2011 NARI CAPITAL COTY GRAND AWARD WINNER
A single family home in Oakton, VA built in late 80’ was occupied by family of four for 10 years. The owner wishes to expand the living space, finish the basement, add a sunroom/breakfast area addition, eliminate the deck and put in a screen porch. Also convert the laundry room to an office/mudroom area.
The basement has gained a new bar area, a total new bathroom with shower and large vanities and all amenities, media area with gas fireplace and mantel surrounded with matching cherry bookcases and granite tops, recess lights, surround sound system, wood floor and steps. New French doors lead to a brick patio.
The first floor gained this new 16’x20’ cathedral ceiling sunroom/breakfast addition surrounded with large arched windows and French slider leading into new screen porch. The kitchen lay-out gained three more feet in width. Also by removing partition wall between the kitchen and existing family room, the first floor now has total open floor plan. The fireplace in existing family room was converted to gas.
The new kitchen design touts new appliances and a beautiful large furniture style island that is the focal point of the space. The island is made from cherry cabinetry stained in espresso and topped with a multi-color exotic granite counter. The wrap-around natural stained cherry cabinets around the perimeter include the display cabinets and bench seat in the dining room. A tumbled marble backsplash, wide plank mahogany floors and stainless steel appliances complete this gourmet kitchen.
The screen porch is done with Trex decking and the cathedral ceiling is covered in beaded panels . The corner gas fireplace surround is Ledgestone. The new addition has given this family a place to gather and relax for years to come.

Bedroom - mid-sized transitional master brown floor bedroom idea in Orlando with beige walls

Example of a large minimalist u-shaped dark wood floor and brown floor open concept kitchen design in Denver with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, black cabinets, quartzite countertops, white backsplash, subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and black countertops

photography: Paul Grdina
Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional l-shaped porcelain tile and white floor open concept kitchen remodel in Vancouver with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartzite countertops, white backsplash, porcelain backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and white countertops
Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional l-shaped porcelain tile and white floor open concept kitchen remodel in Vancouver with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartzite countertops, white backsplash, porcelain backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and white countertops

photography: Paul Grdina
Open concept kitchen - mid-sized transitional l-shaped porcelain tile and white floor open concept kitchen idea in Vancouver with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartzite countertops, white backsplash, porcelain backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and white countertops
Open concept kitchen - mid-sized transitional l-shaped porcelain tile and white floor open concept kitchen idea in Vancouver with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartzite countertops, white backsplash, porcelain backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and white countertops

photography: Paul Grdina
Example of a mid-sized transitional l-shaped porcelain tile and white floor open concept kitchen design in Vancouver with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartzite countertops, white backsplash, porcelain backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and white countertops
Example of a mid-sized transitional l-shaped porcelain tile and white floor open concept kitchen design in Vancouver with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartzite countertops, white backsplash, porcelain backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and white countertops
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