PERFECT PITCH

We first worked with this Mission Hills client eight years ago, reimagining the kitchen and family room to better suit the rhythms of daily life. Thoughtfully designed and grounded in function, those spaces still serve the family well. When they reached out again, this time to expand the vision and refresh more of the first floor, we picked up right where we left off.

The kitchen, still a cornerstone of the home, needed no major overhauls this time. Its lasting design held strong, so we used it as a north star while extending its tone and material language throughout the house. The refrigerator had been relocated to make way for an oversized island, and a niche with floating shelves brought breathing room to one wall. The original cabinetry was selectively recreated and painted, while an ornate hood was edited down and repainted to feel intentional and unfussy. A streamlined backsplash ties it all together.

In the entry, we simplified the stairs by removing carpet and unconventional trim, and installing a clean-lined, graceful, curving white oak handrail. The result is a warm welcome that feels fresh and airy.

The living room’s built-ins were pared back to better frame a thoughtful mix of existing and new furniture. Just beyond, the dining room took on new character with a custom arched bar nook carved into the garage wall. To keep the focus there, a pendant was removed, and lighting was layered to shift with the time of day. Existing upholstered dining chairs and table invite guests to linger.

The family room, part of our original scope, got a quiet refresh. We had previously raised the sunken floor and modernized a rough and heavy fireplace, edits that opened the space. This time, we reshaped the sofa and introduced a few key pieces to bring balance without starting over.

The vaulted primary bath had beautiful bones but needed a refresh. A custom vanity wall of tile, mirror, handcrafted ceramic sconces, and functional linear lighting plays off of the vanity, floating on brass legs and is topped with a beautiful ijen blue stone. Can lights were replaced with a pendant for softness and warmth, and we removed both the wooden shutters and a dividing wall to open the space. Now, linen café curtains let in light above, while adding privacy below. A freestanding tub, floating shower bench, and glass shower walls keep the room feeling light and open.

The primary bedroom followed suit. Once dark and closed off, it was lightened up with larger French doors to invite natural light. Furnishings were kept soft and layered—rich in texture, rooted in natural tones, and chosen to reflect a quiet simplicity.

This project reflects what we love most about long-term collaborations: the trust to build in layers, refine what already works, and let each phase quietly support the next.