“I want mid-century modern, but livable.”  The homeowner was an architect herself, so this project came with high expectations and a very specific vision. She’d been sketching ideas for months, and when we finally sat down together, she handed us a folder full of reference images—all clean lines, warm wood, and that perfect balance between minimalism and comfort.

What we created exceeded even her expectations.

The kitchen embodies understated sophistication with horizontal-grain walnut cabinets that wrap three walls in warm, organic beauty. We designed them as flat-panel, slab-front doors—no fussy details, just pure material honesty. The upper cabinets sit flush against the ceiling, maximizing storage while maintaining those clean modernist lines.

The island became the functional heart of the space—topped with crisp white quartz that provides contrast against all that rich wood. It’s sized perfectly for quick breakfast with a barstool, but doesn’t overwhelm the compact footprint. That white subway tile backsplash keeps things classic and bright, while polished concrete floors ground everything with industrial-cool texture.

Technically, this renovation required opening up the space to create better flow. We removed a wall section (you can see that dramatic archway leading from the living area) and installed a steel beam to maintain structural support. The new layout connects seamlessly to the backyard through those floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors—very California indoor-outdoor living.

The vaulted ceiling with skylights was already there, but we added recessed LED lighting to ensure the workspace stays bright even on overcast days. All new electrical, upgraded plumbing, and a ventilation system hidden behind that streamlined range hood.