When a California couple decided to renovate their modest home, which was built in 1923 and last renovated in 2006, they initially hoped to create an addition with a dining space and larger kitchen. The residence, however, is tucked into a hillside in a wildland-urban interface area—a place where homes and natural vegetation meet—in Northern California. Consultation with the local fire department revealed they would have to pave and widen the long gravel street for any expansion to be approved, which would have pushed the project cost too high.

$110,090 Labor	$3,450 Electrical Fixtures	$10,375 Plumbing Fixtures
$33,170 Cabinetry	$7,390 Windows & Doors	$22,250 Countertops & Tile
$15,000 Appliances	$4,000 Entry Canopy	$26,500 Architecture Services
$375 Consultants
Grand Total: $232,600

Instead, the renovation by Shands Studio focused on bringing more light into the interior and efficient use of space to transform the kitchen, living room, and two bathrooms, as well as replacing the entry awning.

“The clients were drawn to Georgia O’Keefe’s home and studio, which they had visited outside Santa Fe, New Mexico,” says Barbara Shands. “They were interested in how the minimalist spaces were softened by the wood, furnishings, and textiles. This informed the design ideas for each space where clean lines are balanced with the texture and color of materials.”

This approach formed a backdrop for the clients’ collection of textiles and objects, accrued during their extensive travels. “It was important to them that the renovation be complemented by these items,” says Shands. “They provide character and contribute to the overall aesthetic of the home.”

Before: Entrance

After: Entrance

The clients are an active couple that love the outdoors. The one-acre property, which has a ridgeline view to the north, is very secluded and provides ample privacy for outdoor living. The property also has easy access to numerous hiking and bike trails. As part of the renovation, a discreet outdoor shower was added to take advantage of the hot summers and offer the opportunity to rinse off after hiking.

Before: Kitchen

After: Kitchen

From the beginning, the clients were very involved in developing the natural, minimal material palette. It was decided early on that marble countertops—selected for their character, color, and veining pattern—would be the feature element in the kitchen and bathrooms.

The location and size of each space did not change much during the renovation. There were three existing openings with French doors in the living room, which were limiting daylight and access to the deck. These were replaced with a large, sliding-glass door which brings in much more light and expands the living room to the outdoors. A section of wall was also removed between the kitchen and living room to connect the spaces and create a place to eat indoors.

Before: Living Room

After: Living Room

Before: Back Porch

After: Back Porch

As in the kitchen, increasing storage was a key concern when renovating the master and guest bathrooms. The wall-hung vanities in both spaces create an open feel, and functional mirrored medicine cabinets above maximize the storage space. Light colors were a key element to achieving a feeling of openness within the small area.

Before: Master Bathroom

After: Master Bathroom

Before: Bathroom

After: Bathroom

Shop the Look

The initial budget for the project was $200,000-$250,000, and the final cost came in at $232,600. “The client was very active in the construction process and took on some of the initial demolition work to manage cost,” says Shands. “This, along with careful selection of finishes, allowed for the project to stay on budget.”

Where possible, existing appliances and fixtures were reused—for example, the range and microwave were kept in the new kitchen—and existing light fixtures were retained in most spaces. The most costly items were the marble countertops and Sub-Zero undercounter refrigerators/freezer, which were necessary to achieve the desired character and open concept for the project.

“I always feel rewarded by collaborating with clients who are invested in good design and engaged in the process which was the case for this project,” says Shands. “The clients are very happy with the outcome and have been taking full advantage of their newly renovated home.”

More Budget Breakdown:

A Lakeside Retreat Goes From Groovy to Gorgeous for $450K

An Architect Couple Polish Up Their Tucson Bungalow for $42K

A DIY Extraordinaire Builds the Tiny Home of Her Dreams With $12K

Project Credits:

Architect of Record: Shands Studio

Builder: Fries Construction

Cabinetry Fabricator (Kitchen Only): Aurora Cabinets

Photographer: Daniel Blue Photography

Appears In

Budget Breakdown: A Murky 1920s Home in California Is Leveled Up for $232K