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Aleksandra shifted and shortened the window to pack in usable storage around it. The cabinets are painted Rainy Afternoon by Benjamin Moore, combined with white oak boxes for contrast. “We were also badly hit by the material price increases during Covid,” says Aleksandra, whether it was kitchen cabinets or framing lumber. The couple were receiving quotes that changed week to week.

The staircase needed to be rebuilt to meet current building code, but being in basically its original location, is an anchor in the redesign. The wall color is "Hamilton Blue

“Barbecue season never ends,” says Liz, explaining how they live with such a small kitchenette. “We even made a cake out there.”

A connected dining area and kitchen allows for an open, airy feeling.

Refurbished vintage copper pendant lights hang above the kitchen’s handmade Manuka honey-colored tiles.

“Using only wood to form a cabinet results in artistic moments. Diagonals read as decorative, but these strong triangles are necessary when you’re not using plywood,” Caleb says. “It’s pure joy to use the kitchen, knowing that all parts of it are built with meaning and without compromise.

The custom dining table—which was made by a local artisan—is located in front of west-facing windows that frame the sunset in the evenings. The table can be easily moved inside or out depending on the weather.

The custom banquette has a slatted back so as to allow the window behind it to open and let in light. The table is a vintage piece from John and Kelly, made with reclaimed wood from a bowling alley. The overhead pendant is by Brendan Ravenhill.

The new kitchen features green kit kat tiles, a terrazzo-effect rubber floor, white cabinetry, and cherry wood veneered cabinets. The client originally wanted teak cabinets, but 4 S Architecture recommended using cherry wood instead as it is more sustainable but has the same warm tones as teak. “We couldn’t get behind teak as a product so we used FSC certified European cherry that has less air miles than American cherry,” explains architect Julia Hamson. “The client was really pleased with the result.”

"We really strove to keep the ceiling exposed in the kitchen

The Olson Brothers made a custom front for the Fisher and Paykel panel-front refrigerator ($5,299). The cabinet hardware ($2000) is from a mix of brands, including Armac Martin for the brass hardware and Ashley Norton for the fridge handles.

"I really appreciate as a designer, things that make me stop and go, 'Oh, I never thought of that,'

Before: The row of windows is angled. "There's rooms in the house that feel like a boat,

Oiled jarrah eucalyptus contrasts with a kitchen niche of reddish-brown stained plywood in this kitchen alcove in a New Zealand cabin.

The open shelves over the sink are clear finished white oak.

One renovation request, homeowner Isaac Hase says, “was having a place to drop your shoes.” At the mudroom end of a run of kitchen cabinets, you’ll find another feature the couple asked for. “We wanted to have a dedicated, visible place for our little stash of cookbooks,” Karoline says.

Homeowner Isaac Hase installed custom cabinetry from Wisconsin cabinetmaker Woodcraft Specialties.

The largest of the three patios originally sheltered animals, but it’s now a shaded gathering space. Among Patricia’s prized possessions are spun-fiberglass chairs that were once an iconic feature in local hotels.