Outdoor

Renovated in stages over the course of a decade, a home in Oakland’s Temescal neighborhood proves the power of thoughtful design using humble materials.

"The house is so Neutra, yet in a more wooded setting and perched high above the river," says the listing agent Rick Distel. The front door is painted a royal blue and framed by glass windows.

This midcentury home, originally owned by a local illustrator, needed updating, remodeling, and fortifying. Seattle-based SHED Architecture & Design tackled the project, keeping some classic features while updating others, like the front door in a semi-gloss orange.

Bamboo added for fire pit privacy. The conversation fire pit looks out into the forested yard.