Thygeson Remodel

Project Description & Scope

This beautiful duplex home was built in 1982 on the water on a surprising little street near downtown San Rafael. The current owners love the proximity to the water, the dock space out back for their sailboat, and the open floorplan of the living area, but the original kitchen was poorly lit, cramped and lacking in storage space. To accommodate their love of cooking and entertaining, we expanded the kitchen to include an adjacent under utilized bar and dropped the height of an awkward dividing wall down to counter height to connect the space with the adjacent living area. The kitchen layout was largely workable, but all new appliances were purchased including a range to replace the separate wall oven and cooktop and a wall mounted hood. Heath tiles behind the stove pick up the barely blue-green veins in the travertine marble backsplash, and wavy glass cabinets mimic the water outside. New LED lighting floods the space with plenty of dimmable light and antique pendants, found by the owner, complement the slightly nautical ambiance.

My Role and Process

Met with clients to review existing space, determine what worked and what did not, and discuss their hopes and desires in the new space. Reviewed approximate budget. Created 2 layouts for review. 12 layouts later they settled on a layout that fit their requirements as well as budget. Developed plan creating elevations and millwork details, color and finish palettes, lighting, flooring and electrical plans for client’s approval of design. Once client was satisfied with complete design I produced CDs for permit submittal.  Coordinated all work with GC and sub-contractors, responded to field questions and reviewed finishes as they arrived, created field notes to document changes and worked with client to complete project to their satisfaction.