This 1940’s existing one-story brick house contained elements of both the 1930’s bungalow and soon to be ranch house of the 1950’s.  The first floor plan was opened up so that it spiraled around a new second floor staircase with a red solid wall as it’s focal point.  On the other side of the red wall is a wet bar counter that serves the built-in banquette.  As you move through the space, open views balance artfully placed walls or built-in elements for privacy and separation of spaces.   A successful open plan is not just about removing all walls, but carefully choreographing what is opened up and what is shielded.

The kitchen would not be complete without a dog bowl bar built in to the end of the counter.  A new second story was added that maintains the one-story appearance from the front of the house. The second floor included three bedrooms, two bathrooms and a large family room.

Photographs by Johnathan Kelso