Alameda Mid-Century Modern: Before + After (Part 1)
Last year, I got a received a thoughtful inquiry from potential clients. Here is an excerpt:
I'm Nathan, and my dear husband is Gabin (copied). We are in the process of purchasing a fabulous 1962 single story residence ... in Alameda. The house has not been renovated since 1979, and for the time, it was a glamorous renovation (turquoise shag rug insets).
The home layout is spacious, elegant, and full of light. It's 3 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms, with 3,200 square feet of living space. (Now you know where all of our $ has gone.)
We are looking to start a relationship with a savvy designer that can collaborate with us on an overall vision for the home, and support us in bringing this vision to life. There is plenty of work to be done, and we'll need to take a staged approach due to magnitude of the project.
I hadn't even met them yet, nor seen the home, but of course, my brain was thinking "Yes! Yes! Yes!"
We scheduled a consultation shortly thereafter (while the sellers were still in the home), and I was soon gaga over the house and for the opportunity to help the new homeowners fulfill their vision to make this mid-century modern home their "Forever Home."
Many of you have already been following along, as I started posting photos from the first time I stepped foot on this amazing waterfront/Lagoon property. The home was built in 1962 and the exterior overlooks the Lagoon, a shared water way with the neighboring homes. Just a few blocks away is Alameda's Crown Beach, and less than a few miles away are lots of great local shopping, restaurants and businesses. Alameda is so cool! (My sister lives there too, so we know how great it is!)
BEFORE
BEFORE
Beautiful terrazzo tile floors in the main Living Room. Most of the original brick walls were covered in mirrors. (Note the mirrors flanking the Fireplace and lots more mirror around the house.)
AFTER
We kept the original terrazzo flooring (naturally!!!) and had new carpet installed in the original inset area, to replace the old (though that blue color was pretty fab!) Once the mirrors were removed, the home's original brick work walls were revealed. I love all the original in-floor electrical outlets!
BEFORE
AFTER
The original Kitchen footprint was already very expansive and offered a lot of storage. We kept to mostly the same layout, adding a center Island for prep and dining; the clients were also super smart to add a secondary sink and install dual dishwashers. (Dreamy!)
BEFORE
The original house floor plan is quite expansive and includes great features such as a separate laundry room and additional storage area or Butler's Panty. I loooove Butler's Pantries!
AFTER
We incorporated old closet space on the left, to provide two full sides of storage; one with counter area and the other with floor-to-ceiling pantry storage.
BEFORE
Lots of mirror and brass. And carpet. This wasn't the original 1960s bathroom design.
This cool gold motif tile was hiding underneath all that.... plastic and other stuff. I wish we could have salvaged somehow, but we had a plan for the new space...
AFTER
BEFORE
AFTER
Inspired by Palm Springs Modern and the glam of the 1960s, we went for a fresh, airy new space, highlighted by beautiful stone chosen by my clients. A cement tile accent wall by our friends at Cle Tile gives a pop of graphic design and color.
I was amazed that after posting a photo of the Cle "Point" Tile to Instagram, someone sent me a photo of his original mid-century modern ceramic pot, which had the exact same "Point" design! So we were able to bring back an element of mid-century modern design back into the space after all.
BEFORE
This was the back deck. Our clients had a clear vision for the back patio area, bringing in a new slate walkway, ridding of LOTS of old shrubs and clearing way for a much more functional and modern area to enjoy the amazing water views.
AFTER
BEFORE
AFTER
There's still many details of this home to capture and share, but after photographing for four hours, we all needed a break, plus our clients' adorable babies needed to continue their snuggling and nap times without us flashing cameras and lights everywhere.
We hope to continue with a "Part II, Before + After," once the rest of the landscaping is completed and the family has settled in more.
We are so happy to have played a part in helping these clients transform a mid-century modern diamond in the rough, into their Forever Home! Kudos to their vision to preserve the integrity of this home and see through a major renovation, (while simultaneously preparing for the arrival of their daughters) to make a home that they can enjoy for years to come. Congrats Gabin and Nathan!
