Before & After: A Blend of New and Old Style in a California Bungalow

Project by: Karen Nepacena of Destination Eichler
Location: San Leandro, California

Karen was tasked with opening up the kitchen and dining area of a 1940s bungalow. The space had a ton of natural light that was going to waste in the current layout, so she tore down some walls and gave the space a whole new look that still honored the character of the home.

From Karen: This 1940s bungalow owned by new parents, Melissa and Jake, in San Leandro, California had a lot of charm, but an awkward layout comprised of several divided rooms. The couple loves to entertain and with a new baby, the old layout of their home was really beginning to frustrate them.

Homeowner Melissa wrote, when initially requesting design help,”the kitchen has been driving us nuts since we moved in this year, and we can’t wait to start remodeling it!”

Walls dividing the main living area and kitchen were removed, as well as a wall separating a small laundry space. The home gets a good amount of light, but was always blocked by the many walls dividing up the space.

A large kitchen island replaced what was once the main dividing wall, giving way to more airiness and accessibility between kitchen, living and dining room.

To pay homage to the home’s 1940s roots, small hexagon mosaic tile flooring was installed from the entryway to the kitchen, which then blends organically into new cork flooring in the living room. Flatsawn Walnut Cabinet Doors from Semihandmade give nod to original mid century wood cabinetry. A wet bar area was installed where the laundry room used to be, perfect for the gatherings the couple likes to host for family and friends. The laundry was re-situated to the opposite end of the kitchen, hidden by closet doors which double as a chalkboard area.

All the windows and exterior doors were replaced, in the style of similar 1940s bungalows, typical of the Northern California area.

• Bar Tile Backsplash: Fireclay Tile
• Dining Room Pendant: Cedar & Moss
• Cooktop/Griddle: BlueStar
• Cooking Vent Hood: Zephyr Fireclay
• Farmhouse Sink: Miseno from Build.com
• Custom Door Fronts: Semihandmade Doors
• Kitchen Cabinets: IKEA
• Dining Chairs: Herman Miller Shell Chairs
• Dining Table: Custom designed and made by Homeowners
• Island Countertop: Caesarstone
• Other Countertop: Soapstone

Thanks, Karen Nepacena!

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