BEFORE
Located less than a dozen miles east of downtown San Diego, La Mesa – the “Jewel of the Hills,” according to its motto – was a hub of silent film production in the early 20th century. Now, the small city is a quiet and picturesque area that boasts an historic downtown district. One of the architectural treasures in the area is a charming 1,288-sq.-ft. Craftsman-style bungalow, built in 1922 for La Mesa’s first police chief.
The owners of the three-bedroom home loved its historic bones but craved a style and functionality update. Passionate home chefs, the couple tasked San Diego- based design firm Blythe Interiors with providing them a smarter kitchen footprint with maximized storage space, as well as a time-period-appropriate update to the ensuite primary bath.
AFTER
In order to provide the homeowners with the ample storage they needed in their kitchen, Diamond Cabinets in a deep blue, paired with sleek Top Knobs pulls, was selected to flank the vintage-flavored black ILVE oven on the left wall. The saturated tones provide dynamic contrast with the white Ferguson farmhouse sink and white Arizona Tile quartz countertops and ivory-colored tile backsplash. Floating shelves provide both practical storage and visual interest. A chandelier from Design Within Reach lends both illumination and an eye-catching modern design element to the space, and a previously underutilized area is now home to a coffee bar.
The ensuite primary bath was designed with an eye toward timelessness and a sense of tranquility, with European elements. The vanity was relocated to the left wall and paired with a wall-mounted toilet to open up the space and lend an airy, open feel to the bath. Navy flooring from Arizona Tile contrasts with light beige wall tile, while a matte wood vanity from Build with Ferguson and Lamps Plus’ mirror bring together a mid-century modern aesthetic. The shower is sectioned off by a farmhouse-style sliding glass door and features a contemporary Bedrosian tile floor.
