Residential / Kitchens / Long
Channeling Julia’s Charm
Julia Morgan houses are renowned for their fine craftsmanship and exquisite detailing. But when the new owners first laid eyes on this landmark Morgan home, it needed a lot of attention, even though it still had all of its charm. Eagerly, they began to polish off the dull coats of time and remove accumulated debris. Starting with a full seismic upgrade and new landscaping in the generous front yard, the owners then tackled the interior of this chalet-style home.
Luckily, original interior finishes were intact and only needed refurbishing, while most rooms needed only new light fixtures. However, the kitchen was from IKEA. The solution to the small kitchen was to rearrange circulation so it did not disrupt the three main task areas. An interior door and appliances were relocated, and leaded glass windows were repaired. A tiny island was added to anchor activities, mimicking the original built-in hutch in the dining room. Timeless soapstone and marble finishes reflect the high quality of the rest of the house, and a custom hood was built for their cherished La Cornue.
