Long Kitchen Remodel

Berkeley, California

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. Because this was a historic home, no exterior changes were considered. 

The small kitchen, however, was from IKEA. The solution was to rearrange circulation so it did not disrupt the three main task areas. Along with appliances, an interior door was relocated while leaded glass windows were repaired. A tiny island was added to anchor activities and it mimics 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.