Gilbert Street

Oakland, CA

The owners of this 1910 craftsman-style bungalow wanted to maintain traditional bungalow characteristics, while adding much-needed modern and open space within. The reconfiguration included modifying the kitchen, reimagining the primary bedroom with bathroom addition, and creating a much-needed open living space, and a design connection to the backyard.

In the kitchen, the floor-to-ceiling cabinetry wall provides plenty of storage.  This thickened wall also acts as a passageway between the kitchen and primary bedroom suite that can be closed off with a sliding barn door.  Both the kitchen and main bedroom open their views to the backyard with glazing extending nearly the entire length of the rear facade.

The primary bedroom feels spacious and includes separate closets and built-in cabinetry. The new bathroom with its frosted blue glass mosaic tile is light and open while maintaining privacy. A large skylight and frosted window at the shower bring ample natural light to the space; when the frosted shower door is closed the room acts as a powder room for guests with the soft glow of the shower enclosure illuminating the space.

The palette throughout is warm and rich with a clear red oak floor to match the existing flooring, walnut cabinetry, white Caesarstone, accents of blues and grays in the paint and tile, and the backdrop of Native American textiles, ceramic bowls, and collectibles from the owner’s Hopi reservation collection.

Design Team
Sarah Willmer
Megan Carter
Olya Piskun
Megan Suyehira

Photography by Eric Rorer