KENWOOD RESIDENCE
A Beloved Part-Time City House is Fully Rebuilt into a Forever Home
ARCHITECT
Clayton Korte
Nathan Quiring
INTERIOR DESIGN
Clayton Korte
THE GOAL
To transform a small bungalow into a spacious, modern home while preserving its original charm.
THE PROCESS
After living part-time in this quaint 2-bedroom, 1-bath bungalow for nearly 15 years, the owners decided it was time to build out a house that would last throughout their golden years. Inside, they wanted to add a new primary suite, kitchen, and mudroom. Outside, a new deck and carport were in order. It was important to the owners to maintain the home’s charm and historical significance amid the sweeping remodel.
We demolished the house to the studs and added onto the back of the house. The addition created a primary suite conveniently close to the kitchen, which works better for the owners’ day-to-day lifestyle. The suite supplies generous views of the backyard and easy access to the new deck for their two new puppies. Additionally, the newly expanded kitchen features custom millwork, a La Cornue stove, and a skylight that adds a burst of balanced natural light. The new mudroom gives the owners a beautiful yet functional place to do laundry and feed the pups.
To honor the home’s charm and history, we maintained the simple hall, bed, and bath configuration, down to the telephone nook characteristic of early 20th century homes. The front bedroom now acts as a home office, and the rear bedroom beckons as an inviting guest suite. The hall bathroom, with warm and welcoming wallpaper and tile, serves both short-term and long-term guests comfortably.
While the living and dining spaces also kept their original forms, the antique dining table passed down through generations of the owner’s family still anchors the dining room. Elegant new furnishings round out the design in the heart of the home.
Outside, the clean design of the carport impresses without overshadowing the refreshed bungalow. We also salvaged, refurbished, and reused the bungalow’s windows to maintain its original appeal.
THE FINAL RESULT
The owners now have a fully functioning house big enough to host guests and accommodate their (and their dogs’) lifestyle for many years to come.