QUEENS ROAD MAKEOVER

The owners of this 1930’s home, a former duplex, wanted to transform it into a more modern environment to fit their lifestyle.  This included opening the interior for a better indoor / outdoor relationship and for hosting music events.  They also desired that the home’s exterior be a part of this modern transformation. The main living spaces were opened by removing the walls and finishes around the existing back-to-back fireplaces, exposing the original brick and using it as a room divider, art space and a chimney and backdrop for a new gas stove; and removing additional walls and supporting the existing construction with exposed steel beams and columns, painted in Frank Lloyd Wright’s signature “Cherokee Red.”

The original kitchen, which was at the rear of the house and received little light and no views, was moved toward the front of the house to provide both.  And, to function as the nexus for living and entertaining.  The kitchen is anchored by an island topped with a single slab or translucent granite, lighted from below.  Traditional windows were replaced with full glass, the exterior brick repainted and wood siding replaced with horizontal, stained cypress.

The owners understood the benefit of complete design and were open to the creation of all of the special details that enhance a project. They also commissioned me to design several pieces of the furniture and two pieces of sculpture.  The landscaping design was critical as well and was carried out with the collaboration of an expert landscaping contractor.

Other details include laser cut, sliding steel doors to hide the trash receptacles, which serve as a lantern at night, and a steel canopy to provide a covered entry for the existing garage studio.

Structural Engineer:  Harrison Consulting Engineers

Builder: Randy Causey

Landscape Contractor: Fountain Landscaping

Photos:  Dustin Peck (Unless otherwise noted)

HOME DESIGN AND DECOR

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