The Heart of a Young Family’s Home

A participatory design/build process that’s the exception to the rule.

Natural textures.

For this Southside kitchen renovation, the clients wanted to maximize their modest space, and required design choices to be rooted in the beauty found in nature.

Custom plywood cabinetry and cork flooring delivered an organic 1970s Scandinavian feel, but materials are only one part of a redesign story.

Utility was lacking. The existing collection of small rooms supported familial togetherness but only discretely. Moving from one home experience to another was sticky. With an at-home workspace, a young child, and another on the way, breaking down the walls between living, work, and dining spaces, brought the needed flow.

As makers themselves, the clients were uniquely positioned to understand the ever-changing renovation process. How one decision (or speed bump), can shift and change the trajectory of design/build. Throughout, they stayed nimble and engaged, allowing the process to unfold in an unforced way— even participating in some hard labor that made economical and scheduling sense as the needs met an existing skill set.

The result is a home, that feels intimate by design, and no longer is constricting to the natural movements of a young family’s naturally vibrant life.