Contractor: Paul Menard Construction
Photographry: Dave Adams Photography
Cottage House Remodel
Sacramento, California
The Cottage House was originally built in the 1920’s and through the years had undergone a series of disastrous remodels. The home was devoid of character, had no internal flow between rooms, and a completely unworkable kitchen. Our clients challenged us to create a home that would allow for frequent entertaining, both inside and outside, all without expanding beyond the home’s 1,300 sq.ft. footprint.
On the exterior, details were added to bring out the 1920’s cottage feel of this home. An entry trellis, beefy trim around all new windows, and new wood siding to conceal an old concrete block addition all help to unify the house and give it needed character. The back deck was reconfigured to double its size so that it became an extension of the house.
On the interior, precious space was captured by removing an abandoned brick chimney. This one simple but strategically critical design move, enabled us to completely open the living room to the kitchen/dining area. The new kitchen was tucked into the southeastern corner of the house, while the dining room connects to the expanded deck via French doors. The interior was given new life and character through the addition of special built-ins and arch details in the dining area and living room, including a new fireplace on a once blank wall. The small house although no bigger in size, now feels substantially larger and has a natural flow which expands right out to the back deck.