Shore-Inspired Living That Connects Kitchen, Family, and Backyard
The owners of this 1980s San Diego split-level were seeking a breezy flow and contemporary finishes. We opened the kitchen to the dining and living rooms, pushed cabinetry to the ceiling for extra storage, and installed a wide OXXO patio door so poolside views feel like part of the décor. New luxury-vinyl plank floors sweep through every first-floor space, unifying the blue-white palette and making cleanup a snap after sandy beach days.
Swipe through the finished spaces—from sea-glass entry doors to the tailored blue-and-brass kitchen and patterned-tile bath.
Key Features
Island Gathering Hub – Generous quartz countertop seats four for weeknight tacos or homework help.
Panoramic OXXO Door – A four-panel slider erases the boundary between the great room and pool deck.
Statement Entry – Double doors in surf-blue paint welcome guests with instant personality.
Patterned Bath Floor – Encaustic tiles and a tiled-in linear drain add coastal cottage charm while camouflaging everyday splashes and footprints.
Updated Fireplace – Shiplap detail and wood mantel create a warm focal point on cool evenings.
Objective
The clients wanted smoother circulation, sightlines to the backyard, and storage that respects beach-life clutter. By extending the kitchen footprint, rotating work zones, and integrating indoor-outdoor openings, we delivered a bright, family-ready main level without adding square footage.
See the Transformation — Before & After Video
Watch a 1-minute flipbook that shows the walled-off galley morph into a wide-open cook’s kitchen, plus the bath’s shift from dated tile to spa-style blue hues.
The Challenge — Boxed-In Kitchen & Aged Systems
Years of piecemeal updates left the first floor feeling chopped up. A drop ceiling hovered over the galley-style kitchen, three undersized windows stole wall space, and brick encased the fireplace like a relic. Outdated plumbing, dim fixtures, and worn flooring underscored the need for a full reset.
Our Solution — Strategic Re-layout & Whole Home Upgrade
We demoed the entire first floor, reframed key walls, and rerouted plumbing, gas, and electrical lines to support a larger island and maintain open sightlines. New energy-efficient windows, bright yet dimmable lighting, and floor-to-ceiling shiplap on the fireplace modernize the space, while LVP flooring and quartz counters ensure everyday durability.
Project Highlights
Unfettered Flow – Removing bulkheads and the drop ceiling lets the island anchor cooking, chatting, and serving in one zone.
Smart Infrastructure – Re-routed plumbing, upgraded gas line, and new electrical backbone future-proof the SKS dual-fuel range and farmhouse sink.
Durable Beauty – Waterproof LVP floors, soft-close shaker cabinets, and quartz counters shrug off pets, parties, and spills.
Elevated Fireplace – Floor-to-ceiling shiplap, a tiled hearth, and a handcrafted mantel transform a dated unit into a modern focal point.
Spa-Like Bath – A full-height tile, matching niche, and glass bypass door create a light and expansive shower experience.
Ready to Reimagine Your Space?
✨ Envision a kitchen that keeps pace with your life, a floor plan that flows effortlessly, and rooms bathed in natural light. Say goodbye to dark, crowded corners and hello to bright, open living—all customized to your needs. Schedule your free in-home consultation today and see how our expert solutions and personalized approach can bring your vision to life.
