KITCHEN RENOVATION
Objective: Transform a small kitchen into a dream space with more counter space, better outdoor connectivity, and enhanced functionality.
Project Overview: The clients needed a kitchen that was not only visually appealing but also practical. Key requirements included:
More Counter Space: Maximizing work surfaces.
Better Outdoor Connectivity: Improving the flow between the kitchen and outdoor areas.
Functional Efficiency: Optimizing layout and storage for user-friendliness.
Challenges: The project must be designed and built quickly without sacrificing quality.
Solution: Through careful planning and execution, we delivered a stunning, highly functional kitchen that significantly improved the clients' daily experience.
Situated amidst the vibrant streets of San Francisco, our recent architectural endeavor encapsulates the essence of modern urban living through the transformation of a kitchen space. Inspired by the city's dynamic spirit and the client's refined tastes, our design narrative unfolds as a seamless fusion of aesthetic elegance and practical functionality.
With meticulous attention to detail, we reimagined the layout to optimize spatial efficiency and enhance the flow of daily life. The integration of sleek lines, premium materials, and innovative storage solutions culminates in a space that not only elevates the culinary experience but also serves as a hub for social engagement and creative expression. From intimate gatherings to culinary explorations, this redesigned kitchen embodies the essence of contemporary luxury, offering a harmonious blend of style, comfort, and convenience amidst the bustling backdrop of San Francisco's urban landscape.
DESIGN PROCESS
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1. Original Kitchen
This kitchen started off as small, cluttered, and underwhelming. However, several key opportunities were immediately apparent to me: the tiny window, inadequate lighting, lack of counter space, and the chance to better connect with the outdoors.
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2. Original Kitchen Plan
conterspace
oven with overhead pantry
refrigerator
sink
window
range
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Renovated Kitchen Plan
counter space
pantry storage
refrigerator
sink
range/oven
Fold-up window with extended counter/bar
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4. Counter and Cabinets
The dark grey cabinets with copper handles complement the redwood flooring and wood accents throughout the house, creating a cohesive and visually striking aesthetic.
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5. Meaningful Materials
Collaborating closely with the client, I explored numerous tile backsplash options until she stumbled upon this exquisite handmade tile during her trip to Peru.
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6. Everything Must Glow
Lighting is paramount in my design process, as it plays a crucial role in shaping and enhancing the beauty of spaces. Utilizing advanced controls to achieve glowing indirect illumination, I strive to evoke a sense of warmth that consistently invites comfort and relaxation.
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7. Max out the window opportunity
The client was delighted with the result of this design. The window opens completely overhead, seamlessly blending the indoor and outdoor areas, while the countertop extends from inside to outside, enhancing both functionality and continuity.
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8. Materials
Copper sink and accents paired with black quartz countertops create a striking and elegant contrast, infusing the space with a sophisticated and timeless feel.
As the design emerges, renderings and animations tend to be the best way to communicate the design intent and direction. Images like these help to get buy off from the client and justify the additionla work to create something really amazing.
Impact of the New Window The installation of the new window completely transformed the kitchen, enhancing both its interior and exterior appeal. This change significantly improved the connectivity between the indoor and outdoor spaces, infusing the property with new life, energy, and a refreshed experience.
BEFORE: The kitchen window's compact size and elevated position limit its functionality, preventing it from taking full advantage of the natural light and views available. Without a pass-through feature, there's a missed opportunity for easy interaction between the kitchen and outdoor spaces, making it less ideal for entertaining or enjoying a connection with nature. Its height also makes it impractical for anyone to comfortably look out or communicate through it. Overall, a larger, lower, and operable window design could significantly enhance the usability and enjoyment of the kitchen’s connection to the exterior
AFTER: The installation of the new window completely transformed the kitchen, enhancing both its interior and exterior appeal. This change significantly improved the connectivity between the indoor and outdoor spaces, infusing the property with new life, energy, and a refreshed experience.
This meticulously designed kitchen exudes a harmonious blend of rustic charm and modern functionality. The robust dark wood flooring anchors the space, lending a touch of antiquity that contrasts splendidly with the sleek, contemporary lines of the custom cabinetry. The cabinets themselves, crafted from light oak, bring a soft warmth that is both inviting and visually soothing, complementing the natural grain of the wooden beams that frame the room.
Lighting plays a pivotal role in the ambiance of this culinary haven, with natural sunlight spilling through the generous window, highlighting the subtle textures of the patterned backsplash. Strategically placed LED strips enhance the ceiling's geometric details, creating a play of light and shadow that adds depth and drama. Every finish, from the matte countertops to the brushed metal of the state-of-the-art appliances, has been chosen with a discerning eye for quality and a cohesive aesthetic that speaks to a lifestyle of both comfort and elegance. This kitchen isn’t just a feature of a home, but a testament to a design philosophy that celebrates the union of form and function.
1200 GOUGH ST
San Francisco, CA
FIRM: AKSTUDIO
The Residence at 1200 Gough Street in San Francisco was a comprehensive interior renovation project aimed at transforming an outdated space into a modern, luxurious home. The project began with a careful evaluation of the existing space and its limitations, focusing on how to enhance the flow and maximize the connection with the surrounding city views. The goal was to create a more fluid and open living environment that would better utilize the space's potential.
The redesign involved reconfiguring the floor plan to improve the spatial flow and enhance natural light throughout the home. A key focus was on the kitchen and living areas, where I introduced high-end materials and finishes to create a cohesive, sophisticated atmosphere. Custom-designed cabinetry, innovative lighting solutions, and carefully selected finishes were employed to elevate the aesthetic and functional qualities of the space. The result is a residence that seamlessly blends modern design elements with the warmth and comfort of a home, providing a refined living experience that meets the needs of contemporary urban living.
ORIGINAL PLAN: The original plan for 1200 Gough Street features a compartmentalized layout with enclosed spaces, creating a confined feel. The separation between the bedroom, bathroom, and kitchen limits natural light and flow, offering clear opportunities for a more open, cohesive redesign.
DEMO PLAN: The space felt small and confined due to numerous walls and enclosures, so a comprehensive demolition was necessary. Removing the kitchen counters was an obvious choice, while the demolition in the bedroom and bathroom required a more precise, surgical approach.
PROPOSED PLAN: The final design significantly improves upon the original layout by opening up the space and creating a more fluid connection between the living, kitchen, and office areas. The redesign transforms the compartmentalized, restricted layout into a modern, open-plan living environment that enhances functionality and the overall sense of space.
DESIGN PROCESS
-
![]()
8. Materials
Copper sink and accents paired with black quartz countertops create a striking and elegant contrast, infusing the space with a sophisticated and timeless feel.
-
![]()
1. Original Kitchen
This kitchen started off as small, cluttered, and underwhelming. However, several key opportunities were immediately apparent to me: the tiny window, inadequate lighting, lack of counter space, and the chance to better connect with the outdoors.
-
![]()
2. Original Kitchen Plan
conterspace
oven with overhead pantry
refrigerator
sink
window
range
-
![]()
Renovated Kitchen Plan
counter space
pantry storage
refrigerator
sink
range/oven
Fold-up window with extended counter/bar
-
![]()
4. Counter and Cabinets
The dark grey cabinets with copper handles complement the redwood flooring and wood accents throughout the house, creating a cohesive and visually striking aesthetic.
-
![]()
5. Meaningful Materials
Collaborating closely with the client, I explored numerous tile backsplash options until she stumbled upon this exquisite handmade tile during her trip to Peru.
-
![]()
6. Everything Must Glow
Lighting is paramount in my design process, as it plays a crucial role in shaping and enhancing the beauty of spaces. Utilizing advanced controls to achieve glowing indirect illumination, I strive to evoke a sense of warmth that consistently invites comfort and relaxation.
FERRIS WAY
Novato, CA
FIRM: AKSTUDIO 2022
The Longfellow project involved converting one of twelve replica buildings into a high-end amenity space. This transformation aimed to host various functions, intending to bring a cluster of buildings one step closer to becoming a campus. The design included a variety of neutral, timeless, flexible, and inviting amenity features.
The space is designed with an emphasis on functionality and flexibility, featuring modern furnishings and thoughtful layouts that encourage interaction and collaboration. The use of glass walls and natural lighting creates an open and inviting atmosphere, while maintaining a professional and sophisticated aesthetic. The amenity space is equipped to support a range of activities, from casual meetings to formal events, making it a versatile addition to the campus.
ATHERTON WAY
Novato ,CA
AKSTUDIO
The Novato Residence on Atherton Avenue was a comprehensive design-build renovation of a 1970s ranch-style home, spearheaded by Alexi Karavokiris Design Studio. This project was marked by its swift execution and the seamless collaboration between the design team and the contractor. The primary objective was to modernize the home, transforming it from a dated, compartmentalized structure into a contemporary living space, while still honoring the original architectural character that gave the house its unique charm.
EXTERIOR
The architectural improvements were focused on addressing the limitations of the original design. The existing layout was characterized by small, confined spaces that limited natural light and created a segmented feel. By reimagining the floor plan, the design introduced a more open, fluid arrangement that maximized the flow between key areas like the kitchen, living room, and bedrooms. This reconfiguration not only enhanced functionality but also created a more cohesive and spacious environment that better suited modern living.
Exterior updates were equally transformative. The addition of new, larger windows significantly improved the natural light within the home, while refined finishes and carefully selected materials modernized the facade without losing the essence of the original ranch style. Landscaping played a crucial role in tying the exterior improvements together, with thoughtful enhancements that made the home more inviting and visually appealing.
Inside, the use of high-end materials and meticulous attention to detail elevated the overall aesthetic and comfort of the living spaces. The kitchen, which had been a small, enclosed area, was opened up and redesigned with modern amenities, creating a central hub for the home. Bedrooms and living areas were similarly upgraded, with a focus on creating airy, light-filled spaces that are both functional and elegant. Sustainability was also a key consideration, with the integration of energy-efficient features and materials throughout the renovation.
The result is a home that seamlessly blends the charm of its original 1970s architecture with the sophistication and practicality of contemporary design. The Novato Residence now stands as a testament to the power of thoughtful design and skilled execution, offering a modern, comfortable living space that meets the needs of today’s homeowners while preserving the character and warmth of the original structure.
WOOD’S residence
FIRM: AKStudio
Role: 2012
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Berkeley, Ca
RICHMOND ADU
Richmond ,CA
AKSTUDIO
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