Kitchen + Bath Blues

Berkeley, CA

Front exterior of the remodeled Berkeley home, showing the deep red facade with dark trim, dormer windows, and refreshed landscaping along the sidewalk.
Bright living room after remodel with a new gas fireplace and patterned tile surround, built in shelving, large windows, and modern seating on a colorful rug.
Remodeled kitchen range wall with light blue cabinetry, stainless hood and stove, and a decorative patterned tile accent framed by white subway tile backsplash.
View from the breakfast nook into the updated galley kitchen, showing the straightened wall, new peninsula, bench seating, and doors that now open easily to the deck.
Wider opening from the dining room into the kitchen and nook, improving circulation and sightlines while highlighting the light blue cabinets and pendant lighting beyond.
Looking down the main stair after renovations, showing refreshed wood treads, new handrail lighting, and the improved connection between upper bedrooms and the main level.
Main level living area with the renovated stair and railing, warm wood floors, and recessed lighting that ties the refreshed rooms together after the whole house updates.
Newly finished bedroom with soft green walls, added windows for daylight, and simple furnishings, part of the larger remodel that created more functional living space.
Custom closet and storage area added during the remodel, featuring a built in desk nook by the window and a new door, created by straightening the kitchen wall layout.
Bathroom shower detail with teal and blue mosaic tile, a recessed soap niche with patterned inset, marble look wall tile, glass enclosure, and pebble style shower floor.
Upper story bedroom reconfigured for better use of the dormer space, showing an alcove bed under the sloped ceiling and a built in desk area with large corner windows.
Remodeled bathroom with a wood vanity, clean white walls, and a glass enclosed shower finished in teal mosaic tile and marble look wainscot for a brighter, larger feel.

Kitchen + Bath Blues

Berkeley, CA

  • Year Built: 2017

    The Owners purchased this home and started designing with Levitch right away. Touch-ups throughout the house were made to accommodate the Owners’ needs. The project includes remodels, revamps, and renovations. It was a big project to jump into, but Levitch was excited to complete the design and build for the Owners.

    Ground Story:

    • At the basement, there had been just a Family Room. We excavate by 1′ to get 8′ ceilings, converting the crawlspace to a Guest Bedroom and Bathroom.

    • We also relocate the Laundry to this level (not shown).

    Main Story:

    • The previous Kitchen had awkward angles that restricted access to the existing deck. By straightening out the wall, we achieve a more functional Kitchen, and create closets for the Primary Bedroom.

    • Then, we also create a wider opening between the Dining Room and Nook to improve circulation.

    • Next, we tuck in a Powder Room where the hall closets had been (not shown).

    • After that, Levitch removes the chimney and added a new gas fireplace.

    Second Story:

    • Finally, Levitch reconfigures and remodels the Bathroom, yielding more space for adjacent Bedrooms.

     

    Photography by Treve Johnson

  • See how things looked before we started, as we as before + after floor plans, below.

  • “We hired Maurice and Levitch Assoc. after moving to Berkeley from the East Coast and purchasing an older home described as having “good bones” (code for “needs a lot of work”). We initially started out with a smaller project in mind planning further renovation at a later time, and I interviewed several architects and other design build firms to discuss the foundation, basement renovation, kitchen changes and bathroom renovations. Maurice was the only architect I interviewed who actually had ideas on the spot, including how to convert quirky former attic dormer space upstairs to maximize bedroom space and create a good- sized functional bathroom for our kids.

    I liked Maurice immediately, so we hired Levitch and Maurice created two well thought out design schemes for us to choose from. The designs included a media room, guest room and bath in our basement, as well as other configuration changes upstairs (maximizing the kids’ space), adding a powder room to our main floor, creating a larger en suite bath, and laying out a huge galley kitchen. Ultimately, in addition to these plans, we upgraded all the systems in the house, excavated our basement and re-did 3/4 of the foundation, re-did our deck, chimney and fireplace, and replaced all the windows and most doors among other interior finishes. It was a larger project than we originally intended but we are thrilled that we did all the work now and that we hired Levitch to do it for us.

    Maurice is professional, amiable and easy going, just an all around good guy and pleasant to work with. His project manager, Vuk, was lovely as well, as were all the Levitch workers and their subs. They were careful, reliable and respectful, and their work is of the finest quality. The finished product is beautiful, and I get compliments on my house every time someone walks in. We are grateful that we were able to do this project and that we worked with Levitch.”

    J. T.

Process

Upper Floor + Basement Plans (Before):

Upper Floor + Basement Plans (After):

Living room before renovation, showing the original fireplace and chimney, older finishes, and empty floor area prior to adding the new gas fireplace and updated layout.
Bathroom before remodel with a dated double sink vanity, older tile countertop and backsplash, and basic fixtures prior to Levitch reconfiguring the space for better function.
Kitchen before remodel with dark wood cabinets, angled walls, and constrained circulation to the deck, prior to Levitch straightening the wall for a more functional layout.
Breakfast nook before renovation, showing bay windows and the previous kitchen corner that limited movement, prior to widening the opening between dining room and nook.
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