Photographer: Colin Price Photography
In this typical vintage San Francisco kitchen in an Edwardian flat, a separate butler’s pantry didn’t support the way the homeowners cooked. When they turned to local firm Noz Design to rework the spaces, founder Noz Nozawa was pleased by her clients’ intent.
“This project was going to be an investment in the couple staying comfortably in this home for the long haul,” she said. “So we knew our design could really be tailored to them and not for potential resale to a future anonymous dweller who would just rip out and redo the renovation.”
Once an unused butler’s pantry was incorporated into the kitchen, the room assumed a dog-leg footprint. Nozawa anchored the larger portion with a furniture-styled island.
Photographer: Colin Price Photography
The homeowners were confident that the expanded kitchen would easily meet their storage needs, which allowed wall cabinets to be minimized.
Three finishes – black, white and natural wood – were used in the San Francisco kitchen. “It was a fun exercise to balance what finish went where,” said Nozawa, who used the colors as a tool to bring a subtle hierarchy to the space’s components.
Photographer: Colin Price Photography
Nozawa’s favorite detail in the San Francisco kitchen is how the backsplash pattern continues up onto the range hood. “Mitering the tile at the corners of the hood was a feat for our tile setters, too. We’re all very proud of their craftsmanship!”
Photographer: Colin Price Photography
The green wall installation was designed by the homeowners. The adjustable ceiling fixture is lit with a grow-light.
Photographer: Colin Price Photography
In the bathroom, the designer added a second operable window for fresh air and increased natural ventilation.
Photographer: Colin Price Photography
“We decided not to have a tub in the one bathroom in this home, as the clients never used a bathtub, and a walk-in shower felt safer,” said Nozawa. “We did keep the curb, as the clients are young and able-bodied.”