House Transformation: From Repair to Innovation

What began as a minor structural repair project evolved into a complete reinvention of a three-story family home in Northern California. Designed by Medium Plenty in close collaboration with a creative couple and their two young children, the project reflects a vision that seamlessly blends everyday functionality with contemporary aesthetics.

Exterior Design: Balancing Modernity and Compliance

Despite strict neighborhood design guidelines, the home confidently stands out with its modern façade featuring clean lines and minimalist details. The design captures attention without excess, softened by organic touches like potted greenery on the upper terrace, designed by James Munden and MFLA, to complement the geometric architecture.

At the back, the home connects effortlessly to the garden. Natural light spills in through generous glazing, while solid stone slabs help visually anchor the indoor-outdoor flow. It is a rear facade that does not just face the backyard, it becomes part of it.

Harmony with Nature: Indoor-Outdoor Flow

The interior spaces merge effortlessly with the backyard through expansive glass windows and sturdy stone panels, creating a seamless transition between inside and out. The rear façade doesn’t just face the garden it becomes an organic extension of it.

Interior Design: Warm Elegance and Smart Functionality

Living Room: Embodies the balance of beauty and comfort, featuring a Fay Toogood sofa, layered textiles, and a sculptural piece from Commune Design that adds warmth.

This sunlit living room features a Coup d'Etat sofa and rug by Fay Toogood, that ground the space with layered texture, while an Allied Maker sconce adds sculptural warmth. Just outside, the patio extends the room’s footprint, creating an easy connection to the outdoors.

Kitchen: Designed by Henrybuilt as the home’s heart, it combines aesthetics with efficiency, with the island serving as a multifunctional hub.

Designed by Henrybuilt, this kitchen is the true heart of the home. Its materials and layout reflect both beauty and utility, a space built for entertaining and everyday living alike. The kitchen island in particular serves as a multi-functional hub, from food prep to homework sessions.

Media Room: Acoustically optimized for immersive cinematic experiences, with precision soundproofing and reflective panels.

Tucked just off the kitchen, the home office provides a calm retreat for focused work or creative play. Flooded with natural light, it is perfectly positioned for productivity without being cut off from the rest of the household rhythm.

Primary Suite: Merges comfort with bespoke design, from a Kalon Studios bed to artistic de Gournay wallcoverings.

The primary suite blends tactile comfort and tailored design. A Kalon Studios bed, Croft House nightstands, and Commune sconces create a balanced composition, while a floral de Gournay wallcovering lends softness and visual depth.

Children’s Spaces: Playful Sophistication

The kids’ rooms feature whimsical yet durable designs, like the geometric green tile in the bathroom a playful touch that will grow with them.

This media room is acoustically optimized for both two-channel audio and surround sound. From isolation treatments to reflection panels and tuned speakers, it is a cinematic cocoon made for immersive experiences.

Final Touches: Details That Make a Difference

From the stone-floored staircase with copper inlays to the bright, well-organized laundry room, every corner of this home demonstrates intentional, thoughtful planning.

Conclusion: A Home for Generations

More than just a residence, this home is a statement of sustainable, emotionally resonant design. Organic materials intertwine with contemporary lines to create a space that harmonizes with family life and stands the test of time.

Photography: Shadow Degges
Interior Design: Yedda Morrison
Architecture: Medium Plenty
Contractor: Jetton Construction

✦ ArchUp Editorial Insight

This project delivers an inspiring vision for residential design, transforming structural challenges into an opportunity to craft a cohesive family space. The team’s meticulous attention to detail shines in the balance between aesthetics and functionality particularly in the kitchen and media room. However, deeper exploration of how the design influences daily family interactions (like hidden gathering nooks or smart storage solutions) could have added further depth. Nevertheless, the home’s greatest achievement lies in its ability to feel contemporary without sacrificing warmth, making it a benchmark for intentional, timeless design.

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