With a Good Layout in Place, This Kitchen Reno Was About Gaining More Counter Space
Photo by Vivian Johnson
Near the center of San Francisco, the steep hills that surround Cole Valley are lined with colorful Victorian and Edwardian homes that have stood for generations. When two Midwestern transplants moved to the compact neighborhood a little over a decade ago, they fell in love with its many beautiful views, but it wasn’t until 2021 that they purchased a home in the area on an enviable perch.
Aside from a coat of paint and a newish stove, oven, and refrigerator, it was clear the previous owners hadn’t done much to spruce up the kitchen since the Summer of Love was still a fresh memory for the city (yes, we’re talking circa 1967). For designer Rachel Seldin, principal of Seldin Design Studios, the glaring issues were the room’s lack of charm, countertop space, and storage. “And the predominantly white and gray cabinetry blended in with nondescript, bulky appliances,” she points out.
The couple requested a space where the architectural details on the exterior of the home (and frankly throughout their neighborhood) were reflected in the interior, from push-button light switches to the antique brass hardware. Here’s how Seldin reimagined old-world features for a modern address.
