Creating a 'Modern Respite' for a busy family in Rincon Valley

When Omar and Brenda, owners of a 1970’s ranch-style home on a picturesque street in Rincon Valley, reached out to Sonoma Interiors, they were feeling crowded into their inefficient and outdated layout. With two children and the increasing desire to entertain, their 2,700 square feet had to be optimized to meet their family's needs. Andrea recognized that this unique one-story home, the only ranch in the neighborhood, was ripe for updating into a modern, universally-designed retreat for this wonderful family. Naming it the “Modern Respite” Andrea drew inspiration from Brenda’s early years spent in Japan, as well as Omar’s love of a sleek, minimalist modern aesthetic, resulting in a Japandi-style retreat that not only meets their needs, but adds value to their investment in the future, in an often unpredictable California real estate landscape.

This project was featured in Sonoma Magazine's digital edition in June 2024. You can read more about Andrea's design concept and inspiration there!

The home's small, dark, and compartmentalized kitchen was completely reimagined to create a bright and spacious epicenter of the home, and a place where the family can welcome friends. After careful space and cost analysis, an addition was planned on the back of the house, extending the existing kitchen space and creating a more defined exterior patio area in the process.

Universal design features incorporated into the kitchen include the use of pull-out drawers in lieu of cabinets for convenient access, short proximity of prep sink to stove, pot-filler over range, casement windows for easy operation, front facing controls at range, and remote-controlled exhaust fan at the hood.

 “Andrea had the rare ability to maintain focus on a universal design approach that incorporates elegant themes that remain authentic for us and also acknowledge the practical aspect of creating a space that will continue to accommodate our changing needs for decades to come.”

One of the main issues with the home was that it lacked a proper en suite. Omar's unpredictable hours as an ER doctor meant he often interrupted Brenda's slumber as he entered the primary suite, where the double vanity formerly resided in the bedroom, directly across from their bed. Privacy, space, and organizational issues in the primary bedroom and bath layout are long forgotten when you step into the new spa-like primary bath.

The primary bath is designed to enable the couple to "age in place" if they stay in the home long-term. Should they decide to sell, the universally designed en suite will be a huge selling point for the home. Since bathrooms are the most expensive room to retrofit for mobility devices as we age, Andrea planned for future use while the walls were open; a point in the process where it is cost effective to invest in features that will benefit them down the road when mobility devices may be needed. For example, though grab bars were not needed at this time, Andrea specified wall blocking in and around the roll-in shower, so they could easily (and inexpensively) be added when necessary.

Some of the many Universal Design features incorporated into the primary bath include a zero-threshold shower with built-in accessible bench, Illumination of shower niche for aging eyes, touch-free motion-activated lighting below a floating vanity for ease of use at night, open layout with 60" turning diameter in front of the tub and vanity, handheld shower fixtures, and easily operable levers throughout.

Shag carpeting throughout the primary bedroom was removed and replaced with a tighter woven carpet that minimizes transitions in the home. Wall sconces beside the bed were specified with controlled remotes, another universal design feature.

The original laundry room, typically a utilitarian space when the home was built in the 70's, was located off the home's entry, and was cramped and lacking in proper storage. What's worse, guests were forced to walk through it to access the home's only guest bathroom. Andrea not only enlarged the laundry area, but created a charming built-in office area for Brenda. Formerly residing in the primary bedroom, Brenda's new office space is tucked away from the bustle of the rest of the home. The previously dark and crowded laundry room got a space increase, enough to house a generous amount of built-ins for laundry and storage organization.

Andrea was able to carve out a proper powder room, directly off the home's entry, and adorned it with a whimsical wallcovering fitting to Brenda's bohemian style. Now it is a destination for visitors (and a great conversation starter).

“I think it is so important for everyone to feel seen and represented in a space. It is what gives us all that sense of home,” said Andrea. 

Creating this peaceful home for such a beautiful family who give so much to our community has left a lasting impression on Andrea's heart. It was truly a special and meaningful project.

Be sure to follow us on Instagram for more on this transformation, including before shots. Need help transforming your home? Contact us here - we'd love to help!