The homeowner wanted to reallocate the layout, open the space, and create a more inviting design that honored the home’s Mid-Century character. By incorporating outdoor patio space into the interior footprint and reworking the kitchen, dining, and living areas, the remodel added approximately 338 square feet of interior living space.
Project Overview
“Our client wanted to reallocate space in her Mid-Century Modern home, which had a relatively large living room, dining room, and den, but a very tiny galley kitchen. She wanted to open up the space to create a more livable, inviting space that honored the Mid-Century style of her home.” , Anastasia
The finished space.
36 photos
Before and After Addition and Kitchen Remodel
See how this Rancho Bernardo home was transformed from a closed-off layout with a tiny galley kitchen into a spacious, open living area with a larger kitchen, added interior square footage, and a stronger connection between the kitchen, dining, and sitting spaces.
Before and after
See the transformation.
The before and after, in motion.
Opening the Layout While Preserving the Home’s Character
The main challenge was not simply making the kitchen larger. The design needed to reallocate space in a way that made the home feel more natural, more livable, and more connected while still respecting its Mid-Century Modern roots.
To create the open layout, the team removed two load-bearing walls, raised headers, and widened existing doorways. Several flush beams were added in the attic to properly support the existing roof load. This structural work made it possible to create a cleaner, more open interior without taking away from the finished design.
From a Tiny Galley Kitchen to a Spacious Gathering Space
The remodeled kitchen now feels like the heart of the home. The larger footprint allowed for a generous island, improved storage, better appliance placement, and a smoother connection to the dining and living areas.
The stained knotty alder island brings warmth and depth to the room, while the oatmeal-painted perimeter cabinets keep the kitchen feeling calm and balanced. MSI Calacatta Cinela countertops add a bright, refined surface, and the Celine porcelain backsplash brings subtle texture without competing with the rest of the design.
Two Genie pendant lights over the island help define the kitchen visually, while the Bosch induction cooktop, Bosch refrigerator, KitchenAid oven and microwave combination, and GE cabinet range hood give the space the function needed for daily cooking and entertaining.
Large windows bring in natural light and views, while Rivoli white oak engineered hardwood flooring adds warmth throughout the main common areas. The finished layout gives the homeowner a kitchen, dining area, and sitting space that now work together as one connected living area.
Hall Bathroom Remodel
The project also included a hall bathroom remodel with warm, earthy finishes and a clean, updated layout. The shower and tub area features Memory San Brown Gloss porcelain tile, paired with a white Memory tile niche for contrast and storage.
A Zeus Silestone countertop, wall-mounted Delta bath faucet, illuminated mirror, and Delta bath fixtures help the bathroom feel polished and functional. Gazzini Amalfi Flux porcelain floor tile and baseboard complete the space with a light, durable finish.
Structural Work Behind the Finished Design
One of the most important parts of this remodel is what cannot be seen in the final photos. Removing two load-bearing walls required careful structural planning and execution. Raising headers and widening existing doorways helped create the open feeling the homeowner wanted.
To support the existing roof load, several flush beams were added in the attic. This behind-the-scenes structural work made it possible to reallocate the space, open the layout, and create a finished design that feels more spacious, natural, and intentional.
Final Result
What started as a Mid-Century Modern home with a tiny galley kitchen is now a warm, open, and more livable home with added interior space and a much stronger connection between the kitchen, dining, and living areas.
The finished remodel blends function and beauty through a spacious kitchen, warm white oak flooring, a stained knotty alder island, soft oatmeal cabinetry, refined countertops, and carefully selected lighting and fixtures. The overall result feels elegant, calm, and welcoming while still honoring the character of the original home.
Thinking about remodeling your kitchen or adding more livable space to your home? Kaminskiy Design and Remodeling helps San Diego homeowners create thoughtful spaces designed around real life.
