Authentic. Optimized. Cat-Friendly.

Harrell Design + Build transformed this outdated, inefficient 1914 cottage into a cozy jewel of a home. The homeowner wanted to highlight the home’s original details while improving storage and functionality. We listened.

We listened when they said: Authentic. Optimized. Cat-Friendly.

Harrell Design + Build transformed this outdated, inefficient 1914 cottage into a cozy jewel of a home. The homeowner wanted to highlight the home’s original details while improving storage and functionality. We listened.

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Original stained glass windows are complemented by a refreshed exterior.

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The front door provides a pop of color, and bright white trim helps to draw focus to the home’s previously hidden stained glass windows.

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A new fence and gate accentuate the curb appeal.

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Original stained glass windows are complemented by a refreshed exterior.

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The front door provides a pop of color, and bright white trim helps to draw focus to the home’s previously hidden stained glass windows.

3

A new fence and gate accentuate the curb appeal.

Original stained glass windows are complemented by a refreshed exterior.

The front door provides a pop of color, and bright white trim helps to draw focus to the home’s previously hidden stained glass windows.

A new fence and gate accentuate the curb appeal.

Custom cabinetry along the office wall offers ample storage and extended shelving for the owner’s cats to lounge.

A Cat-Friendly Cottage

Making the most of the home’s 650 square feet while preserving its quaint appeal was a must for these homeowners. A budget-friendly kitchen remodel boosted function while embracing its 1914’s aesthetic.

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This charming kitchen in Santa Clara takes full advantage of vertical space to maximize storage.
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Removing the wing wall between the kitchen and rear hallway transformed the kitchen. The refrigerator location feels intentional, and the homeowners gained counterspace.

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Full height built-in cabinetry houses a sleek 48″ refrigerator, wall oven, and extra storage.

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The homeowner was thrilled with the spacious sink and faucet. The new window coordinates with the home’s cottage charm.

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A panel-ready dishwasher blends into the base cabinetry, creating a visual perception of length.

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The full-height subway tile backsplash behind the cooktop adds an illusion of height.

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Refinishing the original hardwood floors throughout the home creates cohesiveness and warmth.

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The main bath’s leafy, textural shower tile flows into the niche accented by brushed nickel trim and patterned shelf.

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The main bath’s leafy, textural shower tile flows into the niche accented by brushed nickel trim and patterned shelf.

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The main bath’s leafy, textural shower tile flows into the niche accented by brushed nickel trim and patterned shelf.

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The main bath’s leafy, textural shower tile flows into the niche accented by brushed nickel trim and patterned shelf.

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The main bath’s leafy, textural shower tile flows into the niche accented by brushed nickel trim and patterned shelf.

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The main bath’s leafy, textural shower tile flows into the niche accented by brushed nickel trim and patterned shelf.

Removing the wing wall between the kitchen and rear hallway transformed the kitchen. The refrigerator location feels intentional, and the homeowners gained counterspace.

Full height built-in cabinetry houses a sleek 48″ refrigerator, wall oven, and extra storage.

Refinishing the original hardwood floors throughout the home creates cohesiveness and warmth.

A panel-ready dishwasher blends into the base cabinetry, creating a visual perception of length.

The homeowner was thrilled with the spacious sink and faucet. The new window coordinates with the home’s cottage charm.

The full-height subway tile backsplash behind the cooktop adds an illusion of height.

Optimized Spaces

Built-in cabinetry and reallocated space dramatically increased storage and style in every room, inside and out.

Kitchen

Full height built-in cabinetry provides improved storage within the kitchen’s original dimensions, and an extended counter creates more workspace.

Living Room

The 100-square-foot living room also functions as a TV room and foyer. The TV is housed in a custom cabinet that includes drawers for storage and open display shelving.

An entryway “drop zone” was created with a charging drawer and space to deposit keys, handbags, and backpacks.

A new casement window is designed with a false horizontal bar, imitating the home’s original double-hung windows.

Bedroom

Clever and efficient, this custom whole wall cabinet doubled the bedroom’s storage. The multi-functional unit includes two hanging closets, a chest of drawers, and additional drawer storage above and below.

A new casement window is designed with a false horizontal bar, imitating the home’s original double-hung windows.

Multi-Purpose Indoor-Outdoor Space

An unstable and unattractive overhang was replaced by a “catio” for the homeowner’s five felines. This multi-purpose indoor-outdoor space embraces authentic architectural elements, creates a cat-safe space, and functions as a laundry room.

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Horizontal slats provide privacy. Wire mesh keeps the felines safe and secure.

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A new concrete foundation raised the floor for a level transition from the kitchen.

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The new pet door allows the cats to enter and exit the home at their leisure.

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Perches offer multiple vantage points for the cats to look over their domain.

Horizontal slats provide privacy. Wire mesh keeps the felines safe and secure.

A new concrete foundation raised the floor for a smooth transition from the kitchen.

The new pet door allows the cats to enter and exit the home at their leisure.

Perches offer multiple vantage points for the cats to look over their domain.

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Horizontal slats provide privacy. Wire mesh keeps the felines safe and secure.

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The new pet door allows the cats to enter and exit the home at their leisure.

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Perches offer multiple vantage points for the cats to look over their domain.

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A new concrete foundation raised the floor for a level transition from the kitchen.

“Harrell did a fantastic job helping us design a comfortable modern space that retained the unique charm of our 100-year-old home. We appreciated their attention to detail and commitment to quality and had a lot of fun working with the team.”

–Homeowner, Santa Clara

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Interested in seeing more projects?

Take a look at the case studies from our “We Listened” series, showcasing our NARI META award-winning projects.