Jewel Box Cottage

Built in 1903, this modest bungalow suffered from low ceilings, lack of light, decades of deferred maintenance, and structurally unsound additions. We worked with The City’s Landmarks board to develop a path forward preserving the majority of the exterior shell, but incorporating some playful new details that bring it up to date, The new design includes an accessible ramp to the main entrance, disguised as a wrap around porch, larger window and a custom, arch-top garage door. The existing interior, including the dropped ceilings were removed, creating an open living/dining/kitchen with a loft above new bedrooms. We saved wood removed from demolition and had it milled into flooring installed throughout, visually tying the rooms together. While the new trim, cabinetry, and windows give nods to the original style of the home, they never follow tradition too strictly or seriously. Instead, every detail is infused with playfulness and joy.