This intimate Craftsman cottage, tucked into Berkeley’s tranquil Westbrae neighborhood, is a thoughtful restoration that honors the home’s vintage character while inviting the outdoors in. 

Working with the client’s wish to retain historical integrity, we emphasized symmetry, proportion, and generous daylighting to create a calm, cohesive flow. The reconfigured dining and kitchen areas open through a wide transom and framed doorway to a lovely garden.

Natural materials — warm oak floors, an understated wood dining table, built-in banquette seating, and handcrafted tile — reinforce the home’s original Craftsman palette while providing a contemporary yet timeless update. 

The result is a small but quaint home that reads as both carefully restored and quietly modern.

Photography: Christopher Stark

Builder: Green Living Builders