A dim, closed-in ranch house with a chopped-up layout was less than perfect for two graphic designers with contemporary tastes. After a few years of living in the house and considering what they wanted, they hired Clayton & Little Architects to complete a complete design-and-build remodel. “The layout was really weird and was not working for them,” says architect Paul Clayton. “The only way to get from one end of the house to another would be to pass a closed-off kitchen or a bath.” He fully reconfigured the layout around a central circulation spine that created a pleasing, open flow. The renovations included making a new kitchen at the center of the house, as well as two new bathrooms. Here’s a look at the results.
at a Glance
Who lives here: 2 graphic designers and their young son
Location: Austin, Texas
Size: Around 1,200 square feet; 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms
Clayton&Little Architects
The architects vaulted up the present apartment ceiling and inserted a glass door to let more light to the family area; they stored the present steel-frame windows. The homeowners generated a pristine but comfortable furniture layout that integrates iconic midcentury modern and contemporary pieces — and a nod to Star Wars.
Clayton&Little Architects
Stained wood cabinets from Ikea comparison with powder-coated-steel countertops that reflect the light. The distance just past the countertops is your central circulation spine that enables one space to flow to the next.
Clayton&Little Architects
The owners have a comprehensive art collection; white walls and vibrant, eclectic pieces transform even the kitchen to a gallery.
Guests and household usually enter the house through this door. The glass door on the right leads to the guest bathroom, which joins to the private bedroom space.
Clayton&Little Architects
The floors are stained concrete, which plays off the slick industrial stainless steel hardware, appliances and port hood.
A refrigerator and pantry are across the space from these types of countertops.
Sink, cabinets: Ikea
Clayton&Little Architects
A cupboard space from the son’s room provided the perfect area to get a dining room. “We wanted to make a cozy alcove because of his bed so we can depart as much floor space as you can for play and toys,” Clayton says.
Bedspread: DwellStudio (stopped)
Clayton&Little Architects
Each of the master bedroom needed was new paint and carpet tiles. A picture railroad displays favored prints.
Nightstand: Modulicious No. 1, Blu Dot; shams: Chinoiserie Pearl, DwellStudio
Clayton&Little Architects
The master bath was formerly a small study off the master bedroom that had sliding glass doors onto the wall where the window is. A floating vanity, a very clear glass frameless shower separator, constant white tile plus a skylight make the new master bath feel a lot bigger than its 6 by 10 feet.
Tile: 4-by-12 Modern Dimensions, Daltile
Clayton&Little Architects
The vanity is natural grey poured-in-place concrete using a burnished finish. Steel was run through it and into the wall studs so it might be cantilevered.
After about six months of construction, the residence is now a place where the household plans to stay for quite a while.
Clayton&Little Architects
Here’s a plan to help you get a better feeling of how the house flows. (Click on photo to expand it)