A Craftsman Reimagined

San Francisco, Sunset District

2,800 square foot

Nestled within one of San Francisco’s celebrated western neighborhoods, this renovation reimagines a 1940s Craftsman row home set within the city’s iconic suburban streetscape. While rich in character, the home no longer supported the needs of a growing family. The interiors were dark and dated, the living spaces undersized, and the ground floor functioned as an underutilized garage, disconnected from daily life.

The primary design challenge was to expand usable living space without increasing the building footprint or compromising the home’s historic character. By reworking the existing floor plan and infilling an internal patio and lightwell, the design created a more generous kitchen, dining area, and bathroom. A former closet was repurposed as a discreet half-bath, providing a dedicated powder room for guests. Strategically placed skylights further transform the interior, introducing abundant daylight and creating bright, welcoming spaces that feel both contemporary and rooted in the home’s original fabric.

At the ground level, the rear portion of the garage was reclaimed to create a compact in-law unit that opens directly to the backyard, offering flexible accommodations for visiting family and friends while preserving a dedicated parking space. A centrally located shared laundry provides access from both levels without passing through private living areas. Designed as an extension of the main home, the in-law unit was also planned to convert seamlessly into a future legal ADU, supporting long-term flexibility and potential rental income.

With all-new utilities and finishes throughout, the renovation delivers a renewed Craftsman home—lighter, more functional, and thoughtfully tailored to contemporary living.

Interior design and renderings by HarmoniQ