The foyer of this 1909 Craftsman on Walnut Avenue in Burlingame Park sets a clear arrival, with its red front door, bright windows, and wood-look flooring. Stepping inside, I see the dark-stained trim, multi-pane windows, and hardwood floors with inlay details that define the entry and living room. The original woodwork and patterned glass are features to preserve, not conceal. Burlingame’s median home was built in 1937, but this house predates most of its neighbors, making its Craftsman details especially significant (Redfin sold-home data). I recommend a warmer, neutral wall color in the foyer and living room to highlight the wood trim, and replacing the current window treatments with simpler options to let the windows and woodwork stand out.
The living room, with its wood paneling, large windows, hardwood flooring, and fireplace, is a distinct front room that deserves to remain separate yet visually connected to the dining area. The wood-framed openings keep the rooms defined while maintaining openness. I would update the living room’s lighting with a period-appropriate central fixture, add dimmable lights near seating, and include focused reading lights, all while respecting the Craftsman character. The fireplace, original to the living room, remains a focal point.
Moving through the wood-framed opening, the dining room stands out for its built-in cabinetry with glass doors, wood trim, and chandelier. The cabinetry is a signature Craftsman element and should be retained as the anchor of the dining space. The dining room’s adjacency to the kitchen is an opportunity: the current separation between these rooms limits how the family can cook, talk, and supervise homework simultaneously. My plan is to open the wall or framed opening between the kitchen and dining room, creating a visual and functional connection. An island facing the dining and living rooms could become the center for meal prep, homework, or casual conversation. The new kitchen cabinetry should be simpler, with a durable, light-toned counter that relates to the existing hardwood but does not try to replicate its age. The kitchen’s finishes should complement the wood trim and built-ins visible from the dining area.
Because this house uses a combination of pillar/post, concrete perimeter, and slab foundations, any change to the kitchen’s layout, especially moving the sink to the island, requires tracing the drain and water line routes. The kitchen’s support structure must be checked, since the wall to be opened may carry load in this two-story, wood-frame house. If it is bearing, a new beam or header will be needed, which could subtly change the ceiling height. The central forced-air heating system, original to the house, should be evaluated to ensure even heating and cooling after the rooms are connected. Venting for a new island hood must be routed to the exterior, not simply into a former wall cavity. Since the electrical service capacity is not listed, space should be reserved for a 240-volt circuit for an induction range, and the panel should be checked before appliances are chosen. Burlingame’s 2022 Reach Code suspended its natural gas ban after a federal court ruling, but the city still encourages eliminating methane gas in new construction (City of Burlingame Reach Codes). For this remodel, I recommend confirming the current requirements with the City of Burlingame before finalizing kitchen plans.
The family room at the rear of the house is filled with light from sliding glass doors that open to the backyard. This connection to the garden is already strong, so I would keep the existing route rather than add another opening. The family room’s neutral paint and hardwood floors make it a flexible space for relaxing after dinner. I suggest placing the television away from the best window, using a rug and upholstered seating to soften sound, and creating a defined homework spot at the kitchen island. The mature landscaping and sunny lawn outside the sliding doors create a private, usable outdoor space. Privacy planting and outdoor seating can extend the living area into the garden.
Upstairs, the house’s two-and-a-half baths serve the family with updated tiled floors, decorative border tiles, and a shower niche. The bathroom’s window brings in natural light, which I would preserve, while updating fixtures to more elegant, cohesive hardware and selecting a warmer, simpler surface palette to complement the dark wood cabinetry and trim.
The detached two-car garage and the separate ADU, with its own sitting area and backyard access, provide valuable independent space. The ADU’s layout already supports privacy and flexibility for guests or extended family, so I recommend optimizing built-in storage within that footprint rather than altering the main house’s flow.
This project plan for the Walnut Avenue house is about honoring the Craftsman character while opening the kitchen, dining, and living spaces for modern family life. If you have a house with separated rooms and want to create a more connected, functional home, I invite you to reach out to discuss a plan tailored to your own space.
