The stair is the organizing question in this two-story 1917 Craftsman on Riverside Avenue in Courtland. In this house, the stair links the main-floor living spaces, including the foyer, living room with wood stove, dining room, and primary suite, to the upstairs bedrooms, art studio, and bonus room, as well as the full basement laundry. The plan for this family centers on making the stair a visible connector, so each level feels part of a whole, not a set of isolated zones. The foyer’s stained wood trim, tiled floor, and decorative stained glass above the front door set the tone for the house’s original details, and the stair’s landings need to respect and extend that sense of belonging.
The stair: connecting foyer, upper floor, and basement
At the main-floor entry, the foyer’s stained wood trim and tiled floor remain as a threshold. The wide wood-trimmed openings and built-in columns between foyer, living, and dining rooms already create a strong visual axis. The stair’s upper landing leads to two bedrooms, an art studio, and a bonus space, all on the second floor. Lighting at this landing should be chosen to make the transition clear and comfortable, without competing with the stained glass or the natural light from the living room’s large windows. The full basement, accessed by a separate stair, houses the laundry and offers potential for expanded storage or workspace. The route to the basement should be improved for clarity and safety, so the family can move between levels with ease, rather than feeling the basement is a disconnected afterthought.
This house’s two stories plus full basement require a plan that links all levels without erasing the Craftsman-era details. I focus on the actual openings, sightlines, and transitions in this house, rather than imposing a generic sequence. If any wall or opening needs to be changed to improve the stair’s connection, Sacramento County requires a building permit and plan review for structural alterations, including changes to walls, doors, or windows (permit requirements). For non-structural changes, such as lighting or finishes, a minor permit may be sufficient, but all work must follow the county’s process for unincorporated Courtland.
Preserving the Riverside Avenue Craftsman’s woodwork and glass
The defining features of this Riverside Avenue home, stained wood trim, wood floors, built-in columns, and decorative stained glass, are present from the foyer through the living room. The front porch, with its classical columns and detailed woodwork, signals the home’s 1917 Craftsman identity. Sacramento County’s Courtland Special Planning Area guidelines (SPA reference) emphasize preserving historic structures and ensuring that any changes are consistent with the area’s historic character. While this house is not specifically designated as a historic resource, the plan here keeps its original woodwork and art glass as organizing elements for the main floor and stair. The living room’s wood stove sits on a brick hearth, and the stained glass above it echoes the glass in the foyer, tying the rooms together.
I recommend refinishing the living room’s wood floors to restore their luster, and keeping the existing wood trim and columns as the visual frame for the main floor. New lighting fixtures should be simple and placed to serve the foyer, stair, and adjacent rooms, allowing the stained glass and woodwork to remain focal points. Any updates to the stair rail or newel post should match the existing wood species and finish, preserving the Craftsman detail. The front porch lighting and hardware can be updated for safety and aesthetics, but should remain compatible with the original woodwork.
Systems, surfaces, and ground under the house
This house’s central heating and cooling systems, both original to the updated/remodeled condition, must serve all three levels. Any changes to room openings or stair layout should be coordinated with the existing ductwork and 220-volt electrical service, which powers the central systems and kitchen appliances. The kitchen, with granite counters, island, double oven, and electric cooktop, is already updated, so the focus is on improving its flow to the dining and living rooms, not on relocating major fixtures.
The ground under the house is mapped as Valpac loam with 0-2 percent slope and somewhat poor drainage, according to the soil survey. The FEMA flood zone AE designation means the house is in a special flood hazard area, though the listing rates the flood risk as minimal over the next 30 years. The lot, at 4,744 square feet, is level with a brick walkway, concrete edging, and mature trees providing shade and privacy. The partial gated front yard and corner lot features contribute to both privacy and curb appeal.
The main-floor primary suite, upstairs bedrooms and studio, and basement laundry each have a distinct role in the household’s daily life. The stair, as redesigned, can bring these spaces into a coherent whole, making movement between levels feel natural and connected, while preserving the character that makes this 1917 Craftsman unique in Courtland.
If your own stair leaves your home’s floors feeling disconnected, and you want to keep its original character while making movement easier, I invite you to get in touch.
