The approach to this Mountain View Avenue home begins under the canopy of a mature shade tree, with paved walkways leading to a front porch finished in stone tile. The arched windows and dark-stained wood trim on the facade are original to this 1906 wood-frame house, whose steep shingle roof and horizontal siding signal its Craftsman heritage. I would update the porch steps and landing with a warmer, more tactile material that feels inviting against the cool stone and softens the transition from the sidewalk. The black mulch in the front yard could be replaced or supplemented with more varied planting, always keeping the established tree as the visual anchor. This is my project plan for the family living in this four-bedroom, three-bath home on Mountain View Avenue, where the lot size of 7,500 square feet and the flat terrain set the stage for both outdoor and indoor improvements.
Yard Edges, Bonus Suite, and Garage
On this property, the paved side and rear yards limit the amount of green space available for play, gardening, or outdoor gathering. The wooden panel fencing provides privacy, but the hardscape could be reduced in areas that do not serve as primary walkways. By reclaiming some of this space for planting beds or lawn, the family can enjoy more usable outdoor area while maintaining easy access to the detached two-car garage, which features an electric car hookup. The bonus living area behind the garage, with its own kitchen, bath, and sleeping area, is already plumbed and finished for independent use. Enlarging the windows in this suite, where the structure allows, would bring in more daylight and create a stronger connection to the fenced yard, making it a more comfortable space for guests or a household member seeking privacy. The suite’s current configuration supports flexible living, and with additional daylight, it could function as a true in-law unit or work-from-home retreat.
The front porch’s stone tile feels cold against the historic facade, especially when arriving with groceries or children. Swapping this surface for a material that echoes the warmth of the hardwood floors inside would make each arrival more welcoming. At the rear, the two-story addition with its dormer is visually heavier than the original house. I recommend reducing the visual bulk of the dormer through trim adjustments or color, so it blends more seamlessly with the 1906 facade. Exterior lighting fixtures should be selected to coordinate with both the Craftsman details and any new porch material, ensuring the house’s character remains cohesive.
Kitchen, Living Room, and Structural Considerations
Inside, the kitchen features white cabinetry, granite countertops, and a skylight that brings natural light to the workspace. The current layout, while functional, does not provide the larger island and shared seating area this household could use for daily meals and homework. By widening the opening between the kitchen and the adjacent dining area, and possibly extending into the living room, the project can create a more social zone while preserving the skylight and the living room’s vaulted ceiling and large windows. The gas cooktop, double ovens, and stainless steel appliances should remain in their current positions if possible, as the kitchen’s plumbing and venting are already established along those walls.
Given the house’s wood-frame construction and two-story rear addition, any proposed widening of openings must respect the load-bearing capacity of the existing walls. The foundation is concrete perimeter, but the kitchen floor’s construction, whether slab or crawlspace, should be confirmed before moving plumbing or installing an island sink. If the kitchen island is expanded, I recommend keeping the sink and cooktop along the current run to avoid complex foundation work and to maintain efficient venting for the hood. The home’s electrical service, which supports both the kitchen and the garage’s electric vehicle hookup, should be evaluated before adding any new high-draw appliances such as an induction range.
Flooring, Airflow, and Lighting
Hardwood floors run throughout the visible spaces, including the kitchen, dining, and living rooms. If a wall is removed to open up these rooms, the new floor patch should match the existing boards in width, grain, and finish, with the entire area refinished for a seamless look. The forced-air heating and central cooling system, which currently serves the divided rooms, will need to be adjusted for balanced airflow in the new, larger space. Supply and return registers should be reviewed and possibly relocated to maintain comfort throughout the open-plan area.
With the new room configuration, sound and cooking odors will travel farther. The living room’s gas log fireplace, vaulted ceiling, and multiple large windows already create a dramatic gathering space, but the addition of rugs and upholstered seating will help control acoustics. Layering the kitchen’s recessed lights and skylight with pendant fixtures over the island and table lamps in the living area will allow the family to adjust the mood from bright daytime activity to a warmer, more relaxed evening setting.
Coordinating Old and New
This house stands out in Mountain View for its age and preserved Craftsman details. While the median single-family home closing in Mountain View in the past year was built in 1976, this home’s 1906 origin makes its arched windows and period trim especially significant (Redfin’s Mountain View closing data). I recommend that new window treatments and finishes be selected to complement these original features. For example, the kitchen’s white cabinetry and granite can be balanced with wood accents and brass hardware, and window coverings should be shaped to the arches in the sitting room and office. The published remodels in Mountain View, such as the modern-organic update featured by Rue, offer inspiration but should not override the unique qualities of this house (Rue’s Mountain View home tour). If your home on a flat, tree-shaded lot like this one needs a plan that connects its historic structure to modern family life, I invite you to get in touch with me, Amy, to start your own project.