This 1948 home was thoughtfully reimagined by Together Home, blending modern design with a deep commitment to sustainability. Captured through the lens of Bess Friday and brought to life by a talented team, the renovation blends mindfully selected finishes with a touch of whimsy—perfectly suited for a family that values both eco-conscious living and lively gatherings. With thoughtful details like bamboo flooring, locally sourced materials, and a design that seamlessly connects indoors and out, the home is now a vibrant reflection of its owners’ dynamic lifestyle.

From Together Home… Originally built in 1948, this home spans over 4,000 sq/ft and five bedrooms and five and a half baths, had remained untouched for over 75 years so we took her down to the studs and gave the home new life by updating not only the inside but the home’s exterior and sprawling grounds. The interior renovation was guided by a clear vision: to modernize the space while staying true to its original structure. Our scope of work was to re-envision the home through a modern lens with two constraints: First, to stay within the confines of the original home’s exterior walls, and second, to honor the best parts of the home’s original layout—which had a few good things going for it—while making the parts that weren’t functional more useful.

This family of four has a strong commitment to sustainability. This guiding principal and their busy lifestyle played a significant role in the design approach with the home. With two young daughters—both avid Taylor Swift fans—busy schedules, and a penchant for hosting everything from fundraisers to playdates, the home needed to be as practical as it was beautiful. The couple’s professional backgrounds also shaped the project: the father continues to work in Silicon Valley tech, while the mother, formerly the Mayor of Redwood City, is now focused on government and civic innovation.

To bring their eco-modern vision to life, we incorporated sustainable materials, organic warmth, and a touch of whimsy. The design mandate was to be eco-conscious, seamlessly integrating the outdoors into the interior, much like a sustainable greenhouse. The commitment to sustainability influenced every aspect of the renovation. Bamboo flooring replaced traditional hardwood, and locally sourced, handmade stone and tile were used throughout. The lighting system features LED fixtures set to circadian rhythms, while the once-wood-burning fireplace was converted to gas to eliminate emissions on “spare the air” days. VOC-free paints were chosen to ensure a healthier indoor environment, and furniture selections prioritized sustainability, favoring vendors with eco-friendly practices and vintage pieces over mass-produced items. Outside, drought-tolerant landscaping, a fruit and vegetable garden, solar panels, and a hard-wired EV charging station reinforced the family’s dedication to environmental responsibility.

Aesthetically, the home was transformed with bright wall and cabinet colors, well-proportioned furniture, and airy lighting, giving the once-dark space a fresh, inviting feel. The result was a stunning two-year remodel that exceeded expectations.

Discover the talent behind the story… Interior Design: Together Home · Photography: Bess Friday · Styling: Beth Protass · Architect: Lorin Hil · Builder: Alan Hills, Hills Construction Inc.