Historic Mission Hills Revival

When the clients saw this this quintessential Spanish-Colonial home perched at the crest of the hill, presiding over Mission Hills, they knew it was the perfect home for them.  The orientation allows for gorgeous sunset views from Presidio Park all the way to the Pacific.  They’re close to downtown, but enjoy the relaxed, peaceful neighborhood feel.  It’s a bike ride from USD where the wife works as a dean, and a short Uber ride to the airport for the husband who travels for business on a regular basis. 

Built in 1939, it is an icon of early San Diego architecture and has historical designation. Much of the house had rich hardwood floors, wrought iron railings, mahogany trim, and stained-glass windows emphasizing the Spanish influence. The kitchen, however, was a totally different story!  It was a small, narrow galley which had been remodeled in the ‘80s. It didn’t reflect the character of the home. It was disconnected from the other parts of the home and not conducive to gathering which the homeowners love to do.

The first step was to take down the wall between the kitchen and adjacent dining room to combine both spaces. Windows could not be altered due to the historical status of the home, so it was decided that the space between them would be perfect for a focal point range and hood, allowing the farm style sink to sit close by under one of the windows.  A butcher block island in the center is perfect for prep and entertaining.

Simple white cabinetry and grey counter tops all are the perfect backdrop to allow the hand painted tile on the island and vintage tile on the wall to shine. The butcher block counter top and floating shelves reflect the beautify hardwood flooring. The pendants were chosen for their vintage feel and to coordinate with the wife’s grandmother’s fixture which traveled from Venezuela (in an adjacent space).

The clients are collectors of art and antique items which are displayed throughout their home. Their pieces reflect their travels and family pieces from their US and Venezuelan heritage. Each piece tells their story and they were searching for opportunities to display them.  The open shelving keeps both functional items close at hand and give these pieces a home.

In the pantry opposite, white open cabinetry showcases allows red and white kitchen patterned wallpaper to be seen. It is a room that houses multiple appliances, dishware, food, storage containers, etc.  With its quartz counter tops, it is almost a kitchen unto itself.  The range elevation and the island are seen from many areas of the home, so this is a perfect place to house all those not so beautiful items …. just close the door and they are out of sight!

The overall color scheme of the home is bright and colorful, reflecting both the Spanish colonial origins of the home and the homeowners’ love of art. They wanted finishes that are warm and inviting.  It was important to them that the home was relaxed, honest, and had a character of its own.  This was definitely achieved.  It feels as though this kitchen has been part of the home since it was built in 1939 with the soul of its new owners shining through.