The modern Remodel

Blending traditional with contemporary styles

by bryan henson

Santa Barbara is known for its Spanish Colonial architecture with white stucco walls and red tile roofs, however the south coast also has a wide variety of other traditional architectural styles including Bungalows, Cottages, Victorians, Craftsman’s, and Ranch style homes.

When remodeling, adding space or restoring a home, the current architectural style of the home will typically define the style of any future changes. Though this is perfect for those who love the traditional style of their home, many people wanting to make changes may also want to change the style of their home in some way.

more and more we are seeing people embracing “Transitional” style, which is the blending of traditional and contemporary styles in the same space. Several projects we recently completed illustrate how and why transitional style is becoming so widely adopted.

one project was a remodel of a Spanish style home that was originally built in the 1930’s but had undergone several additions, the most recent of which was in the early 1990’s. The resulting style was a blend of Spanish, moorish and a 90’s attempt at contemporary style. It was dark, disjointed and was in need of an upgrade. Though its roots were Spanish colonial, the owners had grown fond of a contemporary aesthetic over the years and wanted the remodel to reflect that change in style.

The exterior work was minimal yet dramatic. The small front door was widened and replaced with a very modern steel and glass door. exterior light fixtures were changed adding a modern flair, but the red tile and white stucco was left in place. The most dramatic changes were on the inside. The space was opened up to increase natural lighting and the finishes were brought up to date to reflect contemporary architecture. minimalist in nature, clean, simple and functional, yet all within the walls of a traditional home.

The kitchen is the heart of most homes and it is where we see Transitional style most widely adopted. on a recent historic restoration of a Spanish hacienda style home the owners stayed as true to the original vernacular as possible, even to the extent of rehabilitating all of the original windows instead of buying new ones. however, in the kitchen they branched out and expressed a more contemporary style. Stainless steel slab front cabinets with minimalist hardware, a mix of materials including wood, steel, and stone all come together to create an open, bright and modern space within a traditional home.

These examples show how two seemingly contrasting styles can come together to create beautifully modern spaces within traditional architecture.

Bryan Henson is President of Allen Associates Builders. www. dennisallenassociates.com 805-884-8777.

Staying at home

This just in… Americans are staying put. Coupled with a weak economy and poor housing market, homeowners moved to a new home at the lowest rate last year since World War II. As a result, consumers are looking to tailor their existing homes fit their lifestyles.

one reasonably priced way to update the appearance and appreciate cost savings is to replace old windows and doors – both will lead to more than just energy savings.

This montecito remodel by hofmann Architecture had the original intention of replacing just the doors and windows. “The home had a solid plan and an excellent structure,” says matthew hofmann, “however, it felt disjointed and awkward.” economical upgrades, implemented with efficient design, are ushering in a new era of renovations that preserve the charm and character of the past while blending the benefits of new technology and taste.

The existing structure was maintained while select interventions and additions created a new sense of place. The dwelling was transformed from an ordinary ‘70s ranch-style home into a classic Santa Barbara Tuscan estate.

Stone and wood accents were added, along with copper flashing, gutters, and downspouts. A six-panel folding door system warmly invites a magnificent backyard through a versatile veranda and into the dining area.

Architects: Hofmann Architecture, HofArc.com Dylan Chappell, DylanChappell.com

Builder: Ridgetop Development

Windows/ Doors: Portofino / Lowen, 805-966-4263

Stonework: Felipe Villegas Masonry center and marquise and round ruby, spessartite, tsavorite, fancy sapphire, tanzanite, and diamond accents. Winner of

Choice Awards. Available at Churchill Jewelers, 1015 State St. 805-962-5815.

THe TOSCANA Bee COLLeCTION features fruit on a golden honey background, alive with bees. This line is also available in a complete line of serving pieces and table accessories. The line is so finely decorated that one must see it in person to fully appreciate the incredible workmanship. Available at Italian Pottery outlet, 929 State St. 805-564-7655. www.italianpottery.com

ROCkY PATeL HuMIDOR for those who enjoy the pleasure of a good cigar, this humidor features and elegant cedar wood case that holds up to 70 cigars, plus an external hydro meter and internal humidifier that keeps your inventory fresh at a constant 70 percent humidity. Humidor can be found at Cigar Empire. 3621 State St. 805-563-0200.

Kitchen construction available from Projects by Giffin & Crane, 224 South Milpas Street. 805-682-2226. www.projectsgc.com