Built in 1974, this 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom home in Palo Alto was fully renovated by Studio AMA to support the lifestyle of a young family. The design emphasizes natural materials and clean, modern lines, bringing light and warmth into what was once a dark, dated space. The renovation focused on the kitchen, two bathrooms, and comprehensive upgrades throughout the main living areas—including new flooring, trim, doors, hardware, paint, and lighting.

Kitchen & Dining Room
The most impactful change came from opening up the kitchen and dining area by removing a dividing wall. This allowed the high ceilings to take center stage and created a more connected, usable space. Smoothed walls, bleached wood ceiling beams, and wide-plank pale oak floors establish a calm, natural foundation. Custom shaker cabinets in soft blue are paired with warm brass hardware, durable Dekton countertops, and decorative glass lighting, adding both texture and subtle color to the space.

Living Room
The living room, once dim despite its generous ceiling height, now feels grounded and inviting. A redesigned fireplace with a custom mantle and built-in shelving serves as the focal point. A bronze chandelier adds depth, while track lighting ensures consistent, soft illumination throughout the day.

Downstairs Bathroom
To address the absence of natural light, the downstairs bath was redesigned with bright Bianco Bello marble tile and a new walk-in shower. A pre-fabricated double vanity with custom marble counters brings both functionality and a refined material palette to the space.

Upstairs Bathroom
This full renovation includes a new tub, vanity, and brass fixtures. Clean Thassos marble tile and a custom wallcovering from Fayce Textiles introduce brightness and subtle pattern. Bold black details provide contrast and a modern finish

Project Information & Credits

Status: Completed in 2023

Location: Palo Alto, California, USA

Photography by Cia Nelson