Tale of Two Remodels

Perhaps the best example of Lin’s progression of work can be seen in one of the most important rooms in any home: the kitchen. When he first purchased the home, he saw that the previous owners had preserved the layout and features, but the passage of time had left its mark.

For the first renovation, Lin focused on maintaining as much of the original design as possible but did make some changes. He removed the cabinets above the bar that blocked the light and view from the windows. “I removed it to create a more open and continuous place,” he says. Now with a clear view to the windows, the space had a brighter feel. “All the wall panels are the original color,” he says. He also restored the wall cabinets with authentic Eichler colors that he uncovered during his research.

For the second renovation, Lin opted for more current features, while still paying homage to the original design. One feature he changed was the bar space. “I chose an island with a white countertop space, since that is more current and what people want,” he says. He also switched out the appliances for more functional, contemporary options.

The flow between interior and exterior spaces is a hallmark of Mid Century Modern design and a feature that Lin wished to preserve in his projects. “What I was most impressed with and loved was the overall architectural design and workmanship,” he says. “This includes the concept of indoor- outdoor living.”