Above: A black stucco gable with corner windows highlights the home’s modern transformation.
This 2,850-square-foot Scandinavian modern home in Portola Valley, California, was completely transformed by Libby Raab Architecture. Simplicity, functionality, and durability were the guiding mantras for this rebuild. Originally a low-slung ranch with a mid-century modern feel, the massing was pulled up and out to create a crisp, clean, and more modern version of its former self.
The house unifies two families under one roof, with separate spaces for everyone and main areas that bring everyone together. Deliberate placement of contrasting textures and materials creates an organic, warm, modern feel.
Additions at the front and back define the exterior. The rear yard features a large entertainment patio for groups of all sizes, while the dark black exterior serves as a canvas for bright new landscaping.
DESIGN DETAILS: ARCHITECT Libby Raab Architecture CONTRACTOR Innovative Custom Builders STRUCTURAL ENGINEER BKG Structural Engineers CIVIL ENGINEER KPROX, Inc. LANDSCAPE Elements Landscape Inc.
Above: Single-story ranch house with stucco and wood siding painted black.
Above: Board-formed concrete planters and concrete steps lead up to the house.
Above: Artful entry with custom Fleetwood front door and barn door to hallway.
Above: Open Living Room with 10′ ceilings. Floating shelves separate the space from the kitchen beyond.
Above: In the living room, a Fleetwood multislide door to the rear patio.
What We Love About This Home
This renovated Scandinavian modern home turned a dated space into a bright, airy floor plan with a sleek modern look. It features stunning landscaping and an outdoor gathering area with a custom stone fireplace, making the most of the home’s private setting. The design combines bold contrasts of stark whites and black, complemented by wood accents, floor-to-ceiling glass, and a full-panel opening to the backyard, fulfilling the homeowner’s vision for a contemporary space.
Tell Us: What details do you like most about this home renovation project? Let us know in the Comments below!
Note: Check out a couple of other amazing home tours that we have highlighted here on One Kindesign in the state of California: A cool contemporary home in Menlo Park with inviting indoor-outdoor living and A fire-resistant modern cottage tucked into a majestic redwood forest.
Above: Floating shelves in a niche.
Above: A linear kitchen open to the living room and overlooking the backyard.
Above: Coffee and beverage nook in the kitchen.
Above: Home Office with built-in laminate desk, and white oak floating shelves.
Above: A detail of the white oak floating shelves in the home office.
Above: A corner window reading nook in the owner’s bedroom.
Above: Bathroom with a skylight and a window in the shower. Black vanity with white counter.
Above: Large multi-slide door leads to concrete rear patio.
Above: Board-formed concrete fireplace on the backyard patio.
PHOTOGRAPHER Paul Dyer
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