Project Reveal: A Modern Bungalow Transformation

A fresh start for a Burlingame home — where clean lines and bold accents redefine timeless charm.

When our clients decided to purchase a property in Burlingame, they knew one thing for sure: the existing house had to go. They envisioned a brand-new bungalow that blended modern minimalism with the cozy warmth of classic Craftsman style — a space that felt fresh, functional, and just a bit bold.

We couldn’t wait to dive in! Working alongside Chu Design Associates on architecture, Michele Lee Wilson and The Crisp Look behind the camera, we set out to create a home that merges sleek minimalism with functional artistry- bringing together light, texture, and contrast in a way that feels both timeless and current.

The Vision

Starting from scratch gave us the freedom to craft a space that truly matched our clients’ vision. They wanted a white kitchen that felt anything but boring — something modern, clean, and a little bit daring. The goal? To create a home that felt open and bright, while still being practical for daily life.

The exterior reflects that same intention: warm wood framing around the gable and entry, giving a nod to Burlingame’s early 20th-century roots. The navy-blue door sets the tone for a modern take on classic bungalow style.

The Design

At the heart of the home, the kitchen is where the crisp white cabinetry meets bold, dark accents. The deep blue granite countertops add contrast without overwhelming the space, while the textured backsplash brings subtle movement and light reflection.

Since our clients love hosting, the kitchen needed to feel open and welcoming. We went with an extra-long island for casual seating and plenty of workspace. The Gubi Beetle counter stools in matte black are not only stylish but also add a sculptural element that grounds the room.

To balance the lightness of the white cabinetry, we introduced dark blue granite countertops that add depth without overwhelming.

The kitchen was always meant to be the heart of the home. Our clients were clear: they wanted a crisp white space with bold, dark accents.

Okay, let’s talk about the bathrooms — because honestly, they turned out so good. Our clients wanted something that felt clean and modern, but not so minimal that it lost that cozy, lived-in feel. We knew we had to nail the balance between light and dark while keeping things soft and inviting.

Okay, so this guest bathroom? Total vibe. We wanted it to feel modern but not stark - clean lines with just enough texture to keep it interesting. The light oak vanity was a no-brainer - it’s warm, natural, and brings in that cozy touch without feeling heavy.

The real showstopper? That deep blue stone floor. It’s unexpected but totally works, giving the space just the right amount of moody contrast. Plus, it ties in with the darker accents throughout the house without feeling too heavy.

We didn’t want the bathroom to feel too stark, so we softened it up with globe sconces—they’re simple, classic, and just the right amount of sculptural. The round mirror adds another curve to balance out all the straight lines, and the slim black frame keeps it modern.

It’s a small space, but it definitely packs a punch. The whole vibe is effortlessly modern with a cozy touch—just what we were going for!

To keep the space from feeling too stark, we went with soft gray walls that add just the right amount of moodiness.

For the powder room, we wanted it to feel bold and modern but still cozy. To keep it simple and streamlined, we chose a sleek black console vanity with a crisp white sink — super clean lines that give it that minimalist edge.

To keep the space from feeling too stark, we went with soft gray walls that add just the right amount of moodiness. The metal framed pill mirror from Rejuvenation adds a subtle curve to break up the linear feel, while the wall-mounted matte black faucet keeps it uncluttered.

And how good is that vintage-inspired sconce? It’s a little bit classic, a little bit modern, and just enough sparkle to catch your eye without taking over the room. The pop of yellow blooms was the final touch — bringing a hint of warmth and life to the space.

Good lighting doesn’t just make a room look pretty—it sets the mood. Whether it’s a bright, welcoming kitchen or a moody, modern bathroom, lighting brings the whole space to life. It’s that final layer that makes the design feel intentional and complete.

The Lighting!

Lighting can make or break a space, and we’re firm believers that it’s basically the jewelry of any room. In this project, we knew we needed something that would add soft, flattering light without stealing the show. Enter: the black metal with reflective crystal glass.

We didn’t want it to be just functional — it needed to add personality and that little bit of sparkle that makes a room come alive. Think of lighting as the jewelry of the space — it should complement the design without overpowering it.

We knew the kitchen island needed something eye-catching but not too heavy, so we went with sculptural white opal pendant lights — they’re simple, but still feel a bit special. They draw the eye up without making the space feel cluttered.

In the guest bathroom, we kept it soft and inviting with a double globe sconce above the round mirror. It’s got that subtle, classic vibe while adding a modern touch. Plus, the curved shape breaks up all the clean lines — always a good move when you’re working with modern elements.

And then there’s the powder room — small but mighty. We went with a vintage-inspired globe sconce to bring just a hint of old-school charm to the sleek, minimalist vanity. It’s all about balance, right?

We always tell our clients: Don’t skimp on lighting. It’s worth the effort to get it right because it’s the one thing that makes your space feel warm, personal, and totally pulled together.

The Long Game: Waiting (and Waiting) for the Big Reveal

Alright, let’s get real — sometimes design projects take longer than expected. And this one? It took way longer. We knew from the start that building a brand-new bungalow in Burlingame would take time, but between permit delays and, oh yeah, a global pandemic, this project stretched out to nearly three years from start to finish.

It’s always fun when you’re ready to see your vision come to life, and then... everything just slows to a crawl. We waited (not so patiently) through countless approvals and the inevitable supply chain issues that seemed never-ending. At times, it felt like every step forward came with a few steps back.

But honestly? Seeing it come together in the end made it all worth it. There’s just something so satisfying about walking into a space you’ve been dreaming about for years and finally seeing it fully realized. It’s like a big, happy exhale.

Furniture Details Coming Soon!

We’re putting the finishing touches on the furniture and styling (because, obviously, it has to be just right). We’ll be sharing more photos and all the details on our final selections soon—so stay tuned!

xx Paulina