Past Meets Present

David Froehlich and Jason Castleberry had been kicking around all kinds of scenarios for the remodel of their character-filled early 1920s Edwardian in San Francisco when they finally nailed down solid wish lists for the transformation of their kitchen and bathroom.

The couple called in architect and designer Tom McElroy (mcelroyarch.com) to bring their vision for timeless spaces to life. He started by unifying the kitchen’s sliced-up floor plan, which was comprised of separate spaces for the sink, laundry, and mudroom. Then, with a blank 246 square feet to work with, McElroy layered on the cooking-obsessed couple’s must-haves, including copious amounts of cabinetry and counter space, a roomy island for friends to hang out at, and new appliances and fixtures, all while staying in step with the home’s cozy appeal. In the bathroom, a graphic tile pattern that riffs off vintage patterns and water motifs anchors the space. Here’s how McElroyreimagined traditional design for the next century. —Chantal Lamers

ADD THE RIGHT TOUCH

“We loved the charm of the existing house, so we tried to keep the same feel with the renovations,” says Froehlich. “We used unlacquered brass hardware to age over time, marble counters that would etch to add character, subway tiles but square for a more modern look.” White Wash subway tiles, from $15/sq. ft.; fireclaytile.com.

MAKE IT FLOW