Home Improvement in the Time of COVID
Craig re-imagined the entire back of this San Francisco Edwardian into a bright and functional open format kitchen/dining area with modern amenities.
What looked like temporary sheltering-in-place for many has transformed into fully working and distance learning from home for the long-term, or even permanently. This leaves many urbanites and suburbanites with the same predicament: how can they not only work from home, but create a space that's functional, has multi purposes, is inspiring and comfortable?
"I have a lot of clients coming to me with an existing condition in their home that is driving them crazy," says Craig. From parents needing a quiet space to work away from their young kids, to San Francisco residents needing more space in general, Craig has been seeing a high percentage of smaller projects arise lately.
"The benefit of right now is that people can refinance their homes with lower interest rates, so that can free up some of their budget for home improvement projects."
From home office builds to finally remodeling that master bath, Craig is enjoying designing better spaces for people to thrive in their day-to-day lives.
Craig designed a sleek and stylish wet bar that's a design favorite in the newly remodeled basement at this Lower Pac Heights Victorian remodel.
The Rise of Rooftop Decks
In the tight quartered apartments and homes of historic San Francisco, many have either fled the city all together, or are working on expanding their space. Right now, Craig has multiple rooftop deck projects in progress. These decks are a fun and creative alternative for people who don't necessarily have much yard space (if at all) so they can entertain, enjoy fresh air and views with their kids, and relish in an extra living/dining room, outdoors.
“What used to be a few folding chairs and some kind of deck put in place has transformed into fire pits with a built-in BBQ, sink, and a lot more refinement to it all.”
For more on rooftop decks, visit our previous blog post: "'Tis the Season for Rooftop Decks".
Multi-Use Spaces
In areas with a bit more yard space, 10x10 foot structures are becoming popular, being used for everything from meditation/yoga studios, to an office, workout area, or even as an extra room to house overnight guests. And currently for a few clients, Craig is transforming unfinished basement/garage levels into more functional and “flex” spaces for guests, work, play and media viewing.
Craig designed this 10x10 San Francisco ADU/art studio, a popular build lately.
“A few years ago, I designed and built a small detached home studio on my property that I have been especially grateful for. It has allowed me the privacy and quietude (away from my small kids) to focus and be creative and meet with clients and my team on Zoom. I also love that I can really crank up my music when I spin records at the end of each day” says Craig.
Read our blog on in-law units and ADUs here.
Finally Getting Around to Fix that Sink
Not all projects are glamorous, but rather, necessary.
"I have a lot of clients coming to me saying they cannot take another day of their non-functioning bathroom, a kitchen sink issue, etc. And many folks are deciding that now is the time to spruce the place up or bring an archaic feature to modern times."
"It's amazing what a fresh coat of paint, fun wallpaper, or a new rug and furniture will do to improve a room. My wife and I just touched up the paint on the exterior of our house and it makes us so happy. We are also embarking on a master bedroom refresh right now with new paint, carpet, wall sconces and bedding to make our room more comfortable and cozy during the winter months."
Other projects that are popular lately are bathroom refreshes; kitchen renovations to create more of an open space feel that flows effortlessly from indoors to outdoors; and designing more functional areas, such as mud rooms and storage areas. For others, Craig is spearheading complete top-to-bottom home remodels.
A bathroom refresh with fun wallpaper from Craig’s Lower Pac Heights Victorian Remodel.
And if COVID has taught us anything, it is to slow down. Getting a building permit or waiting for materials and furniture to be delivered can take longer than normal. But, Craig's clients don't seem to be in a hurry.
"Because so many are home most of the time, there seems to be less stress coming out of commuting and driving all over town for errands. The world has taken a pause, and although we are still busy at the firm, the processes have been going smoother and steadier."
A functional and hip mudroom in the Mill Valley Modern Farmhouse that Craig designed from the ground up.
If you are inspired to make home improvements big or small, please feel free to reach out to us for a free consultation (info@craig-oconnell.com).
“I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to help folks improve their living spaces, especially during these trying times. I am passionate about creating designs that improve peoples’ lives", says Craig.