A Russian Hill Remodel Rearranges 1,600 Sq Ft Around Gathering and an Interior Courtyard

# Project overview Studio BBA — Architecture and Design remodeled a 1,600-square-foot, two-floor house in San Francisco's Russian Hill to prioritize gathering and flexibility. The plan centers the kitchen, dining room and a new courtyard so daily life and entertaining flow through a single, connected hub. An adjacent accessory dwelling unit (ADU) shares the courtyard and extends the property's usable space.

# How the layout works The remodel intentionally places the kitchen at the heart of the home. An island supports meal prep while doubling as a place for family conversation, food prep and homework. To preserve footprint for the island, the pantry was moved into an adjacent hallway so the approach to the kitchen becomes a threshold lined with dry goods.

The living room opens directly to the kitchen and dining area. This open arrangement makes the compact footprint more adaptable for ordinary evenings and larger gatherings. The dining area includes a custom table sized for four that can expand when needed. A built-in bench beside the courtyard window creates a small indoor seating/reading spot with a view into the garden.

# The courtyard as another room

# Material choices and interiors The kitchen pairs dark wood cabinets with brass hardware against natural stone countertops and backsplashes. The materials are described as simple and durable to provide a calm backdrop for a busy family space. The powder room diverges with a richer palette: deep green tile, botanical wallpaper, warm brass fixtures, globe lights, a ribbed wall-mounted sink and black-and-white patterned flooring for visual interest despite its small size.

The stairwell introduces pattern and color through a bold runner and contrasts of black balusters and trim with a dark wood handrail. A small arched cat door under the stairs is noted as a charming, practical detail.

# The ADU The ADU faces the same courtyard and is designed to feel bright and efficient within a small footprint. The kitchen uses soft gray and white cabinetry, warm wood floors, vertical white backsplash tile and black pendant lights. The ADU bathroom stays simple with white tile, dark grout, marble countertop, matte black hardware and a tall window for daylight, aided visually by mirrored cabinetry.

# Drawings and photography Drawings included with the project show how the remodeled plan fits across the two floors, confirming the hub-and-courtyard strategy. Photography for the project was credited to Mariko Reed.

# Why it matters for similar projects This remodel demonstrates a compact approach to increasing perceived and usable square footage: center daily life around core rooms, use a courtyard as an extension of interior spaces, and design an ADU that complements rather than competes with the main house. Material and detail choices aim to balance personality with durability for family life.