Shell Residential Project
Adding light, order, and everyday usability

This Mill Valley home, owned by a family of six, needed more than its original spec build could offer. The wraparound porch, dim interiors, and little used front door made circulation awkward, while the garage had become the unofficial entry where shoes and toys piled up.

Working with the design team, we rebuilt the first floor around how the family actually lives. The front porch was enclosed to create a proper entry and mudroom, the living and dining rooms were combined into a flexible sitting area, and the kitchen was opened to an expanded family room with a wall of folding doors to the rear yard. A glass enclosed breakfast nook and multiple seating areas give the main level a clearer sense of flow.

Upstairs, we focused on the primary suite, updating the bath with a new steam shower and finishes. A new ADU on the property adds a private study and bedroom suite for the eldest child, providing a quiet place to work and reset while staying closely connected to the main house.