A Thoughtful Foothills Transformation: Reimagined for Modern Living

Homeworks Property Lab
Jun 24
2 min read

Updated: Jun 25

When Blake and Raquel first toured the home on Sunnyside Ave., they were drawn to its vintage charm and quiet sense of character. The house had personality, but it also came with its share of challenges: alongside a broken pool and awkward layout, a few structural issues would soon reveal themselves. What began as a modest remodel quickly expanded into a full-scale renovation, complete with an addition that would redefine the entire property.

Modern two-story house with large windows, gray and white exterior. A copper sculpture in the driveway. Lush greenery surrounds the home.

As often happens with older homes, the deeper the couple got into the project, the more they realized where change was needed. After a plumber fell through the bathroom floor (but literally), it became clear, for example, that even the charming original tile had to go.

In the end, nearly every surface was reworked or re-imagined to suit the couple’s lifestyle, while paying homage to the home’s original character.

The kitchen became the heart of the new design. Raquel, a serious home cook with a particular talent for baking, led the way in creating a space that is both functional and refined. A spacious butler’s pantry keeps appliances and pantry items tucked out of sight, while a concealed bar and generous storage offer moments of surprise and delight. Impressively, every cabinet is now filled—no small feat considering the limited kitchen in their previous home. Subtle, custom touches elevate the space even further. A foot-activated water station ensures the family dogs are always hydrated, and a discreet dumbwaiter runs from the garage to the kitchen, easing the transport of bulk pantry staples.

Modern kitchen with a large white marble island, brown chairs, and hanging lights. Natural light from large windows, wooden cabinets.

Modern kitchen with a long wooden dining table, brown chairs, and a chandelier. White cabinets, wine fridge, and bar area with bottles visible.

Modern kitchen with white cabinets, marble countertops, and stainless steel appliances. Open layout to living area with a TV and fireplace.

White kitchen cabinets with black handles, a small appliance, and a toaster on counters. Wooden floor, floral decor, books on wall shelves.

To increase light and volume in the main living spaces, the roof line was raised, reversing the original pitch to bring height and openness to the central living room. The result is a brighter, more expansive atmosphere that better connects the interior to the surrounding landscape.

Out back, the formerly sloped yard was leveled to create a true gathering space centered around the newly restored pool. A custom fire pit anchors the outdoor area, flanked by an integrated masonry bench that offers both form and function. The yard now acts as an extension of the living space, inviting year-round use and effortless indoor-outdoor flow.

Modern living room with brown leather sofa, colorful pillows, and wooden coffee table. Large TV above white fireplace. Glass doors open to patio.

Modern living room with tan leather sofa, wooden wall art, and open kitchen. Bright, airy setting with light wood floors and hanging lights.

Modern kitchen with large marble island, wood accents, and hanging lights. Floor-to-ceiling windows show a pool and backyard. Bright, airy mood.

Sunlit backyard with a modern pool, surrounded by trees and a small building. Paved patio leads to a sleek, glass-fronted house.

Modern house with a pool, patio chairs, and a hot tub. Mountain view in the background under a clear blue sky.

One of the more unexpected delights of the home is its proximity to the Hogle Zoo. The sounds of wildlife occasionally drift into the yard—elephants, big cats, and birds adding a subtle soundtrack to daily life. A powder room at the center of the home pays tribute with a whimsical lion motif, a playful nod to the unique setting.

For Blake and Raquel, the transformation wasn’t just about aesthetics. As frequent travelers and outdoor enthusiasts, they needed a home that could support their active lifestyle. The original garage now serves as a bike shop, while the addition provides a much larger garage to house their cars and gear. This remodel tells a story not only of restoration, but of reinvention. Through thoughtful design and purposeful expansion, the pair have created a home that feels entirely their own—layered, functional, and deeply connected to the rhythms of their life.