The design objective was to bring the 110-year-old dwelling up to contemporary standards by adding a three-story rear addition, improving the overall layout, and updating the interior finishes. While one partner felt strongly about maintaining the traditional character of the home, the other hoped to achieve a boldly modern aesthetic. To suit both tastes, the Victorian style front facade is respected and maintained, while the new addition at the rear is contrastingly modern.

In order to brighten up the dark, crammed interior, large windows were introduced, and partition walls were eliminated to achieve a bright, airy space. The resulting open plan permits for clear sight lines and visual connectivity, and allows for light to reach in to the depths of the narrow home. Light materials, including white cabinetry and marble tile, maximize light throughout the house, while dark accents, such as the black island and black window frames, provide visual interest.