335 Clifton St, Oakland, CA

Thoughts for maintaining and adding value to this classic Rockridge bungalow.

Addition/Renovation

• Step back for second story additions for a subtle “always been there” look.
  
• Use a vintage color scheme to highlight architecturally interesting elements.
  
• Contractor – Big Red Construction, Kathy Kovel 925-962-0145
  
• Vintage parts, pieces, and salvage – Ohmega Salvage, 2407 San Pablo Ave, Berk
  
• East Bay Paints (Benjamin Moore), 990 San Pablo, Albany
  
• Inspiration – Builder’s Book Source, 1817 Fourth St, Berk
  

Landscape

• Ornamental grasses and native low water plantings.
  
• Fig ivy is easily maintained for a green privacy wall.
  
• The Dry Garden, 6556 Shattuck Av, Oak
  
• Cactus Jungle, 1509 4^th St, Berk
  
• American Soil, Products 2121 San Joaquin, Richmond
  

• Plant an ornamental plum in the parking strip. This visually expands the property, breaks up the hardscape, and will add shade in warmest months. See urbanreleaf.org
  

Fireplace Surround

• Fireplace surround options include Arts & Crafts or California Craftsman. For best return on investment, avoid trendy or modern and create something that looks original to the home.
  
• Ideally the hearth is even with the surrounding hardwood.
  
• Italics 6598 Hollis St, Emeryville
  
• Import Tile Co, 611 Hearst Av, Berk
  

Farm Kitchen

• Farm-to-table kitchen styles are quite timeless and period appropriate for the home on Clifton. There are many resources for countertop materials like copper, wood, stone, and marble. Using a variety of surfaces can add visual interest and better suit what is needed in each area.
  
• I like the fir floors because they are soft and warm. Unlike oak veneer (in your entry, living, and dining rooms), fir planks are thicker and easy to refinish. Continuing the oak in to the kitchen is an option but can get pricey. If you decide to replace everything, be mindful of durability and make sure that the product can be refinished.
  
• Granite Expo, 1368 40^th St, Emery
  

• Add built-in seating in kitchen and dining room. Pushing seating out to the edges of these rooms will visually enlarge each of these spaces as well as maximize seating.