Zhang
Central staircase opens up home.


This classic Victorian, four-room house, had a rear kitchen and family room addition that led to an enclosed exterior corner staircase with access to a basement playroom, two bedrooms, and a bath. The house was re-conceptualized by relocating the staircase to the center of the plan and removing a majority of the walls, allowing for a great room with open kitchen, dining and living rooms. The front two original rooms were retained; one remains as a study while the other features a clever sliding wall system that allows it to become a guest room when needed. Although the interior looks custom, the budget was very limited; thus, most of the cabinetry is Ikea. However, the extensive use of skylights and the open railing at the central staircase, make this space feel more like a loft than an inner Richmond house. By relocating the staircase to the middle, the back basement playroom could be converted into a master suite with full bath.  The existing two bedrooms, full bath, and garage remain.