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An Organic Modern Oasis in Walnut Creek
When designer Katie Severns first moved into her Walnut Creek home nearly a decade ago, she saw past the Tuscan tile, bullnose corners, and beige-on-beige palette. Beneath the dated 90s updates and disjointed trimwork, she recognized the bones of a 1957 Mid-Century Ranch—and the potential to transform it into something far more personal. Fast forward to today, and that dream has come to life in the form of a warm, layered, and deeply intentional family home. It’s equal parts refined and relaxed, blending modernist lines with natural textures, soft earth tones, and artisan details that reflect the lives of the people who live there.
“This was a full gut renovation, and since it’s our forever home, I knew I wanted to do it right,” Katie explains. “The vision was to restore the clean, modern lines of the home, bring in more natural light, and layer in a slightly bohemian, organic feel through materials and texture.”
Throughout the house, each family member has put their own stamp on the design in a way that feels cohesive and personal. From the handcrafted materials to the thoughtful room planning, every detail serves a purpose—creating a space that feels both calm and full of life.
Design: Katie Severns | Photography: Jessica Brydson
A Reimagined Layout for Modern Family Life
One of the biggest changes came in the home’s layout. A new primary suite addition allowed the family of four to reconfigure the existing bedrooms—converting one into an office and creating nearly symmetrical kids’ rooms that feel like playful twins. What used to be a rarely-used formal living room is now a spacious, light-filled kitchen that acts as the central gathering space for everyday life and easy entertaining.
The Kitchen: Refined, Warm, and Full of Texture
Gone is the cramped, Tuscan-inspired kitchen of the past. In its place is a light, earthy space grounded by creamy white cabinetry, a custom-reeded wood island, and dimensional tile that brings quiet character to the walls. A wide window above the sink frames lush views of the surrounding property, while a mix of upper cabinets and open shelving offers the perfect balance of function and form.
The slightly asymmetrical island adds a sculptural moment at the center of the space, complemented by clean-lined modern stools that bring a subtle edge. “It’s definitely the heart of the home now,” Katie says.
Living & Dining: Airy Meets Cozy
In the adjacent living and dining rooms, light pours through the large windows, bouncing off white walls and warm wood floors. Soft textures and layered neutrals add a sense of calm, while mixed materials—like leather, ceramic, and stone—anchor the spaces with depth and dimension.
One especially thoughtful touch? A custom bar nook tucked into a previously unused corner of the dining room, offering a stylish and space-savvy spot for storing glassware and entertaining essentials.
The Kids’ Bath: Playful, But Elevated
Designed to grow alongside Katie’s two young kids, the new hall bath strikes that rare balance between fun and timeless. A mix of zellige and limestone tile from Zia Tile gives the space an earthy, handmade feel, while terrazzo adds a playful twist. Polished nickel Watermark faucets and unique lighting keep things feeling fresh and sophisticated.
The Primary Suite: A Cozy, Color-Drenched Retreat
The primary suite feels different from the rest of the house —more intimate and cozy. The fluted details in the adjacent primary bath are echoed in a textural bed from Four Hands, upholstered in soft boucle for a subtle contrast against the dark walls. Aged brass fixtures add just the right amount of glow.
The Laundry Room: Stylish Utility
Even the laundry room wasn’t overlooked. Here, classic limestone herringbone floors meet floating wood shelves and grasscloth wallpaper-inset millwork—a small space with big style. It feels functional, a little luxurious, and perfectly planned.
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