“It’s a small house so every square foot counts.”

When they bought it in 2012, Julie Creager and Jim Scarborough’s Columbia-area cottage met the couple’s desire for a place in a close-knit neighborhood filled with historic homes near parks, downtown and community businesses. At just about 900 square feet of usable area, the 1920 house is small, but its size was less of a challenge than its configuration: Life has changed in 100 years, and after a few years in the house, they knew the house needed change too.  

The square-shaped bathroom was “tiny and unruly” with awkward access. The kitchen was outdated, and the layout was “not very workable.” It included a dining area, but the space was cramped and didn’t get much use.

With a design that appropriates two and a half square feet from a laundry room that wasn’t using it, new walls and the relocation of two doorways, the couple now has a functional bathroom and kitchen that respects the home’s vintage, reflects their traditional tastes and modern lifestyle.

Julie and Jim, both of whom both of whom work in Whatcom County public schools, came into the project knowing they wanted to change the layout of their space. But the details about colors and faucets and so on quickly became overwhelming.

“These details make such a difference in the final outcome, but they were not what we wanted to deal with. Sharon recognized that and did a great job narrowing our choices.”

The design includes a center island that functions as both counter and table, while the kitchen’s large window is now complemented by a bench seat with storage. A beloved pot rack found a home in a new niche that saves on cabinet space without disrupting sightlines or head space.

“I’m in love with the bench seat. Especially on rainy days I love to sit there with my coffee and just look out. I sit there at least once a day, even on nice days.”

Energy efficiency was improved by replacing an ancient furnace with a ducted heat pump, new, well-sealed ducts and a tankless water heater. The project took about four months to complete, and the couple lived in the house during construction.

[Project manager] “Thad was amazing to work with; he’s a great communicator, very straightforward and informative. The team did extra cleanup before they left every day and kept our space as livable as possible.”