Westwood

Originally a modest, single-story red brick ranch tucked into a quiet Charlottesville neighborhood, Westwood has been reimagined as a warm, modern cottage—one that respects the scale of the street while subtly redefining its architectural language. Without expanding the home’s footprint, and through strategic space planning and clever framing techniques, we nearly doubled its livable square footage. The result is a striking transformation that feels simultaneously fresh and familiar.

This renovation takes its cues from classic cottage forms, interpreted through a modern lens. Clean lines, simplified roof forms, and a carefully calibrated scale allow Westwood to integrate seamlessly into its context, while refined detailing gives it a distinct presence. The massing remains sensitive to neighboring homes, avoiding the overbuilt feel that can often result from upward expansions.

Inside, the layout was reworked to enhance flow, sightlines, and light. We peeled back select walls and realigned key axes of movement to create stronger visual and spatial connections between living spaces. These interventions allow natural light to travel deeper into the home, while also improving how the spaces function day-to-day.

A Scandinavian-inspired palette guides both the interior and exterior design. Crisp white walls and pale hardwood floors establish a bright, calming foundation, while moments of contrast—matte black fixtures, minimalist hardware, and natural textures—bring warmth and balance. The simplicity of the palette allows architectural elements to shine, highlighting clean transitions and layered materiality.

Westwood is a study in restraint and clarity—proof that thoughtful design can radically transform a space without overpowering its surroundings. It’s a modern cottage, grounded in its neighborhood, yet fully tailored to the lives of its inhabitants.