This kitchen and living area remodel comprises "Phase I" of a renovation and addition to a 1950s ranch style house located above Wild Basin Preserve. Though the structure of the house paid homage to California early modern architecture, interior walls blocked views of the nature preserve to the north. The kitchen was small, dark and cramped, and had no connection to the living space. The project focused on increasing the transparency of the interior spaces, while retaining some structure to create layered views. Stainless steel countertops, maple cabinets and glass mosaic tile brighten the kitchen. A new smooth-troweled cement plaster fireplace surround updates the living room, while creating a textural contrast to the rough-laid limestone wall. "Phase II" of the project will add a new master suite.