This contemporary remodel of an old Mill Valley home extended a concrete retaining wall to serve as a kind of mantelpiece/surround for a new, cast-iron, wood-burning firebox. A horizontal window located above the concrete wall provides a picture window for the landscape outside while reinforcing the modern lines of the interior. A dog rests in the entry beyond.

created a double-height space that provides additional light from clerestory windows down into a warm, inviting kitchen that features clean, modern lines. The cabinets and refrigerator have been covered with a Black Walnut veneer, the back-splash features Heath ceramic tile, and the counter-tops are an Absolute Black granite.