While working on this project, we discovered that the right side of the building was actually the original structure and that the left side had been added on at a later date. As a result, the two halves of the #witchymodernhouse were on slightly different levels. This layout seemed like a natural division for a kitchen and living space, so we ended up keeping the floor plan pretty similar.

We removed the pony wall dividing the two spaces and moved the steps down to the  lower level over to one side. This created a nice flow between the kitchen and dining area while also defining a space for the living room. We also removed the support column, replacing it with a beam to open up the living space.

After photo of the living area

Prior to our renovation, the building had a walk up attic accessed via an enclosed staircase along the side of the house. When drawing up the renovation plans, we decided that it made sense to keep the staircase in the same spot in order to maximize space.

We opened up the staircase wall, allowing the light from the second floor to filter through. We also added a window and small landing at the base of the stairs.

For a modern look, we added black and white cement tile to the risers, opting for an angled line pattern that draws the eye up. To complete the staircase, we commissioned a local welder to fabricate a metal railing, which we then painted black.

Because the dining and living areas were one large, open space we kept the design pretty minimal and incorporated some fun design details into the staircase. Changing the location of the steps down into the living area greatly improved the flow of the first floor and transformed the space into an airy, sun-filled room.

Sources

Dining Room
Wall Paint: Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace OC-65
Flooring: Mohawk City Vogue 5" Engineered Hardwood Floors in Seattle
Dining Table: IKEA Voxlov Dining Table
Dining Chairs: Kennamer Slat Back Side Chairs
Candlestick Holders: 3 Piece Aluminum Tapered Candle Holders - Project 62 (discontinued) (similar style found here)
Bar Cart: Wood & Glass Gold Finish Bar Cart (similar style found here)
Plant Stands: Bamboo Basket Planter Set (similar style found here)

Living Room
Chair: Ceylon Woven Accent Chair in Black (similar style found here)
Coffee Table: Manila Round Hammered Drum Coffee Table - Threshold
Rug: Chevron Area Rug in Black/White (similar style found here)
Floor Lamp: Cantilever Floor Lamp in Brass - Threshold
Throw Pillows: Square Diamond Throw Pillow - Opalhouse  (discontinued) (similar style found here)
Moon Phase Calendar: Worthwhile Paper

Stairs
Tile: Juice Black Concrete Tile

Get the Look

1 Wall Paint / 2 Tile / 3 Flooring / 4 Dining Chairs / 5 Bar Cart (similar style found here) / 6 Dining Table / 7 Moon Phase Calendar / 8 Lamp /
9 Candlestick Holders (similar style found here) / 10 Rug (similar style found here) / 11 Coffee Table / 12 Chair (similar style found here)