1906 Venice cottage gets a modern update

A ladder serves as an architectural element and climbs to a carpeted tree house-like loft, boosting family space by 120 square feet.

“It is a great way to get an extra room for kids’ sleepovers,” Ritch says.

The L-shaped hallway leads to three bedrooms and the children’s bathroom. A door at the short end of the “L” leads to the backyard and Ritch’s detached studio.