Budget Breakdown: After 20 Years, Empty Nesters Embrace a Fresh Start and a Bright Palette for $786K
"The vaulted ceilings in the main living areas were the only things we really wanted to preserve," says designer Whit Solomon. "Everything else had to go."
"The vaulted ceilings in the main living areas were the only things we really wanted to preserve," says designer Whit Solomon. "Everything else had to go."
At first, Kristen and Brian Byrne thought they needed a change of address. After raising their two daughters in the Point Loma neighborhood of San Diego, they felt their home base no longer served their needs.
"We hadn’t done much to our house since some initial work when we moved here in 2004," Kristen says. "We loved the house, but it was tired, dark, and cluttered after 20-plus years of family living."
Before: Living Room
Before: "The living room was small and cozy before," Brian says. "We wanted to keep it cozy, but make the rest of the downstairs feel more open."
Photo by Jenna Gilmer
They cherished how their home suited California’s indoor/outdoor lifestyle, with a backyard that allowed them to routinely entertain, and a location that was within walking distance of the beach. They also appreciated the size of their primary suite on the second level, and the high ceilings of the ground-floor living room. But, now that their daughters had moved out, Kristen and Brian started reassessing how well the home suited their needs—and it seemed like it was time to move on.
"The house was a little funky to begin with," Brian says. "It was built in 1952 and had a couple of not-so-well-designed additions before we bought it."
After: Living Room
The renovation removed a wall between the living room and kitchen, and created more space with an addition. It cost $2,600 to remodel the fireplace, which is covered with ceramic tile from Bedrosians. A CB2 sofa, West Elm chair, and Article coffee table sit on a Lulu and Georgia rug.
Photo by Jenna Gilmer
The couple put in an offer on a different property, but it fell through. That’s when their real estate agent introduced them to principal designer Whit Solomon. "They were considering selling, but ultimately decided to remodel," Whit recalls. "It was a true Love it or List It moment."
Before: Bathroom
See the full story on Dwell.com: Budget Breakdown: After 20 Years, Empty Nesters Embrace a Fresh Start and a Bright Palette for $786K
Related stories:
