The SoCal Retreat
After many years in a much larger home, empty nesters Sigrid Simonson and Bob Manwaring were ready for an upgrade. Their children had moved out and they no longer needed the extra space. They asked architect Jeff Jeannette to tear down their existing post-war bungalow and replace it with a 1,200-square-foot one-bedroom home. Here's a peek inside, for inspiration.
Clever design
The couple wanted their casual, beachy home to be cozy and functional, as well as welcoming for their kids and guests. Skylights, exposed ceilings and dramatic interior lighting open up the space and make the rooms feel bigger. Jeannette buried the television in the wall above the fireplace. Doors slide out to hide it when guests are over.
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Sleep tight
We love this clever day bed that doubles as a guest room. This alcove gives visitors (or returning kids) a place to spend the night. It doubles as a cozy reading nook, something Sigrid had always dreamed of having in a home.
Double up
The bathroom's vanity is a substantial piece of furniture that is home to not only beauty products but also towels and linens. It's a great way to keep small bathrooms neat. Jeannette also chose to mirror the entire wall behind the vanity (that dark-framed mirror is suspended in front of the mirrored wall). This huge mirrored wall is a clever visual trick in a small space, making it feel much larger.
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