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BEFORE: Interior

The design pair notes that the original home was stuck in the past with mismatched flooring, a dysfunctional sense of flow, and an extreme lack of character.

AFTER: Interior

Amanda and Taylor took advantage of the LA views and tons of natural light by opening up the space, and then adding high-end materials and statement lighting to add charm and sophistication.

“The house was extremely dated and choppy up so our goal was to open things up while still having the feel of warmth and cohesion," says Amanda. "We did this through adding natural stone, wood, and warm lighting throughout.”

The result? A design that is elevated, functional, and timeless. "We typically let the bones of the house inspire us and let us guide it into what it wants to be," says Taylor. "This house in particular was different from most of our other projects - much more angular lines and harsh divisions between spaces so we had to find a way to soften things while still not trying to make it something it wasn't."

Bed + Bath Inspiration

Amanda and Taylor have perfected the art of blending modern and traditional elements, creating spaces that feel fresh, cozy, and stylish without being overly trendy. “We added cedar beams on the ceilings in some of the rooms and added lighting and warmer tones to add grounding," says Taylor.

The bathrooms share a cohesive look with the home, from the oak flooring, marble and stone, to nature-inspired materials.

Vistas from the hilltop were important to capture, especially from the stunning master bedroom. "In the primary bedroom, the large glass windows feel like you're part of the landscape, which is important to us," says Amanda.

Furniture and art are intentional in each of the rooms, creating symmetry, function and a warm minimalism vibe. I especially love the way the rooms transition from light to dark as you walk through the home.

The master bathroom is elegant and refined with a mix of marble, wood, and natural tones.

"Paint and furniture are everything!," says Taylor. She suggests picking pieces that are special and not something you can find at any big box store. "Layer layer layer. Layer throws and pillows, textures and paint colors. The more dimension a room has the more intentional it feels. Dont be afraid to add accent pieces for a pop of color and playfulness," she says.

Each bathroom plays into the nature-inspired aesthetic while having distinct features like unique mirrors and vanities.

The kids' room is the mini version of the rest of the home, using oak furnishings and cozy, natural layers with a pop of art.

Organic shapes compliment the overall vibe, giving the home an indoor-outdoor California modern feel.

"It's hard to keep an almost 5,000 sq ft home cozy in every space but it is something we prioritize and excel at while elevating it to meet today's needs," says Amanda.

A moody bathroom adds a bit of drama to the light-filled space.

BEFORE: Exterior

The exterior of the home left a whole lot to be desired.

AFTER: Exterior

The facade transformation is quite literally amazing.

The backyard takes advantage of the surrounding nature and views. Simply stunning!

Dated Lighting

Instead: Look For Sculptural Lighting

Let's start from the top. Sometimes a simple upgrade like new lighting can make such an impact in the room, instantly giving it a more upscale look. Statement lighting in sculptural shapes are on trend and timeless. Think in levels too -- from ceiling to table lamps to create ambience. Too harsh or too dim can make a room feel uninviting and drab too so pay attention to lighting in a room before you completely overhaul it.

Cramped, Cluttered Spaces

Instead: Be Selective With Furniture And Decor

Less is more when it comes to looking elegant, and frankly, not cheap. Remove anything that doesn't feel right in a space (you may find a better spot for it later) and start with the bare minimum. Now start to fill it with furniture and decor that fits the space well and looks like they pair well. Overfilled rooms can make them look cramped and chaotic, and too much decor or mess can create visual clutter, which is not inviting.

Mismatched Styles

Instead: Create A Point Of View

As a home decor enthusiast, I love almost all of it: art deco, modern, vintage, all the trends. Not to say, these trends can't all go together – they totally can! But create a space where they all work together so it feels cohesive. Make sure furniture works well with each other (even ask design advice from retailers). If you add art deco elements to a modern space, keep that thread going throughout the home with similar shapes, materials and textures (without going overboard). Start with an idea, pair down to the necessities, and slowly add what feels right.

Old Paint, Broken Anything

Instead: Keep Up With Repairs

Walls with chipped or peeling paint can make a home look neglected so a fresh coat is always a good idea after three or so years. Fix broken fixtures too like light switches, faucets, or doorknobs to keep your home from looking old and unkempt.

Cheap Materials

Instead: Opt For Natural Materials

Synthetic materials like polyester and nylon can appear low-end so use them sparingly. Of course, there are sometimes budget concerns but opting for a few quality linens, upholstery, or real wood furniture can elevate your home.

Dated Fixtures

Instead: Upgrade faucets, knobs, and handles

My mom was ready to remodel her whole bathroom until I told her that it was fine — she just needed to upgrade her faucet. She did and was so happy with the results. Something as small as a new bathroom faucet, kitchen handles, or new doorknobs can bring your home on trend and help eliminate embarrassing home decor mistakes.

Rental Blinds

Instead: Don't Treat Windows As An Afterthought

While I do love the bare window look, it can sometimes make a room feel unfinished, especially if the windows are not new. As a renter, I couldn't stand the look of cheap rental blinds too. I'd remove them, make my own shades, and reinstall them when I moved out. Using flimsy or outdated blinds can ruin a perfectly beautiful room. It's like the final accessory to complete the look!

Lack of Scale And Proportion

Instead: Create Balance

Area rugs should extend beyond the sofa and not be too small compared to the size of the room. Find furniture that fits the space and hang artwork that balances the room vs. puts it off kilter. This room by L.A. design firm House of Rolison feels harmonious and complete.

Generic Decor

Instead: Add Personal Touches

Using generic, mass-produced decor items can make a home feel impersonal and bland. Create a sense of space and character by incorporating personal touches, such as family photos or unique decor and art pieces.

Overly Themed Rooms

Instead: Scale Back On Thematic Pieces

Overdoing a specific theme, such as nautical or rustic, can feel kitschy and less sophisticated. Instead, use elements of a theme sparingly, like this woodland-themed kids room that features an animal print and little trinkets on a shelf for an adorable touch.

Main Photo by Rachel Claire

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Dark Espresso Wood

I’m not sure this ever qualified as good design, but espresso-colored veneer was everywhere just a few years ago. Heavy, dark finishes tend to make spaces feel gloomy, and frankly, cheap. Instead, opt for natural, solid woods like white oak or walnut. While they may cost more upfront, they're a smart lifelong investment because of their durability and timelessness.

Matchy-Matchy Furniture Sets

This room is cringe on so many levels. Rooms lack personality when everything matches perfectly, but also this trad furniture with rolled arms and decorative nail heads are a bit gag-inducing. Instead, choose sophisticated styles, from sleek curves to classic and modern silhouettes, paired with vintage pieces for a layered, lived-in look.

The Color Grey

It's had its heyday, but grey needs to go in 2025. It was just so overdone. I admittedly still have a grey sofa from West Elm that is now 10 years old and it *will* go in 2025. Instead, I'll look for earthy, natural, and warm colors to replace it.

Metal Beds

Metal bed frames can feel cold and stark when your bedroom should feel warm and cozy. They don't inspire good feng shui too because it's thought that the energy flows too quickly through metal, creating a sense of restlessness or heightened activity. Not something you want in your bedroom! A wooden or upholstered bed is a much better choice for a calmer, more grounded space to sleep.

Glam French Country

The charm of French country is its simplicity and authenticity — there’s nothing overtly glamorous about it. This bed is a little too "extra." True French country style emphasizes natural woods, organic fibers, and timeless, understated decor.

Mid Century Modern

There is a timelessness to the clean lines and quality of midcentury modern design, but homes are becoming cozier, less minimal, and leaning into curvier shapes and elevated designs.

Bulky Furniture

Heavy-weighted sofas with rolled arms are making way for low-seated, modular sofas in sophisticated shapes.

Futons

Sleeper sofas are becoming more comfortable and stylish, leaving the dorm-room vibe of futons a thing of the past.

Boho

For those who love this aesthetic, don't worry. Rustic is still in, but in an elevated way with natural fibers, colors, and reclaimed woods still in the mix. That said, it's time to lose the macramé wall hangings, eclectic mix of furniture and textiles, and plants everywhere in rattan pots.

Teal Furniture

While playful and eye-catching, this color is a bit garish. Look for subdued and sophisticated jewel tones for colors that will stand the test of time. Here are home color trends that will be huge in 2025 and beyond.

Barn Door Beds

Barn doors, outside of a barn, are definitely out, but this tacky farmhouse look especially needs to go.

Industrial Anything

Metal chairs, exposed Edison bulbs, kitschy steampunk decor is a home decor scene that needs to stay way back in the past. Update the look with softer, more organic accents like a wood farm table with linen slipcovered chairs.

Recliners

Dad's Lazyboy needs to stay hidden in his man cave or officially go. The bulky chairs, while super comfortable, can dominate a room. Instead, look for accent chairs that are still really comfortable but look sleek and modern.

Tuscan Kitchens

If you're on the hunt for a first home, you might see this popular kitchen trend from the early 2000s everywhere. Instead,upgrade to a modern Mediterranean look with warm neutrals and natural stone materials.

Glass-Top Tables

Glass-top dining and coffee tables can feel cold and impractical (they require constant cleaning!). Instead, choose wood or stone dining tables for a sturdier, earthier vibe.

Gold Hardware

Unlacquered brass is on trend in kitchens and baths, but this faux gold look that conjures up '80s brass needs to go.

Corduroy Upholstery

Corduroy upholstery may be affordable, but it often ends up looking cheap and dated. For a more refined and timeless feel, opt for fabrics like wool, velvet, or natural linen.

Chevron and Overly Geometric Patterns

Chevron patterns have been on their way out for a couple years now, but 2025 is the time to truly let them go. Buh-bye!