Stressing Less in a Beachy California Cottage
Freeway commuting was sucking the life out of a Los Angeles wife and mother of two. To preserve her sanity, she and her family decided they would be willing to downsize if it would get them closer to work and school. So they scooped up this cottage — along with the services of interior designer Charmean Neithart, who helped the family figure out how to adapt their lifestyle to their new living quarters.
“This house has made their life easier, simpler, more relaxing and more about the things that really matter,” Neithart says.
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: A couple and their daughter (age 15) and son (13)
Location: Altadena, California
Size: 1,700 square feet, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms
Charmean Neithart Interiors, LLC.
“My client was really nervous about the relatively small rooms in the house,” Neithart says, “but was willing to compromise on size in order to be in this neighborhood.”
It took about two years to plan the move from the family’s larger, traditional home, so the wife was ready for some big changes. ”She told me, ‘I’ve been so stressed out on that freeway that I just want to have fun! Make it a little bit silly and bright and funky — I just want to have a good time!’” Neithart recalls.
Although the neighborhood is located in the foothills, the homeowners love the shore and coastal colors, and wanted to have a relaxed, beachy feel at home.
Structurally, Neithart had the floors replaced and added crown molding throughout the house. She broke open a few walls, and added transoms and a skylight to a bedroom that did not have any windows.
Continue reading Stressing Less in a Beachy California Cottage
“This house has made their life easier, simpler, more relaxing and more about the things that really matter,” Neithart says.
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: A couple and their daughter (age 15) and son (13)
Location: Altadena, California
Size: 1,700 square feet, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms
Charmean Neithart Interiors, LLC.
“My client was really nervous about the relatively small rooms in the house,” Neithart says, “but was willing to compromise on size in order to be in this neighborhood.”
It took about two years to plan the move from the family’s larger, traditional home, so the wife was ready for some big changes. ”She told me, ‘I’ve been so stressed out on that freeway that I just want to have fun! Make it a little bit silly and bright and funky — I just want to have a good time!’” Neithart recalls.
Although the neighborhood is located in the foothills, the homeowners love the shore and coastal colors, and wanted to have a relaxed, beachy feel at home.
Structurally, Neithart had the floors replaced and added crown molding throughout the house. She broke open a few walls, and added transoms and a skylight to a bedroom that did not have any windows.
Continue reading Stressing Less in a Beachy California Cottage
