In the strange year of 2020, home renovations proved as popular as ever. With most of us spending much more time at home than in the past, it’s no surprise that the idea of change became particularly alluring. In our readers’ nine most beloved renovation stories from 2020, change takes many meanings: from the backyard redesign of our dreams to an incredibly chic emerald green kitchen. Whether small or large, indoor or outdoor, each of these home transformations offers a treasure trove of tips, tricks, and ideas to inspire for the new year.
Designer Faith Blakeney aimed to enhance the room’s original architecture with modern amenities and nods to her world-traveling clients’ international flair. Photo by Jessica Alexander
When Faith Blakeney was hired to renovate an untouched 1950s California ranch house for a British-American couple and their son, the designer wanted to acknowledge the history of the house while adding her own modern accents. When it came to the iconic kitchen, Faith chose a striking emerald green, highlighted by a renovation that included opening up the ceilings and knocking down walls to bring in plenty of light.
“When it came to staging, we had a very clear vision of the style and overall aesthetic we needed to complement the classic Tudor character of the house, and Annie Carolin of Pride of Place masterfully brought that vision to life,” says Sapna Aggarwal.
Karan and Sapna Aggarwal, the duo behind the design firm Bungalowe, attempted their very first project with the renovation of this 1920s classic Tudor-style Chateau in L.A.’s Eagle Rock neighborhood. The pair wanted to complement the time-honored exterior of the home while keeping it connected to the outdoors; deciding on a black, white, natural-wood, and sage green motif. The result is a beautifully zen space that feels in touch with all of its gorgeous natural surroundings.
Laurel Broughton replaced rectangular doorways and detailing with elegant arches, inspired in part by an original niche located just to the right of the kitchen entry.
