Whole Home Transformation:
1980s Coastal Home in Aptos, CA

CLIENT NEEDS

Our clients purchased this 1980s coastal home in Aptos with a vision to create a beautiful living space for their daughter. With its ideal location just a five-minute walk from the beach and close to a local park, the home had great potential. However, the property suffered from years of neglect, including water damage and structural issues that demanded extensive repairs. Our design-build team faced the challenge of not only addressing these problems but also creating a welcoming and functional space from a home in poor condition.

TALMADGE SOLUTION

While preserving the home’s original layout, we reimagined its flow and functionality. By reconfiguring rooms and simplifying spaces, we crafted an open, intuitive design that enhances comfort and livability. Timeless design elements like Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) flooring, white quartz countertops, and a soothing palette of soft whites and natural wood accents add warmth and style. Oil-rubbed bronze hardware provides elegant contrast, perfectly complementing the modern coastal vibe.

Notable features include a stunning fireplace with custom wood shelving and a modern kitchen with fresh finishes. In the bathrooms, spa-inspired details like luxurious showers, sleek vanities, and thoughtful tilework elevate the experience.

The exterior also received significant updates, including a redefined front entry with modern lighting and a clear pathway. The firepit area, while existing before, was refreshed with updated concrete and flatwork to create a smoother transition between indoor and outdoor spaces, enhancing the overall flow of the property.

A standout aspect of this transformation is the new contemporary exterior with crisp, modern lines. The original, deteriorating siding was replaced with durable, painted wood T1-11, giving the home a fresh, inviting look and significantly boosting its curb appeal.

Challenge

The project presented several challenges in realizing the client’s vision. Significant water damage had caused rotten framing and compromised the home’s structural integrity, requiring meticulous restoration. Additionally, past remodels had resulted in awkward, sunken areas and poorly configured rooms that disrupted the flow of the home. These issues were expertly addressed by leveling the floors and reworking the layout to create a seamless, accessible, and harmonious living space.

RESULT

The transformation of this home is truly remarkable. What was once dark and cramped has been reimagined into a bright, open, and airy space, featuring large windows that flood the interiors with natural light and offer stunning views of the surrounding greenery.

Inside, the redesigned layout creates a seamless flow between the living, dining, and kitchen areas, maximizing space and functionality. Warm natural wood elements and clean, modern finishes enhance the home’s inviting atmosphere, blending beauty and practicality.

This whole-house remodel unlocked the home’s full potential, turning it into a serene and welcoming retreat for our clients’ daughter to enjoy for years to come.

Before & After Photos

Location — Aptos, CA