The original blueprint for this bungalow was boldly reimagined by a designer to improve its form and function.

WRITTEN BY MERYL SCHOENBAUM DESIGNED BY JESSICA DORLING PHOTOGRAPHED BY MIRANDA ESTES

BEFORE

Get the Look

Jessica reveals how to recreate this bungalow’s décor.

• SHINE ON. Capture all the natural light you can bring into your home.

• LESS IS MORE. Don’t be afraid to take down walls or remove something you think should stay—in this case, the fireplace and chimney—but maybe for you it’s a window. If removing the window allows for better flow and transforms that space, then do it. Also look into adding a skylight to replace the light you were getting from the window. Being open to such changes and considering the broader impact on the overall design and functionality of the space can lead to remarkable improvements in your home.

• LET NATURE BE YOUR MUSE. From the colors and textures found outdoors, incorporate elements like the grasscloth wallpaper, which evokes the hues of the sky, or the marble tile in the upstairs bathroom, which reminds me of a twisted vine.

• CREATE “MOMENTS” IN YOUR HOME. A neutral foundation in the home will highlight the “moments” that have been created here, like the large kitchen window with the bar shelves, the stair-landing custom millwork and the wet bar.

NATUR AL NEUTR ALS. The living room is a lesson in decorating a space with a neutral background that doesn’t rely on white walls, taking it to the next level. “The abstract grasscloth wallpaper adds texture and depth, creating a sophisticated backdrop for the space,” Jessica says. The result brings the living room to life. A wooden console and greenery further bring natural colors indoors.

BEFORE

“When something’s lost, something’s gained.”

That philosophical observation could be applied to the evolution of this beautiful bungalow, as the decision to eliminate some existing elements made all the difference in the home’s livability.