Magnificent Makeovers
People always enjoy a good makeover story. Whether it’s a personal transformation or the metamorphosis of a space, there’s something about the positive changes that garner our attention. Some are so dramatic and inspiring that they fill us with our own personal thoughts of change and new beginnings. Such is the case with the rooms featured here by designers Douglas Dolezal, Maria Barry, and Cathy Gill.

European Flair
The Problem: Room suffers from
a lack of character

The Solution: The original room was a white box with white furniture and was completely void of character. Designer Cathy Gill used the clients’ trips to France and Italy as her inspiration to blend European sophistication with Southern California casual. She changed the original painted wood fireplace to a larger, richly stained wood and stone surround with antique bronze andirons in front. Casual elegance abounds in this space from the airy Calvin linen draperies and buttery yellow faux-finished walls to the crystal and iron chandelier and large Venetian glass lamps with cream shades. Texture is added in a Brunschwig & Fils mattelasse sofa and antique needlepoint accents in the pillows. A gold leaf, hand-painted floor lamp and cocktail table bring a final touch of opulence to this very cozy space. (858/259-0626, cathyagill@yahoo.com)

California Fresh
The Problem: Too much beige blandness

The Solution: They came to Southern California via the East Coast to find the perfect sunny climate for their retirement. Anything but boring, this couple is well read and well traveled, but their new home didn’t reflect their bright outlook on life. Enter Douglas Dolezal of Dolezal Design Group & Atelier, who took them from bland and beige to a cheerful, cosmopolitan space. Wall-to-wall carpeting was ripped out and unfashionable window treatments were pulled down and replaced by Dolezal’s more stylish touches. He exposed the original wood floors and brought in area rugs and distinctive draperies. He added architectural interest in the custom cabinetry with grass-cloth-lined niches to hold the couple’s collection of treasures. Beautiful furnishings with dressmaker detailing complement the stunning antiques — a perfect mix that gives both the living and dining rooms their charming personality. (858/759-1744, www.dolezaldesign.com)

Tuscan Luxe
The Problem: The soaring space is uninviting

The Solution: A 25-foot ceiling, long and narrow windows, and an oversized fireplace could leave a room feeling cold and uninviting. Not so when the space is in hands of the design team of Le Dimora, led by owner/designer Maria Barry, allied member ASID, and Cindy Cerenzie. They filled the room with plump furniture and loaded it with silk pillows and fur throws. They used lush, tropical trees placed in corners, an enormous chandelier, and soft sweeping draperies arranged in a staggered pattern that puddle luxuriously on the floor as elements designed to bring down the tall ceiling. An array of unique accessories dresses up the fireplace and helps to tone down the imposing stone. As a result, the comfortable space envelops you with warmth and beckons you to curl up and enjoy the spectacular ocean view. (858/759-5186, www.ledimora.com)
— Jodi Murphy