1 /17 Thomas J. Story Project Refresh
Beverly Hills, 90210. Even in a neighborhood known for lavish eye candy, the Sunset team decided to focus on attainable reinvention. Although we find endless design inspiration each year in our new builds, we also listened to a rising tide of readers seeking small-scale yet high-impact remodeling ideas they could easily execute in their own homes. To celebrate the 20th anniversary of our Idea House program, we went back to the drawing board to dream up a different take on what an Idea House could be. Sunset used the concept of a “make under” as our compass—preserving the spirit of the dwelling’s original design while updating it with minimal structural changes and affordable decor. The main objective? To create optimal flow and an immediate connection to the outdoors, all with a refined Southern California sensibility. From expansive entertaining spaces to cocoon-like retreats, read on for the story of Sunset’s “Project Refresh” Idea House in the West’s most famous zip code.