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Given the great weather in Carlsbad, the garage door is frequently open to let in the warm air and light.

Natural materials (wood and plant-life) help keep the converted garage from feeling too small.

“I consider light to actually be one of the materials here,” says Losada-Amor. Skylights (including one in the shower) offer ventilation as well as light.

The ultra-flexible space easily transforms into a bedroom and work area, thanks to a clever wall system designed by the Modern Granny Flat team.

All of Trane’s products are tested to withstand the harshest conditions (even Pennsylvania winters) to ensure that they’re ready to run through anything. Because of this, it has been named America’s Most Trusted® HVAC system for nine years running.

It was Rowan’s (pictured) idea to keep the extension’s masonry block wall exposed in the dining area, using a red grout to match the glazing. “I think it creates an interesting feature in the dining area and it’s my little nod to London’s Southbank and The National Theatre,” says Rowan, who is a CEO of an orchestra.

Rowan was given the oversized dining table at the end of a theatre production, when she used to work as a theatre producer. The chairs were from an antique store called A Touch of Dust.

The living zones have been painted in Farrow & Ball’s Duck Pond green hue. The framed art work hanging over the yellow Loaf sofa is a print of David Hockney’s Montcalm Interior at 7 O'clock painting from a 1988 exhibition.

After: Double showerheads were a must-have, as was a large soaking tub. The vermillion wall sconces from RBW playfully contrast the neutral color scheme.

After: The new bathroom is straight out of Laura's Pinterest dreams, with stacked white ceramic tile (from Zia) and matte black fixtures (from AF Supply). She plans to add more plants to make the space even more serene.

The rosy glow reflecting off maple leaves and the brick of neighboring homes inspired Maureen to choose the blush pink bedding. The soft linen bedding, from Hawkins New York, along with the minimal decor, the calming natural green of the plants, and the warm wood furniture combine to make the room an inviting, spa-like space.

Maureen and Timothy did all their own interior design. "I enjoy using the house as another outlet for my artistic style," says Maureen. A style, Maureen says, which might be described as "eclectic and filled with personality".

Beneath an example of Maureen's recent artwork, she added a few dried flowers to her jar of paintbrushes to create an unexpectedly lovely bouquet.

A bank of custom storage along one wall is very functional for the family, including children’s art supplies, cleaning tools, and a counter for serving during a party.

Lee helped the couple source lighting, like the Nuura Anoli pendants above the kitchen island. “We're constantly having meals at home,” says Serena. “We get a CSA and I like to cook, so it's nice to have a lot of space in the kitchen, and have it be really functional for cooking and entertaining.”

The plaster medallions above the chandeliers had to be removed to repair ceiling damage and replaced by polyurethane ones.

The apartment had potential with windows looking over the city’s biggest green space, so a young couple traded out its old rugs, wallpaper, and tight floor plan.

Stylist and design consultant Oliver Schmid bought an abandoned, century-old house and transformed it into El Patio del Charco, a two-level vacation rental in Arrecife, on the eastern coast.

After: The kitchen’s countertops and backsplash are “all those 1950s-30s enamel card tables,” Geoffrey explains. “That was a decision I made early on; it took me a year and a half to collect them all.” The beams were a great surprise; they were hidden away in the ceiling. The appliances are former Consumer Reports test appliances bought at auction, and the ceiling lights are a custom design, intended to look mid-century.