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Collection by Luke Hopping

Streamlined Homes for Downsizing Families and Empty Nesters

These residents trimmed the non-essentials to make their dream homes into realities.

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When their three daughters left home, Ilhan and Kamer Eser seized the opportunity to design a new house in the California countryside. The pair of empty-nesters relished the freedom a fresh build offered. “Every time you buy a house there is always something you compromise on and just have to live with,” says Ilhan. “So we said, ‘Let’s build what we want, exactly how we want.’”
When their three daughters left home, Ilhan and Kamer Eser seized the opportunity to design a new house in the California countryside. The pair of empty-nesters relished the freedom a fresh build offered. “Every time you buy a house there is always something you compromise on and just have to live with,” says Ilhan. “So we said, ‘Let’s build what we want, exactly how we want.’”
A large metal floating mirror from Restoration Hardware seemingly doubles the 675 square feet of the Schmidt-Friedlander apartment in Windsor Terrace, Brooklyn. The family of three dines at an oak table from Canvas Home, with Wishbone chairs by Hans Wegner. Decorators White paint by Benjamin Moore and oiled Hakwood European oak flooring are used throughout.
A large metal floating mirror from Restoration Hardware seemingly doubles the 675 square feet of the Schmidt-Friedlander apartment in Windsor Terrace, Brooklyn. The family of three dines at an oak table from Canvas Home, with Wishbone chairs by Hans Wegner. Decorators White paint by Benjamin Moore and oiled Hakwood European oak flooring are used throughout.
A client with grown children requested a small dwelling that could double as a work space. Cedar siding painted in Jet Black by Benjamin Moore contrasts the natural wood fencing.
A client with grown children requested a small dwelling that could double as a work space. Cedar siding painted in Jet Black by Benjamin Moore contrasts the natural wood fencing.
With the free-floating birch pod defining the space, and the massive Venetian chandelier accentuating the volume, the great room is, indeed, great. The Suarezes wanted the living area to be a place where the family could be occupied individually while still together. Bonnie works in the kitchen while Santiago (seated on an IKEA couch borrowed from one of their sons until they find something else) works on the computer.
With the free-floating birch pod defining the space, and the massive Venetian chandelier accentuating the volume, the great room is, indeed, great. The Suarezes wanted the living area to be a place where the family could be occupied individually while still together. Bonnie works in the kitchen while Santiago (seated on an IKEA couch borrowed from one of their sons until they find something else) works on the computer.