Some remodel projects already have a beautiful story. Our job as designers is to help that story shine even brighter.
That was exactly the vision behind our #GracefulArcadia remodel. Located in the heart of Arcadia, this home already had stunning architectural features, including vaulted ceilings and beautiful brick walls. The homeowners loved the character of the house, but they wanted it to feel lighter and more welcoming when entertaining friends and family.
Working in collaboration with Sunstate Remodeling, our team at Alisha Taylor Interiors, led by Lead Designer Faye Serwa, approached the project with the simple idea to honor the architecture & bring in fresh layers of texture and warmth.
Honoring the Original Arcadia Architecture
Arcadia homes are known for their charm, and this one was no exception.
Instead of covering up the original details, Faye focused on highlighting them. The vaulted ceilings create openness and light, while the painted brick walls add texture and history. Warm wood tones were layered in to soften the space and connect each room.
Faye described the design direction simply:
“This remodel was about creating balance. Strong yet soft, modern yet timeless.”
By respecting the architecture while adding intentional updates, the home now feels refreshed without losing its soul.
A Kitchen Designed for Connection
The kitchen quickly became the heart of the project.
One of the biggest design changes was rotating the kitchen layout to make room for two islands instead of one. This adjustment completely changed how the space works. Now there is room for cooking, serving, and gathering all at once, making the kitchen feel like a natural place for people to come together.
Adding Moments of Breathe Throughout the Home
The great room already had a beautiful fireplace as the focal point. However, the space originally included two large built-ins on either side, which made the room feel visually heavy.
Faye saw an opportunity to simplify the design…
By removing one of the oversized built-ins, the fireplace could finally stand on its own. This change allowed the room to breathe and strengthened the focal point of the room.
A Welcoming Entry with Sculptural Details
The entry of the home sets the tone for everything that follows. A sculptural wood wall installation adds movement and artistry to the space, immediately creating a sense of warmth and personality. Our design team referred to this layered approach as part of the home’s “Arcadian style,” bringing the design into balance with the natural rhythm of the architecture.
A Calm and Collected Home Office
The home office was designed to feel quiet, focused, and organized. Soft blue built-ins provide both storage and visual interest, while glass cabinet doors keep the space feeling light and open.
Layering Texture Throughout the Home
One of the defining elements of the Graceful Arcadia remodel is the careful use of texture.
Painted brick walls, natural wood cabinetry, stone countertops, metal accents, and glass-front cabinets all work together to create visual depth. These layers keep the home from feeling flat while maintaining a calm and cohesive design.
The finished home feels like a more refined version of itself.
It is brighter and more open, yet still grounded in the architectural charm that made the home special to begin with. At its heart, the #GracefulArcadia remodel proves that the best renovations reveal a home’s character.
