Slam Dunk Bonus Spaces

For my bonus space, I made it a real bonus: bonus cash, that is, because we turned an illegal bedroom into a legal rental suite. In San Francisco, the country’s most expensive place to live, that’s a game-changer. I got to work putting in, well, everything—and taking out a whole bunch of dirt to get down far enough to install a full suite.

Drew’s Before & After

Drew’s Design Highlights

I’M TEAL-ING YOU…

I’m so in love with the deep teal couch in the guest suite of my Honeymoon House in Los Angeles that I wanted to re-create it here. The one we found on Wayfair is slightly smaller and a touch more casual—but just as stunning. Plus, the jewel tone is a nod to the main entrance wallpaper upstairs and the tile in the master bathroom!

PARQUET EXCELLENCE

Meet the bathroom’s showcase feature: blue-green shower tile in an intricate parquet pattern, set off by a crisp, thick grout line. The whole thing brings visual interest and brightness into this tight space.

APPLIANCE COMPLIANCE

I was insistent on putting full-size appliances (range, microwave, dishwasher, refrigerator) in the rental space. Not only does the extra stainless-steel surface area simply look great, but now any renters will feel truly at home.

Local construction support: Jason Bliss and Scott Bliss of Benchmark Construction
Local design support: Laura Martin Bovard of LMB Interiors
Interior and closet doors: Meeks
Windows and doors: Dolan’s Lumber
Kitchen cabinets: IKEA
Kitchen appliances: Friedmans Appliance
Backsplash and shower tile: Fireclay Tile
Bathroom floor tile: Tile Shop
Mattress: Scott Living by Restonic

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I’m adding value and accessibility everywhere you turn in this house. Most notably, I created an airy fifth bedroom out of the dungeon-like room downstairs (a true bonus space—it wasn’t even on the listing!) and upgraded the loft off the garage to a legal bedroom that serves as a private getaway with a view. Of course, I’m still thinking eco-chic: Brand-new windows and a tankless hot water heater reduce energy costs and maximize efficiency throughout the house.

Jonathan’s Before & After

Jonathan’s Design Highlights

A LOFTY IDEA

Accent walls don’t always have to be done with tile or wallpaper. I took an eco-chic chance on these decorative 3D acoustic panels made of bamboo fiber, which I painted a blueish-gray and then applied with contact cement. The resulting statement wall provides texture and color in addition to showing off the room’s sky-high ceiling.

MOVERS AND SHAKERS

Buying furniture secondhand is better for your budget and the environment. At Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore, I found these shaker-style cabinets that fit perfectly in the laundry room. All it took to make them look custom was a quick sanding and stylish paint job. I rounded out the area with an affordable butcher-block countertop, and now it’s a place where you can feel fancy while washing and folding your underwear.

CONSOLE-ATION PRIZE

This room … ugh. Calling its original iteration a dark, creepy lair is being generous. After a complete gut job, it’s now all fun and games—literally—thanks to a sleek entertainment center and creative decor. We staged it as a laid-back game room where the family can watch movies and chill out, but it can actually be listed as yet another bedroom because we installed a closet.