Matthew Finlason

The Townhome

Sleek & Stylish

This was a staging obstacle course, in which we had to work around the owners and their clutter. The goal was to transform a dated, three-level townhome in an affluent beachside neighborhood, into a sleek, contemporary space worthy of its $1.4 million price tag. Rukiya Bernard, my style factor, helped me create a sexy, grown-up look for a home on everyone's wish-list.

I was sure I had walked onto the set of 'Friends', despite the fact that it hasn't been on for too many years. By toning down the curry-banana wall color with neutral tones, and replacing all the out-dated furniture with clean lines and Dekora's own contemporary furnishings, the home now boasts a stylish, high-end look that's perfect for entertaining. Rukiya proved how easy it is to update a kitchen by simply replacing its hardware. She went further to mirror the hardware's aesthetic to the curvature of the kitchen granite countertop. It's good to repeat patterns and lines from room to room to create a sense of harmony throughout a home.

The client happened to be the director of media and public relations at the River Rock Casino and hooked the entire team up with tickets to Liza Minnelli and better yet, Kathy Griffin! I thought he was a name dropper, but he turned out to have Liza (with a 'z') on his arm during Kathy's performance.

Photos courtesy of HGTV and Walter Ledaca

---

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
•