The House
For years Mandy and Andrew Fisher lived in a traditional two-story house in Portland, OR, with plenty of room for them and their three kids. But when they relocated to Lafayette, CA, they discovered that two-floor homes in the Bay Area were few and far between. No problem: “We liked the idea of everyone being together on one level,” says Mandy. “We just didn’t want to be crashing into one another!”
They settled on a barely updated 1965 ranch house, with big visions for it. First up: blowing out its 2,100 square feet to 3,100. They also created an open common area and raised the low ceilings in the living room, dining room, and master bedroom.
Designer Jeffrey Neve made sure the home’s style was as impressive as the expanded floor plan he helped with. He kept the walls neutral, then brought in sophisticated-yet-simple furniture, revved up accessories, and distinctive lighting. Now their place feels like it’s just the right size, with all the right stuff—even with the addition of two dogs. Says Mandy, “It’s gorgeous and spacious, and we’ve never once missed having a second floor.”