See a Stylish Renovation of a Modern Desert Home

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See a Stylish Renovation of a Modern Desert Home

In this episode of Houzz TV Live, designer Karen McAloon of x8 Property and Design takes viewers inside a small home she recently renovated in Joshua Tree, California. McAloon ripped up old linoleum on the floor and then polished the concrete slab foundation to create new flooring. In the kitchen, she took down a peninsula to open up the space to the living area, and walled over an entry door to create more room for countertops and a new range. In the bathroom, she ditched the tub to create a larger shower. And she enclosed a former patio to add a new bedroom that can double as a lounge space.

McAloon also shares several of her favorite design tips, including how to install ceiling lights to make a small room look larger than it is.

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Comments (45)
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Michele Lister

Fabulous!

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kaysarasara

Gorgeous little house. Love every single room, but especially that second bedroom with the L of twin beds, so clever. Looks very comfy and lounge-y.

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liasuz

Such an awesome before and after!

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maggieandluna

Love!

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Sally W

I love the reno, but I also think this designer is great on video - a charming, warm presence.

18 Likes    
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nannyb730

Really great job! I love everything she did. She has a great pragmatic approach to design.

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Alison Margo

Gorgeous!

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retirement62

Well done, gorgeous!

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Hansen

love it!

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Lory Hawley

Spectacular! So simple. It takes a lot of skill to make something look so effortless. It has "suchness"....

One little "however ..." Open shelving with dishes open to the sand and dust. I would guess you have to rinse dishes and glassware before using... plus, they do have earthquakes out there. Things will fall off those shelves...

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Idymilson Oliveira

Beautiful Wow!!!

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Blazing Sunrise

Great job! Saving all your tips for my 29 Palms desert home renovation. Thank you!


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Rebecca C.

I love how she kept the old-growth trees... instead of tearing them up which many buyers of new properties do. She actually centered them in the design process, that is so cool. Caring about the views, the sunrise and sunset. Very respectful of nature -- a beautiful sensibility.

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noreenc1

So cute, is it for sale?? Can you share the contractor name ?

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lambo_suzan

Love it👍

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phoebe3

Wow! Just, wow!

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BB Mac

Gorgeous! We had stained concrete when we built our house, loved it. I would live there. 😍

   
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Susan Wicks

Thoughtful economy of style by designer Karen blends both simplicity and elegance tore-energize this desert hideaway home. Thank you also for respecting the natural environment by reusing the existing site, landscaping and minimizing expansion.

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Esther

That stove and the way the tile reflects off of it. And that jewel of a sofa. And the repeated use of circular mirrors. Too many things to love. What style would you say this home embodies?

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Aasia Kinney

Front door info PLEEEZZZE! Where can I get it or was it a custom build?

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xxdna63

So great that she enhanced the views and integrated the on-site plants.

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Diane Herr

So many handy tips and tricks ! The window placement and concrete floors are great for that location ! Love your vision for this space, and could live there and be very happy


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laparva

This is such a creative transformation of a small place!

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Erica Weiner Gardner

Where are the knobs in the kitchen cabinets from?

   
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PRO
Bon Yvonne

Beautiful!

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Elise

HOUZZ, once again you've chosen a wonderful home and articulate designer/homeowner to give us a tour. I always glean a little tidbit of design advice and the tours are such fun!

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Maria Ribeiro

Great space. Does anyone know where to purchase the bedroom wall lights


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Bella Dee

Love it!!

   
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Adi Tatarko

Beautiful. I love the way you placed the windows at the right spot to see the trees and feature the views. Very thoughtful renvoation. Thank you for sharing!

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gina1406

I'm wondering how they refinished the concrete?

   
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Kathryn Stellmacher

Beautiful! Where did you get the dining table and stove?

   
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x8 Property and Design

@Aasia Kinney- Front door is a custom solid Mahogany door from ETO Doors with Superdeck Red Cedar stain.

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x8 Property and Design

@Maria Ribeiro- Those great sliding wall lamps are from Urban Outfitters! I keep an eye on their website as they have great Home stuff and every once in a while screaming good sales!

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x8 Property and Design

@Erica Weiner Gardner- Kitchen cab knobs are from Amazon, Adington White Handmade Drawer pulls. Their glue is very...not glue-y, so get some Gorilla Clear Glue and be prepared to put some knobs back together, but they are so gorgeous it’s worth it :)

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x8 Property and Design

@Gina1406- concrete floors were grinded, polished, and sealed with a satin finish water based sealer.

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O. A.

I would call this "modern ecclectic". what a dramatic difference and she seems like a warm friendly, considerate personality. It reflects in her sensible, yet imaginative approach to this reno. :)

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Jenn

Love how the L shaped twin beds turned out. I had that idea for a guest room and am so glad to see how good it can look. Everything about this house is so well done!

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bizeebees

beautiful design!!!

   
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Tina B

Fantastic design! Really thought of everything, from practical ideas to interesting design elements. Love the repurposing of the floors… They look awesome!

   
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Craig Gaevert Architect

The one thing that always catches my eye is the placement of the split systems inside. I'm sure these were well thought out, but I would be interested in hearing about what your thinking/process is about placement vis-a-vis the other obviously well-thought out details of this rebuild.

   
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dspafford

Very practical, functional, but with great style!

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patriziacastelli

Just amazing. Can anybody tell me, where I can buy the wand lamps of the master bedroom?

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Jill Thomas

Love, love, love!

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lindaluceromaes

I’d love to know the process for doing the polished concrete and Is machinery needed? Love your place!!😃

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Meka Nevaneedtohate

I utterly loved the front door, the couch and the kitchen counter! Nicely done ✅!

1 Like