Adam Christian and John Volturo faced a tight deadline—just six weeks—to turn their modest home into a family haven before their twins arrived. They turned to acclaimed home remodeling designer Laurie March, whose expertise in efficient transformations made it possible.
This 1949 mid-century modern house in Pacific Palisades, California, offers 928 square feet, two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a private patio, and a large guest house—all within walking distance of restaurants, stores, and state parks. 'We picked the smallest house needing the most TLC for affordability,' Adam shared.
Adam Christian and John Volturo enjoy their renovated outdoor space with daughters Michaela and Julia. From: Laurie March
Priority one: converting a small bedroom into a nursery. The original reach-in closet couldn't accommodate two babies' belongings, so Laurie's team removed it, installing adjustable shelves and bars behind white tile doors, an open bookcase, and deep drawers. Recessed ceiling lights saved floor space.
For a bright, modern nursery, Adam and John chose white and aqua tones with an embossed diamond-pattern accent wall. They installed code-compliant windows and fixed the damaged flooring.
From: Laurie MarchNext, Laurie's team revamped the master bedroom, demolishing the closet for new doors and hardware. They removed the wall to the hall bathroom, creating an en-suite with space-saving pocket doors.
In the new master bathroom, to stay on schedule, they selected in-stock materials: a gray-stained floating vanity, white acrylic countertops, square porcelain sinks, and chrome single-lever faucets. Gray wood medicine cabinets added essential storage.
Polished chrome fixtures shine in the shower, with a handheld showerhead ideal for baby baths. They resurfaced the existing tub to save budget, added light gray striped large-format tiles, and carved a horizontal niche for toiletries and toys.
From: Laurie MarchThe floor features darker gray tiles with matching grout for a subtle spa effect. Brushed chrome metal trim edges the tiles on shower walls, alcove, and vanity backsplash. Crisp white low-VOC paint adorns the walls, with ceiling-mounted shower curtains completing the serene look.
Laurie ensured the project stayed on time and budget by assembling a motivated team. 'Set up your crew on project rates to encourage speed and efficiency,' she advises. 'It keeps everyone focused on quick, smart work.'
From: Laurie March 
From: Laurie MarchBeyond interiors, they added a direct outdoor door from the master, updated fixtures inside and out, planted a privacy hedge, and replaced a concrete pad with grass for their dog, Lincoln.
The remodel wrapped a week before Michaela and Julia's arrival. Mission accomplished.
