This beautiful home in the Willow Glen neighborhood of San Jose, California was remodeled by design firm Lizette Marie Interior Design. The family of four had just purchased their 5,200 square foot, five bathroom, four-and-a-half bathroom classic Tudor style home and was looking to do a few updates which turned into a larger project of full scale bathroom remodels, each one being distinct from the other, and new decor for the first floor rooms. The family loved to cook and entertain, so it was important to create a space where adults and kids could spend time together. It was also important to create a space that would be a designated ‘man cave’ and equally, a haven for the wife to escape.

The entrance to the home displays a clever concept completed by local artist Klari Reis. There are three semi-abstract maps with the perfect balance of color, scale and detail so they stand as works of art on their own, demonstrating a sense of the couple’s history. Each map shows where the couple has lived in the past, Manhattan, Gottingen and Charlottesville. The library (displayed above) is the wife’s escape, the first room that you see upon entrance to the home and creates a ‘wow’ factor. It is a soothing space to reconnect with her passion for history, a mix of red and purple. The basement was turned into a man cave, since it lacks natural light. It designed into a comfortable space for the husband to work from home or just escape from a long day. Built-in bookcases help to add color and accessories and divide the space, one for work and one for play.

The door is constructed from reclaimed barn siding, with a backing of colored glass on the reverse to allow for a writing surface in the play area. It acts as a divider between the man cave and the kids’ playroom but can be opened wide to connect the two.

Despite the lack of natural light in the playroom, it seems much lighter than the man cave due to bright colors, white walls and recessed can lights.

Photos: David Duncan Livingston