You finally found the one—that diamond-in-the-rough house with great bones and tons of potential. But now that you’ve closed, you’re probably wondering: Where do I even begin?

Whether you’re in Los Feliz, Silver Lake, or tucked into the hills of Studio City, turning a fixer-upper into your dream home is a major project. It’s also an exciting opportunity to make every square foot truly yours. At the WARREN, we specialize in helping clients like you turn vision into reality—starting from the ground up and guiding every step.

Here’s what to focus on first.

1. Get Clear on Your Vision

Before diving into demolition or tile samples, take time to think big-picture. What do you want this home to feel like? How do you want to live in it? Are you drawn to clean modern lines, layered traditional warmth, or something eclectic and deeply personal?

We help our clients refine that vision—translating inspiration into a clear, elevated design direction that guides the entire project.

2. Bring in Your Designer Early

Many people think they need to wait until after construction to hire a designer. In reality, your designer should be one of your first calls. When we’re brought in early, we collaborate with your architect, contractor, and structural team to shape the layout, select finishes, and create a cohesive plan that reflects your taste and maximizes your investment.

We also help you avoid costly missteps—ensuring design and construction stay aligned from the start.

3. Prioritize Structural and Layout Decisions First

Fixer-uppers often need more than a surface glow-up. If you’re opening up walls, reconfiguring the floor plan, or upgrading systems, those decisions come first. We help you evaluate:

• What’s worth preserving (historic charm, original hardwoods)
  
• What should be reimagined (a cramped kitchen, dated bathrooms)
  
• Where you can add value (smart storage, better flow, natural light)
  

4. Build Out the Design Details

Once the structure and layout are set, we start layering in the beauty: custom millwork, tile, lighting, cabinetry, flooring, paint, and more. We also manage procurement and logistics, so you’re not chasing samples or tracking down lead times. This is where your fixer-upper truly begins to transform.

5. Don’t Overwhelm Yourself—You Don’t Have to Do It Alone

One of the most common pitfalls for new homeowners is trying to manage it all—contractors, permits, selections, and decisions—without a clear plan or team in place. That’s where we come in. From concept to completion, the WARREN acts as your creative lead, design partner, and advocate.

We help you stay grounded in your vision while making informed decisions, managing timelines, and creating a home that’s elevated, thoughtful, and entirely yours.

Your Dream Home Starts Here

Buying a fixer-upper is brave. Turning it into your dream home? That’s where the magic happens. If you’re ready to bring in a trusted design team to guide the process and bring it all to life, we’d love to talk.

→ Contact Our Studio

Let’s reimagine your fixer-upper into the home you’ve always wanted.