May 2025 Home of the Month
A Backyard Built for Living and Laughing
Nestled under a leafy canopy on the 700 block of Brookhurst, Amanda and Jonathan's 1956 home in Old Lake Highlands has undergone a transformation nearly two decades in the making. What began as a rental “that had seen better days” is now a warm, modern retreat that reflects not just thoughtful design, but deep community roots and a whole lot of sweat equity.
A Neighborhood That Felt Like Home
Amanda and Jonathan knew they'd found something special the first time they turned onto Brookhurst.
“The calming canopy, kids playing out front…it already felt like home before we even saw the house”, Amanda recalls.
The neighborhood’s charm, walkability, and under-the-radar appeal drew them in. The house itself? It had good bones, but needed vision, and work.
“I’ll never forget the cabinet guy walking in and asking, ‘Which room is the kitchen?’” Jonathan laughs.
In 2016, attention shifted outside. The front yard overhaul required three cement trucks’ worth of concrete, making way for a custom driveway, walkways, benches, a fire pit, and native landscaping.
By 2020, the backyard took its turn: a new garage designed to match the original house, updated fencing, improved lighting and electrical, and ongoing landscaping projects, including a tree transplanted from a neighbor’s yard.
“We’ve gone from always being indoors to hosting in the backyard and garage. Adding an AC/heat pump to the garage? Game-changer.”
And this garage is more than just a place to park. It was intentionally designed as a flexible space. With a quick rearrangement, the cars can be moved out, transforming the garage into an open, air-conditioned venue perfect for gatherings, game nights, or casual hangouts with neighbors.
DIY at Heart
Though they brought in help for certain tasks, Amanda and Jonathan were deeply hands-on throughout. Friends and family lent their time, and often accepted “payment in beverages.”
“I like being involved,” Jonathan says.
“The more you know, the better you can explain what you want.”
That spirit of collaboration is visible throughout: art from friends and neighbors, personal touches, and a garage that looks like it could’ve been original to the home, just upgraded.
“I wanted it to feel like it had always been there.”
Modern, Rooted, and Real
Their vision? A home that’s clean, efficient, and modern, yet still fits into the character of the neighborhood. Indoors, that meant opening up tight spaces and raising ceilings to let in natural light. Outdoors, the focus was on functionality and community.
“It feels like a place you want to be. Truly calming.”
The home balances streamlined design with soul. It’s filled with meaningful objects, laughter, and years of hard-earned lessons.
Words to Build By
What would they tell anyone starting a renovation of their own?
It will take longer and cost more than you think.
Graph paper is your friend.
Marry someone who trusts your vision—but isn’t afraid to be honest.
Be the kind of neighbor who trades trees and paints art.
“It’ll take a village to pull it off and sometimes you’ll realize you are the village idiot.
Just keep going.”
Thanks for sharing your journey Amanda & Jonathan!