The Inspiring Home Transformation of Amber and Mark Sokolowski: A Journey to Style and Family
Amber and Mark Sokolowski’s journey to find their dream home is a remarkable tale of courage, creativity, and commitment. Leaving behind their previous lives in favor of a fresh start, they turned a significant personal leap into a successful home transformation that reflects their shared values and aspirations as a family.
The Big Move
The story begins with a bold decision: to sell all their belongings and move into Amber’s grandmother’s guesthouse in Los Angeles’ artistic Silver Lake neighborhood. “Probably because we were so free,” Amber recalls, reflecting on this adventurous chapter of their lives. Freedom and adventure were at the forefront as they embarked on this journey to enable Amber to pursue her true passion—interior design. With an M.B.A. from Pepperdine University and years of experience in marketing, Amber decided to take the plunge into interior design classes at UCLA Extension. This major life shift symbolized their collective belief in investing in oneself and embracing change.
Finding Forever
After their stint in the guesthouse, Amber and Mark zeroed in on a new beginning. In Thanksgiving 2020, they sealed the deal on a 1959 ranch-style home in Rossmoor, where they now live with their children, Mila (7) and Liev (4). The house, initially cloaked in an enigma of mirrors and an all-white facade, posed several challenges. The layout was particularly unfriendly—requiring a trek through the front door to access the garage, and the primary closet was virtually nonexistent. Amber laughs fondly, noting, “My husband has a lot of clothes.”
Design Revolution
Determined to craft a functional yet beautiful family home, Amber and Mark enlisted Amber’s design instincts to tackle the issues. Instead of expanding the house outwards or upwards, they opted for a clever restructuring by shifting the front door and adding a 215-square-foot bump-out. This ingenious adjustment allowed for the creation of a spacious laundry room, a proper walk-in closet with custom shoe shelving, and an indulgent double shower.
The house’s exterior underwent a dramatic transformation, shedding its sterile all-white look for the bold and elegant Dunn-Edwards’s Black Tie shade, paired with drought-tolerant landscaping. As they altered the facade, Amber affirmed, “When we were putting in our offer, I told my husband that the all-white house is going to become the all-black house.”
A Warm and Inviting Space
Stepping into their newly transformed home, you are greeted by a stylish Saarinen dining table inviting you to relax and commune. Amber’s previous bartending experience shines through with a built-in wet bar—an attraction point for their friends and guests. The couple’s fondness for tiki culture and cocktails manifests in their colorful drinkware, showcasing Amber’s creativity and Mark’s enthusiasm for collecting unique bar items during their adventures.
One charming architectural feature is the open awning window above the kitchen sink, a favorite among guests for passing drinks and snacks during social gatherings.
Art in the Heart of the Home
Art is an integral aspect of the Sokolowski home, echoing the couple’s story and values. Amber’s eye for beauty led her to commission an expansive print by photographer Yoshihiro Makino, whose work captures desert landscapes. Their relationship blossomed over social media, with Amber eventually inviting Yoshihiro to photograph their transformed home, which he happily obliged.
Additionally, Amber found inspiration in her surroundings, introducing a stunning custom macramé installation that brings texture and warmth to the dining space. This blend of thoughtful design choices and personal stories contributes to a home that feels both stylish and deeply personal.
Family Comfort
As the family continues to evolve, Amber’s insights into functional design have driven several adjustive projects, including custom offerings like a velvet headboard with built-in outlets that perfectly frames their bedroom. Even the details, such as the floating kitchen shelves enhanced with structural supports, illustrate Amber’s commitment to crafting a home that is as functional as it is aesthetically satisfied.
Little luxuries that accompany their new lifestyle—like a hot water filter at the kitchen sink and a specialized crushed-ice machine for the tiki bar—are memorable tokens of their journey and growth. For Amber, this home represents her turning point. “This is the first time we’re able to experience some of this stuff. I’ve never been able to really live somewhere as nice as the homes I’ve designed for clients before,” she shares.
The Goods: Home Highlights
In celebration of their stunning home, here are some highlights that encapsulate the Sokolowski ethos of style and functionality:
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Uma Hand-Knotted Wool Rug from Lulu & Georgia: A cozy touch that complements their stylish decor.
- Clemente Double Arm Library Sconce by Visual Comfort: An elegant lighting solution that adds charm and style to their interior spaces.
These curated pieces perfectly embody the Sokolowski’s journey of transformation and highlight how one family’s leap of faith can lead to a stylish home that welcomes growth, creativity, and family bonds.
Conclusion
Amber and Mark’s inspiring journey is a testament to the power of change and the impact of design in creating a nurturing family environment. Their home stands as a reflection of their personalities: creative, functional, and deeply personal. Through every carefully chosen detail, they’ve crafted a space that not only meets their needs but also embodies the spirit of adventure, creativity, and love that brought them to this point. As they continue to grow as a family, their home serves as a backdrop for new experiences—each room holding memories and stories yet to unfold.
