RYAN HORTON & DR. IDA ABRAHAM
Nevada Ave.

Renovating a historic home comes with a responsibility to honor the space. When Ryan Horton and Dr. Ida Abraham bought their home near Lake Hollingsworth in 2020, they knew they wanted to preserve its 1960s mid-century elegance while adding their own modern flair. 

“The home had a good shell, with clean lines,” Ryan said. “From there, we wanted the freedom to take our own creative liberty on it and expand on the unique qualities that were already there.”

Ryan and Ida categorize their renovation in phases. Phase one: interior renovations. They lifted the ceilings, placed railing around the staircase and updated the flooring. 

Phase two began early 2021 when they decided to overhaul the exterior. They contacted local architect Victor Prebor to ideate and design the space. 

During the renovation, Ryan had been inspired by creative and modern combinations of colors and materials. He told Victor he liked the marriage of black, wood and concrete.

With the new design and colorscape in mind, they constructed a new front porch, lifted up the roofline and converted the carport into a garage. “We worked together perfectly,” Horton said about Prebor. “[Prebor] is a genius. He’s a gem right here in Lakeland.”

Prebor instilled unique qualities into the architecture. He exposed bare wood ceilings, encouraging a bright, airy feel throughout the home complemented by large windows. The home originally came with brick flooring, which was preserved with black sealant to allow itto be utilized in a practical way.

What makes the house special is the care taken in the details: like the home’s iron front door, which was shipped from Exclusive Iron & Glass Doors in San Antonio, Texas. It weighs more than 10,000 pounds. 

The home’s drywall was completed by J Goss Structures, a streamlined commercial metal framing and drywall company serving Central Florida. 

The renovation took more than a year — but Ryan and Ida have no regrets. 

“It’s so worth creating a space you enjoy living in,” Ryan said. “We believe your environment can speak life to your soul. It’s important to get it right.”

Both Ryan and Ida commented on the peaceful nature of the space now that the renovations are finished. 

“I love the windows and the light, peaceful the way it comes through and fills each room,” Ida said. “In the evenings, you can hear the bamboo tr

ees.”

Ryan and Ida live in their mid-century modern abode with sons Zion and Zeal.

 “We’re constantly being inspired by this home,” said Dr. Abraham. “There’s nowhere else we’d rather be.”

“It’s so worth creating a space you enjoy living in,” Ryan said. “We believe your environment can speak life to your soul. It’s important to get it right.”

Both Ryan and Ida commented on the peaceful nature of the space now that the renovations are finished. 

“I love the windows and the light, peaceful the way it comes through and fills each room,” Ida said. “In the evenings, you can hear the bamboo trees.”

Ryan and Ida live in their mid-century modern abode with sons Zion and Zeal.

 “We’re constantly being inspired by this home,” said Dr. Abraham. “There’s nowhere else we’d rather be.”

www.prebor3.com 
www.exclusiveirondoors.com
www.jgossstructures.com 

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SHAWN & DEE MCDONOUGH
“The Rachel” Grandefield on Poley Creek

Shawn and Dee McDonough, owners of McDonough Construction, had been in the home industry in Polk County for 25 years before they finally decided to build their own home.

Shawn designed the footprint while Dee curated the decorations and interior design. Working alongside Step-by-Stage Interiors and Keller Creative, they achieved a bright, airy semblance  indoors and out.

Their favorite part of the home? The master bath. Inspired by European spas, the master bath incorporates mounted shower heads, sound bars, body jets, and a luxurious sauna. Natural light flows throughout, offering a peaceful atmosphere to unwind. 

Another breathtaking feature of the home is the outdoor cabana. “We believe the outdoors should be an extension of your home,” Shawn said. “Most builders focus only on the interior structure. We like to look at the inside and outside holistically.”

Shawn and Dee are making signature builds accessible in Polk County. “You don’t have to spend $1 million to get what you want,” said Shawn. “You can prioritize and customize key aspects, matching your budget with your dreams for your space.”

mcdonoughconstructionllc.com
stepbystageinteriors.com
Keller Creative

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DEE & AMANDA MCDONALD
Hayter Drive

In 2018, Dee and Amanda McDonald wanted to update their space. They had a tight budget — but weren’t afraid to get creative. 

Amanda kept her eye on eclectic, textural pieces with a neutral finish. When she found a discounted tile she loved, she and Dee worked together from there, cutting their own pressed plywood to create an affordable shiplap backsplash.

“We found freedom in doing the design ourselves. We got to add our own flair, piecing together all the little things we liked,” Amanda said. 

Sourcing their own materials meant they used both local and chain retailers to renovate their space. They paired big-box store cabinetry and shelving with locally-designed, thin-cut quartz countertops. 

Amanda reflected on the mindset she adopted when styling her home: “It’s important to remember that it’s your home, and no one else’s. You should love every detail.”

“It’s important to remember that it’s your home, and no one else’s. You should love every detail.”

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MICHAEL & JENNIFER BRENNER
Winter Haven

When Michael and Jennifer Brenner moved into their Winter Haven home in 2007, they knew they wanted to renovate it. Now, they’ve updated every room in the home — most recently, their primary bath.

Jennifer gained inspiration from modern boutique hotels she’d stayed in over the years. As the owner of the Salt Room in Winter Haven, she wanted to create a minimalist spa atmosphere in what some might describe as an “intimate space.”

She worked closely with Nicole Roe Design to draft the design, who then worked with the general contractor to make the Brenners’ dreams come to life. Local cabinetry company A Ward Design custom built the hanging closet and double vanity, maximizing tiny details like under-cabinet lighting to add openness and breath to a tight space.

“It’s a small bathroom for a [primary] bath, but the renovation brings so much life to the space,” Jennifer said. “It really feels like an oasis.” 

roedesignco.com
awarddesign.com