The rooms were in such disrepair that the entire space had to be gutted down to the studs. Designer Carmen Quartararo added wiring, new fixtures, moldings, tile, and flooring. Outside she completely transformed the mundane stucco exterior to look like the stone facade on the main house. She also designed a new gated garden and entry to the guest quarters.

Anyone who has remodeled a home can appreciate her accomplishment of all this -- plus the decorative finishes, cabinets, lighting, and furnishings -- in only six weeks.

Though a compact 450 square feet, it is nonethless elegantly appointed in beautiful details and antiques, turning a once nondescript building into a showplace. Venetian Plaster infuses the living room walls with an appropriately aged appearance for the decorative painted trees and vines that were added over it.

Carmen says she loves "wall finishes that look like they've been there for a hundred years. My goal was to make the space feel as though you had traveled the world so these rooms each reflect Italian, French, and European ambience."

Take a look at these photos from this popular guesthouse retreat at Design House 2002.

(Click on each photo to see a bigger picture.)

	Guest House Exterior The home's terrace overlooks the yard and a charming guest house. Guest House by Carmen Quartararo, BPL Design Group Design House 2002
	Guest House Bedroom Twin chests bring order and grace to a small room, infusing it with style and function. Carmen Quartararo, BPL Design Group Design House 2002
	Guest House Bedroom Antiques and luxurious fabrics make these spaces feel like they've always been here. Carmen Quartararo, BPL Design Group Design House 2002
	Guest House Kitchen One wall of the narrow galley-style kitchen is filled with built-in shelves housing books and collectibles. Carmen Quartararo, BPL Design Group Design House 2002
	Guest House Kitchen The opposite wall features lower cabinets, a sink, and undercounter appliances. Carmen Quartararo, BPL Design Group Design House 2002