America’s baby boomers, now in their 50s, are finding out what it’s like having a quiet and empty house, a change in their lifestyle for the better except for having to learn how to set those pesky VCR clocks once the teens moved out.

Yes, there’s the opportunity to travel unencumbered, and there’s much less wear and tear on the washer and dryer, but there’s also the opportunity to turn the traditional “family” home into a special place where adults can enjoy the amenities they prefer. Empty nesters are remodeling their homes — previously organized and functional as family homes — turning them into entertainment palaces.

This Brentwood couple has turned their home into a retreat that suits their personal sense of style, and fondness for entertaining. The homeowners first called on Plaskoff Construction six years ago when they wanted some basic changes made to their home. For this recent project, Matt brought in his designer and architect team, and did a design build package within the homeowner’s prescribed budget.

The design is best described as “ethnic,” a mix of Asian and African influence, and is beautiful.

“Today’s California empty nesters aren’t looking to prove anything to anyone with a dazzling exterior,” Matt says. “They are comfortable in their life choices and frequently take smaller homes and dump a modest sum on the inside to make it really cherry.”

Matt added, “An example of this is can be seen in this project’’s first floor powder room. It sports a curved vanity and the entry has what appears to be clear glass until the door is closed, then the glass goes opaque when the light is turned on. The homeowners felt the powder room was so beautiful that they wanted to see through the door when it was closed, but when in use, they wanted the privacy.”

When asked if all the effort was a hit, homeowner Linda Kaplan said, “Absolutely fabulous! Having our own project manager on-site and available was super. The job was completed on time, and at the price agreed upon.”

Matt added, “The owners were so thrilled with the end result, they actually threw a barbeque for the Plaskoff team — subcontractors and vendors included. That’s a great expression of appreciation.”

All the public areas — the living room, family room, bar, entertainment center, entryway, and dining room — were completely remodeled and upgraded, and new floors were added throughout the house. The front door and entryway were changed, but very little else was done to the house’s exterior.

The philosophy with many empty nesters is to be very modest about the way the exterior of the house looks, maintaining a reasonable curb appeal, but not an overly pretentious one. But when the front door opens, empty nesters want the house to stun their visitors. It’s about personal retreats and spiral staircases. It’s about Jacuzzi’s and all-weather out-of-doors living rooms. It’s about the homeowners, and not about anyone else’s perceptions of them.