Neighbors didn't like quirky home. Then they visited & fell in love

Breeze Braunschweig and her husband Kartik Ramachandran don't see their home as an asset, but as an experience, so when they bought a 1920s home in Berkeley, California, they transformed it with Breeze’s decades-long collection of rescued items like stained-glass windows, antique doors and 200-lb utility sinks.
The house is rich in surprises that seem out of a Studio Ghibli fantastic animation movie, such as vintage airplane awnings, or a central wooden column salvaged from an iconic California bridge.
Everything here has meaning, from antique door knobs to her mother’s macraméd curtains. As an homage to her grandfather’s experience in WWII, Breeze visited an airplane salvage yard to find a pair of 1950s Cessna Skymaster airplane wings and a tail that now serve as awnings for the back of the house.
The home has expansive views of the San Francisco Bay, but when they bought the home, it had just a couple windows in the back of the house, so they opened it up with a full glass wall (Breeze’s dad is a glass installer). When Breeze began to watch the Eastern Span of the Bay Bridge being dismantled from her window, she organized a meeting on the bridge and managed to bring home a massive wooden beam (once used as a bumper for boats) that the couple installed as a visible structural post, 1930s nails and accumulated dirt and all.
During the remodel, the couple visited Frida Kahlo’s Casa Azul in Mexico City and fell in love with the color and promptly painted their entire house cobalt blue. They landscaped for the color and Breeze kept telling neighbors to “wait for the bougainvillea to grow in."
When they bought the home, the crawl space basement “was not in use,” explains Kartik, “It was the rat’s lab”. They removed an old boiler (it would have cost $70,000 to try to recover) and turned the space into a charming second home for Breeze’s mom. Using damaged tiles that Breeze carefully collected from a local supplier, she created a pattern on the floors and walls that makes the space feel alive with color.
Dogtown Design: www.dogtown.de...
On *faircompanies: faircompanies....

[@MrPhotodoc]

The lady has quite the eye for salvage materials and a talent for designing spaces with them. The design business looks cool too.

[@smallhouseinthemeadow6131]

Hands down, this is the most creative, welcoming quirky home I have ever seen. The owners are adorable too!

[@annepoitrineau5650]

yes, they are adorable! People one would love to meet and have dinner with!

[@clarebowers4060]

totally agree with you... one of my favourite houses so far... love it x

[@soupesoupe]

This house is amazing for the simple fact that they did exactly what they wanted and did not care for resale value. Far too many times, I didn't want to do something to my house because it might've hindered the resale. I wish to have a unapologetic house like this someday.

[@starveartist]

"We're in Berkley, where weird is welcome!" Love this and wish the world would embrace more weird!!!

[@fightingtosurvive6527]

Without the liberal destruction of California -- if it's able to be separated.

[@tinekejoldersma]

The most personal house you ever showed, Kirsten. Twenty years of gathering things to put it together in this magical house. Not a nook or corner not personalized. Stunning.

[@mwauramburu]

Very eclectic, bluesy, personal, unpretentious, warm home. I love it!

[@janetleeharrison]

I just found the link to their business "dogtown design" in the description below - THANKS, Kirsten! I'm in love with this house, the front garden, and everything inside & outside of it! They'll definitely get more than their money back. I mean, just that view alone, WOW! Super smart couple - the foresight to have their rental property built into it for retirement income! Well done! Great video!👍

[@ilovealexo]

Wowww, my mouth literally hung open the entire video. This home is a treasure trove, filled with fun and happiness and I love the owners. Magical!!!

[@heidibarrett1956]

I grew up in Berkeley, moving there in 1959. Back then it was a quiet place, but shortly became a household name throughout the world starting with the Free Speech Movement. Berkeley was a hive of activity , drawing people in from all over the world. The houses throughout the city are welcoming to those who want to settle down and let their creativity flow. This couple & their home are the personification of what Berkeley is.... Eclectic & open minded. While it may not be to everyones taste, it is in my opinion, a welcoming home, lovely, creative, full of color, happiness and feels like you're walking into a hug. True artistry! People in the S.F. bay area covet their views and this place certainly has them. Well done on re-purposing items already here and sourcing inexpensive items in your build. Thank you for sharing!

[@antoinettecelle5756]

I love how the couple just "wanted to create a space we love."

[@teresitastidem2846]

This house is amazing....and I love it. Very talented designers.

[@rebelgirl7289]

I love every inch of this house. So cool. And I love their personalities, too. What a fun couple.

[@jennyfulcher8035]

Absolutely funky and beautiful house! Love the blue, which will look great with the bouganvilla when it grows out; the airplane wings and tail awning; the stained glass windows; etc. An ecclectic mix of old and new all fitted together.

[@wildrattygirl7829]

Wow she really did everything from scratch that's amazing!

[@gerry343]

I love all the quirky features of their house and the fact they regard as a home an not an investment that they hope to profit from.

[@merrimcarthur7198]

I absolutely love their philosophy. It's not about the ROI. It's about loving your home. Period. If ever they sell, there will be someone who will love that home exactly the way it is....me, for instance.

[@Brian-os9qj]

Ditto on this beauty

[@sv8211]

I love the house. The lady has an adorable sense of quirkiness. But they are super rich folks. So ROI doesn't matter for something personal.

[@andrearenee7845]

These two are true artists. I love the color. All the creative energy went into this one! You've taken full advantage of the light, and all the salvaged materials just fit. It's so beautiful. What a great place to call home. Bravo. And if you decide to sell, the buyer will be the ones who will appreciate all the love that went into this space.

[@cygnusrays]

Long live individuality! What an amazing home, so personalized so creative. I really hope the neighbors have come to embrace it, and been inspired by it, I know I am! And the garden to compliment it.. perfection

[@phyllo2694]

I love the house but love that each room each piece has a story. Every home should be like that, thank you.

[@wambuikaranja9063]

It's gorgeous! I love the stained glass everywhere and the addition of sky lights. The solar lights, love them! It must feel like a little personal museum for the couple. I hope they beam with pride each morning when they get up in that home. I can't even call it a house, it really feels like a home!

[@mwauramburu]

Ngai, niguthaka ma! I just had to 😂.

[@wambuikaranja9063]

Ndūnahenania! @@mwauramburu

[@erins2473]

Great house. I love all the repurposing of materials. I hope they make a diary of all the work and where things come from so that whomever owns it next has all the history. Someone that truly appreciates that house will want to know all the details.

[@rzella8022]

My thoughts too; the repurposing and stories of history in the salvage, all with her super creative design eyes.

[@marykimberlyhayes]

I was born in 1955, we had those cement utility sinks in our laundry room. When we were little my brother got in one side and I got in the other and they were our bathtubs. We loved them! Much more fun than filling the porcelein tub up. FYI- put some water on the wheel when you sharpen the knives. Bravo! that you made your own home and filled it with your memories, to hell with the conventional. Now all your neighbors are jealous because it's so unique!

[@Ellepiarr]

Every item is so different, and yet everything is cohesive. I love that she saved things knowing that one day, there would be a use for them. I hope if there is ever a time they do sell the house, that the buyer loves it as much as they do and keeps it as is.

[@LaLadybug2011]

As I thought about posting questions about the stove, she twirled around and opened the door to the "Grillevator." Made my day. Been dreaming of a 1940's gas range for YEARS.

[@jeroberts7228]

What a fascinating tour that was - there are just tons of beautiful and unique features in their wonderful home! I love the couple, too; they're so innovative, resourceful, unassuming, and fun. Thanks for sharing this wonderful home with us!

[@tamiloucks8018]

Love the use of color inside and out. What a talented couple! They had so many unique ideas!

[@milomassage]

This house is pure JOY!

[@ginabonina6427]

Cracked up at "luckily we're in Berkeley"...we used to call it Berzerkley...Blessed to be in the Bay Area!!! And love this home! Oh the STOVE!!! I have an O'Keefe & Merritt named Bessie. :-P

[@janteo3645]

This is my favourite quirky house on this channel. I love the creativity and resourcefulness of homeowners. The view is fantastic as well. ❤️

[@saundraking7168]

When creativity was being handed out, I wish that I had spent more time in that queue instead! Gorgeous!!!!❤

[@tristanlee6538]

A House that Frida Kahlo will be proud of. She embraced her unique and celebrated it with passion . If we all have that luxury to be free of ourselves and means to do it . The worlds is better place

[@marilouw207]

I am absolutely in love with this home!!! I would buy it in an instant.... with everything in it.

[@jfkpatriot1215]

What a beautiful home! and even better that the materials are recycled and have stories behind them. Thanks for sharing!

[@alieshacropp9392]

I love this house and her creativity! Homes should be unique and full of character. Thank you for sharing 😊

[@DrProgNerd]

Beautiful home. Thank you for inviting us in.

[@cherrywood5187]

Full of creative details in this house. That's super awesome!!!!👍👍👍👍

[@donwyates]

Beautiful home inside and out.

[@laverite1050]

Super creative smart people. They have a great sense of recycling.

[@misslannie73]

I love this home. Innovative and fun. Floors are especially good xx

[@MrMountainchris]

Beautiful home. I love the idea of 'bringing the weird back' to Berkeley, I think a lot of times when places get gentrified, they lose any character because the people buying the houses often think of them as investments rather then homes, just like he said. Beautiful location as well.

[@globalheart]

I think it's just beautiful !!! And i love the open airiness, right down to the chandelier . BEAUTIFUL BLUE!!

[@xegavega]

what a beautiful blue house

[@Mrch33ky]

Casa Azul speaks directly to my soul. What's that house? Yes, I'll tell them. And now... we dance!

[@bzflote]

You find the best homes! This one is a piece of art! Excellent video, thanks!

[@maxcaljc]

I love everything about it, I would not change absolutely anything. It's like my dream house. And the owner is beautiful too.

[@boshenaw.929]

Definitely a dream home. Thank you for the inspiration!

[@richhudnut5110]

I would rather own a place like that vs. normal house, well done...

[@jeanadamsick9854]

KIRSTEN, ANOTHER GREAT STORY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! SUCH A COOL PLACE. LOVED THAT BREEZE, WOULD SALVADGE & KEEP THE THE THINGS FOR YRS. A TOTE THEM FROM PLACE TO PLACE & THEN THEY ENDED UP IN THIS COOL HOME!!!!!!!!!!!! Do take care. Fl., U.S.A.

[@karenkennedy766]

This home is absolutely fantastic! Wow!

[@lunah5668]

This house is beautiful. I loved to see how they manifested a vision how their house was going to be and went for it.beautiful house and beautiful couple.all around very good energy.

[@sashastarshanti3599]

Wow Wow WOW! I LOVE this home! Thank you for the inspiration to create with our hearts and souls.

[@caroline6057]

Love this place. Would have loved a quick tour of backyard too.

[@Sassyglbeauty]

I love them! I love all the stories of the different pieces! Such a gorgeous home!

[@Danderman888]

What a beautiful house!

[@kittimcconnell2633]

I LOVE all the rich colors and beautiful restorations! So lovely! Glad they preserved the sconces and shapes of the old doorways, it's unique and interesting.

[@andreaandrea6716]

So creative! So beautifully and lovingly done! I can't believe how much sweat and love went into this gorgeous house. I am so impressed! Every room is interesting and there is no rigidity... it flows perfectly. Then.... the LIGHT! So much light throughout the house! Plus... all the different light fixtures! It is so well thought out. It's a masterpiece.

[@rohtati1020]

A so unique gem! Lovely couple, down to earth, easy going. This just became my favorite video! I've lived nearby Frida's Casa Azul in Coyoacán for awhile; that house/museum is very interesting, and a beautiful/peaceful neighborhood.

[@JoaquimMonteiroMartins]

Beautiful I can feel the energy of that woman as well 🙏

[@clarebowers4060]

This is a house you could kick your shoes off in, and feel totally calm, at peace, and relaxed... my favourite so far xx

[@philiq18]

I loved the personalization of their home. It takes it away from being cookie-cutter, to being tailored to their needs and personalities. I really wish house design would go back to "home design" -- where you can see the thought that went into every room, window, door, ceiling, etc. Kudos to them on this beautiful home.

[@iamgerg]

I would buy that house in a heartbeat! Very rarely is there a house where I love every feature in it.

[@katherineb6102]

The house is awesome and the color is perfect.

[@joleh6077]

What a whimsical house! I bet it'll be any children's favourite house to visit. I can't imagine the work that went into this from collecting individual pieces to moving it up the many levels of the house.

[@tiogoala7654]

She's so funny, love her collections. "Salvaged the window", I have salvaged many thing too.😜The home is unique and beautiful, I'd buy it.

[@janicesmith1137]

Built with and surrounded by Love!💯

[@brothernorb8586]

Dang, this the most remarkable remodel I've ever seen.

[@jenniferrowe7484]

I love all the special little details and the stories that go with them! Really a treasure!❤️

[@colortura]

Great home. Great design. Awesome video.

[@landonjones1516]

personalization is always worth every penny

[@Howulikethem23apples]

Absolutely awesome!! So fun! So creative!! What an awesome trio (can’t forget the dog) and what an inspiring home 💗 Thank you for sharing 🤗

[@donnacochran3335]

I LOVE THIS HOUSE!!!

[@sharoncherry]

This house is amazing. Love the uniqueness of this.

[@RobertRussell-ed1xy]

Kirsten, your videos are the best, so inspiring. Thanks

[@starveartist]

So important how they talked about NOT just thinking of homes in terms of investments. Invest in your happiness and quality of life. You can always paint it white for resale.

[@DeliaLee8]

omg! LOVE LOVE LOVE this house and yard !!!!!!!! Unique and beautiful!!

[@MariaLourdes-ci6zg]

What a magical home! Nice to be weird & creative!

[@kmclane12]

Beautifully eccentric! Love ❤️ it, anyone would be daft not to like that!!! Blessings and Peace ✝️❤️

[@zuur303]

Fun and creative people who think outside the box. A unqiue house as a result.

[@juderickman8275]

This was so overwhelmingly beautiful and creative I had to watch it in sessions and I’ll want to watch it again. The French doors glazed in stained glass! Phenomenal!!

[@graceaxisa4213]

What an amazing couple! Together, they have created something very special, from the heart and so unique. This is the type of house that I would LOVE to visit! I agree, too many people build with re-sale in mind, which restricts and confines. Our new house, built in a bushfire prone region in Australia, meets all of the bushfire rated codes, with brand new everything. But inside! We have filled it with all the things we have collected over many years: antique doors, old English tiles, much-loved period style furniture. We don't care about the re-sell value. We care about surrounding ourselves with what we love. It's our home.

[@rhodemb]

Kristie always brings wonderful things , for we all to see. Thank you.

[@sageflower2680]

OMG! When I was growing up in the 60s, my neighbor had the same doorbell in their house. I also used a sharpening stone on my friend's farm in Mexico.

[@innerlocus]

Creating the space we love is the first step to leaving home.

[@spiffy7832]

Scrumptiously beautiful. Ultra creative personal space that makes you want to "hunker down" and stay awhile. Luv every bit of it. Chef's kiss 😘

[@MarkBurkenbine]

That house is what love looks like. One of a kind, and rightfully so.

[@9sheri9]

Absolutely incredible reno, I love every single bit. It's creative & interesting, bravo! 👏 ❤

[@StewartChaimson]

Love your taste and creativity!

[@tyxeri48]

I am so envious of their creativity!

[@mccueam]

I have to say I ABSOLUTELY LOVE LOVE LOVE YOUR HOME!!!! The way you have reused items that no one else would have is incredible. And the mixing of colors, textures and finishes are brilliant. You have a very beautiful and uniquely home, I am in aww of your style and hard work.

[@jeffstumpf9129]

I love the attitude of the owners/designers to make their space as they want it instead of for resell. Luckily they have a refined and knowledgeable taste, with an appreciation for light and space. Could I picture myself living there? Maybe, but I might have to paint over that particular blue on the exterior.

[@TKOin2life]

There is nothing left to say. Bravo and thank God for individuals who let their creativity run wild. It is perfectly imperfect and I love it.

[@RobbsHomemadeLife]

This was absolutely wonderful. I hope one day she finds a way to add a propeller to the wings so it would turn in the wind.

[@shellyodonnell7924]

What a wonderful home.

[@lyneemathison2402]

Fantastic…I 💓this magical space. What a homage to you both & your family ( you have weaved it all into one)! I couldn’t wait to see the next thing! I felt both happy & curious! I was truly delighted, thank you. An inspiration for me. Two favourite things (this is hard, because I 💓all your fines and fancies…would be the tiles downstairs in your Mama’s stay room & 100% her Macrame window dressing…Wow! 🙏🌻🤩

[@jenniferbadili2770]

Wow! I love their home and personality. 💗😊

[@wannabesomethingmore]

I love their house and the court yard!

[@Babu-kr3cr]

It looks like a super creative, functional, aesthetically pleasing, relaxing place to live. I think it would be worth ten times more than the homes around it just for the work of art that it is. It is like a masterpiece you can live in. It sparks emotion in you when you see it amidst all the soul-numbing bland beige boxes around it. The color blue goes great with the wings of the planes like they are really flying in the sky. It makes you feel happy just to look at it.

[@starrlehner1881]

Very nice. Can't help but think of all of the huge homes while so many are homeless.

[@Dorism541]

I love this house!

[@chrisallen7068]

WOW, what a beautiful home.