Downsizing's upside

Couple moves from California, renovates condo to fit their needs

Who: Michael and Myra Hogan of Raleigh. Myra Hogan is an independent sales and marketing agent for Baba Antique Wood Flooring in Pittsboro. Michael Hogan is a fashion designer/merchandiser and marketing consultant.

What: The Hogans downsized from a 3,000-square-foot home in California to a 1,000-square-foot condo in Cameron Village.

Why: After several years in Southern California, the Hogans were tired of the driving and the traffic. They decided to move to North Carolina after visiting their architect daughter in Raleigh.

What they found: A two-bedroom condo in the Condominiums of Cameron Village. It's walking distance from two supermarkets, a pharmacy, the post office, a park and the restaurants of Glenwood South, and it's close to downtown Raleigh.

"The price was reasonable," Myra Hogan said, "and the condition of the 50-year-old structure was fairly good." The two-bedroom, 1 1/2-bath townhome is connected to a spacious deck, a desirable feature because the couple likes to dine alfresco. "We recognized the potential of the 1,000 square feet and envisioned what the space could be with renovation efforts."

What they did: The Hogans wanted to rearrange some elements of the condo to make the space more functional. They both enjoy design and welcomed this challenge. They chose appliances, plumbing fixtures, tiles and flooring based on their design quality and cost. The Hogans love to cook and entertain, so the kitchen was a major component of the renovation.