Interior designer Lex (L) and real estate pro Alana (R) have the perfect combined skill set for navigating one of the country’s most exciting and trickiest real estate markets – Nashville, Tenn. Their forte: tracking down and isolating homes with true potential — that fit within their clients’ budgets — then transforming them into the perfect abode, be it starter residence or forever dream home.

"The Blue Bungalow"
Despite its lackluster exterior and a drab, dingy interior, this 1930's bungalow is in an ideal location for Lex and Alana's clients. It comes with a large lot and is in Lockeland Springs in East Nashville,  recently named one of the hottest neighborhoods in the U.S.

The exterior is left in its original white, but the siding cleaned up for a fresh, crisp appearance. The trim and accents — formerly pale blue — are painted black to help create an eye-catching high contrast look. The support pillars are beefed up and two modern industrial style porch fans installed on the wraparound porch.

Kurt is a touring musician based in Nashville, a guitarist for a well-known country artist. His girlfriend Emma works in a restaurant in downtown Nashville. Together they’ve been living in a 500-square-foot (!) condo, and are understandably ready for a change. Topping Kurt’s wish list is a first-rate kitchen, and Emma longs for a really great master bath. Both would like space for a music room to accommodate Kurt’s large and growing collection of guitars. Maybe throw in a fenced yard for their new pup. Their budget, including any and all renovations, is $360,000.