'Tone It Up'' s Karena Dawn Transforms her Uber '80s California Home Into an Earthy-Chic Retreat: See Inside

Before: "Glass block windows and a stained glass dolphin" greeted guests

Karena Dawn's Calming California Home

Jana Williams Photography

Tone It Up co-creator Karena Dawn is known for her wildly successful fitness brand that she runs with partner and BFF Katrina Scott, so it’s no surprise that her home in Manhattan Beach, California, is in great shape.

As the first house she designed with her husband, Bobby Gold, it was a bit of a workout to get just right. “We always knew we wanted to have a modern feel with a blend of natural elements and glam,” Dawn tells PEOPLE. “It was definitely a fun process, but balancing each of our strong opinions and budget can be challenging!”

Mixed Materials

Jana Williams Photography

“When we first moved in, the house had some nice updates but also had other areas where it clearly shows its age from the early 80s,” says Dawn, who previously starred in the former Bravo series Toned Up. “Glass block windows and a stained glass dolphin were the first two things you saw when you entered.” Now, a wall of casement windows in the dining room combined with a chandelier Gold found at an outlet give the space a modern upgrade.

Smart Shopping

Jana Williams Photography

Dawn notes her husband “really loves a good deal,” which served them well when it came to cutting corners on their reno. Shopping stores like CB2, West Elm and RH Modern provided touches of glam to round out the look. “This combines well with Bobby’s love affair with eBay and Craigslist,” she says.

Flawless Flow

Jana Williams Photography

The couple added bifold doors on the main level, creating a seamless indoor-outdoor space that’s now Dawn’s favorite spot in the house. “I meditate here first thing every morning and we typically spend the end of our day in this same room before bed,” she says.

Essential Ambience

Jana Williams Photography

“Having a fireplace was a requirement when looking for a home.” Dawn says. “We use the fireplace every singe day, morning and night — even on a warm summer night!”

Staying Neutral

Jana Williams Photography

In Dawn’s previous homes, she let her love for color run wild on the walls and furniture. But, “Over time my tastes have changed,” she says. “And I moved in with Bobby, which meant combining our styles.”

Natural Surroundings

Jana Williams Photography

Now her design sense better reflects her and her husband, as well as their California roots. “While I still really love having colorful pieces of art, the basis of our color revolves around natural elements,” she says. “We combine the warmth of wood with cool grays; it’s a versatile base for decorating and complements the outdoors.”

Fireplace Finish

Jana Williams Photography

When the bedroom didn’t come complete with a fireplace, Dawn didn’t stress. “We found a fireplace that requires no venting and hangs directly on the wall,” she says of the added statement piece in their master. “It really sets the mood.”