The Best Western Inn by the Sea, 7830 Fay Ave., took three months and spent $500,000 to transform its lobby from a 1980s beach-themed entrance into a contemporary look. Bird Rock-based designer Cynthia Brown of David Robinson Design Inc. undertook the task of remodeling the floors, walls, ceiling and elevators. She replaced the wicker furniture with wood and leather, set up a high-definition TV and installed wall fountains. Brown worked to create a warm, contemporary environment by using wood, straight lines and sea blue in the walls and pillows. Ann Collins, sister of the hotel owners, brothers Mike and Bob, decorated the walls with her photos of La Jolla. “It was sort of a classic, contemporary, warm, beach-y and specifically Southern California feel that I was trying to create,” Brown said. “Also a feel that they could play off of later down the road in other areas [of the hotel].” The hotel remained open during the three-month remodel.