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My Houzz: 500-Square-Foot Charmer in Santa Cruz
Dreamy whites, antique finds and nature-inspired decor fill an interior designer's cozy lagoon-side home
Contributing home tour photographer/writer for Houzz, design enthusiast, blogger and photographer.
Contributing home tour photographer/writer for Houzz, design enthusiast,... More »
It didn't take long to convince Scarlett Fiona Reed to decide to move into her cozy Schwan Lagoon home in Santa Cruz, California. "When I walked in the door, I was in awe of the view and its charming bones," she says. "I knew I had to have it at any cost." Once she moved in, Reed, owner of antiques and interior design shop Saffron and Genevieve, filled her 500-square-foot home with natural textures and vintage decor to reflect her casual, elegant style.
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Scarlett Fiona Reed and her two cats, Butters and Zuzu
Location: Schwan Lagoon, Santa Cruz, California
Size: 500 square feet; 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom
That's interesting: To match the modern granite kitchen backsplashes with the style of the rest of the home, Reed covered them with linen.
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Scarlett Fiona Reed and her two cats, Butters and Zuzu
Location: Schwan Lagoon, Santa Cruz, California
Size: 500 square feet; 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom
That's interesting: To match the modern granite kitchen backsplashes with the style of the rest of the home, Reed covered them with linen.
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by Shannon Malone
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| Reed's decorating philosophy is simply based on the things she loves and has collected over the years. Everything she owns is either vintage or has a special story behind it. "I strongly believe in William Morris' saying 'Have nothing in your home that you do not believe to be useful or beautiful.'" One of her favorite pieces is her craft cabinet, which was originally a food safe, found in Corralitos, California. Pillows: some custom made with Jasper fabric, two from Flock Home; couch: Best Slip Cover Company |
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| While working for Los Gatos, California, designer Joella Conover of Antiques & Interiors, Reed discovered her passion for fine English antiques and clean lines. "Joella has amazing taste," says Reed. All of the linens and natural elements give the home a sense of timeless elegance. The coffee table is from the Santa Cruz post office. Reed reupholstered the vintage corner armchair with new fabric. |
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The lamp in the living room is one of a handful of pieces made for Reed's boutique by artist Joe Romero.
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| Reed painted her home using all Benjamin Moore paints. She repainted the hardwood floors and all of the walls with light and airy hues. The floors are Duxbury Grey and the living room walls are Rock Candy. Dresser: steel, from an antique show in Texas |
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This desk is another Texas antique find. When Reed bought the piece for $45, it was falling apart. "After my antique restorer finished working on it," she says, "he pulled out about 200 nails. It cost a lot more to fix, but I love it. I love any piece with patches."
Reed collects old dolls, and here they are displayed as thoughtful decor accents.
Reed collects old dolls, and here they are displayed as thoughtful decor accents.
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To give the space some personal charm, Reed hand-painted this antique cabinet with chalkboard paint.
The artwork above the cabinet is by local artist Michelle Stitz.
The artwork above the cabinet is by local artist Michelle Stitz.
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The moss-green hue in the kitchen beautifully complements the outdoor scenery. Reed mixed three different Benjamin Moore shades to achieve this nature-inspired tone. When she's considering color palettes, "the house usually tells me what it wants," she says. "I normally don't gravitate towards this color, but this house just wanted to be green."
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Instead of using traditional frames to display these botanical prints, Reed used old clipboards found at the Alameda Flea Market.
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Reed didn't need to make any structural changes to her new home. "The house was already pretty darn cute," she says. The only changes she made were simple aesthetic alterations. She replaced the shelf over the sink with this open-shelf, galvanized unit and added her own personal touch to the kitchen backsplash. When she moved in, the backsplash had been changed to a modern granite, which she felt did not fit her aesthetic. Instead of removing the granite, Reed covered it with linen.
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Reed added a vintage mirror to this kitchen backsplash.
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"Every house is different. There are no rules; decorate with whatever the space needs," says Reed.
This charming mudroom provides storage and leads the way to the backyard.
This charming mudroom provides storage and leads the way to the backyard.
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The small hallway is dolled up with elegant vintage pieces Reed has collected over the years. The mirror is an antique find from Alameda, California.
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Reed replaced the existing bathroom sink with this beautiful porcelain one, which is more appropriate to the rustic style of the home.
Paint: Sweet Dreams, Benjamin Moore
Paint: Sweet Dreams, Benjamin Moore
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With only one north-facing window covered by the front porch, the tiny bedroom was one of Reed's biggest design dilemmas. She had filled the home to the brim with furniture and bookcases but quickly realized it was too crowded. She scaled down by downsizing her king-size bed to a queen and limiting the number of furniture items.
Because the home, especially the bedroom, has very little storage space, Reed designed a custom-made bed with extra height for underbed storage.
Duvet cover: Rough Linen; paint: Celery Salt, Benjamin Moore
Because the home, especially the bedroom, has very little storage space, Reed designed a custom-made bed with extra height for underbed storage.
Duvet cover: Rough Linen; paint: Celery Salt, Benjamin Moore
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| Reed added a hint of beach-style living with ocean-inspired decor such as this seashell door stopper. "I love the casual feel of Santa Cruz," says Reed. "You don't have to be fancy. People don't flaunt their money." |
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| The backyard features captivating views of the Schwan Lagoon and the surrounding scenery. The sunny seating area is perfect for relaxing and enjoying a cup of tea. "I am blessed to have the peace that the lake and the wildlife provide," says Reed. |
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| Reed's next project is to give some love and attention to the landscaping. "I want to have parties out here," she says. |
Ideabook published on May 14, 2012.
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Judy, It's a queen bed so no falling off. The picture is taken from a different angle so I can see why you would think that.
dtollison try getting a quart of HC-141 and Spanish white and mixing them until you get what you want.
marcie31 I live alone, so a white linen backsplash is not too scary to me. I can always glue another patch on if it gets a stain. Regarding the pedestal sink, I bought it at a salvage yard, it is not pretty and does not suit the house at all but the cabinet that was there took up so much space you had to scooch in sideways to get into the bathroom. I built shelves in the nook and have a toolbox on the back of my toilet for my makeup and necessities, a large mirror hangs next to it so I have plenty of storage and quite a nice area to get ready in front of the window, no less!
See more pictures on my facebook page https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150804751400984.474231.70843320983&type=3
Scarlett
Ok I can see your point. Guess because I dont wear make up, use a hair dryer,
and because there is a mirror on the cabinet above the pedestal sink that I simply have less 'stuff' so it works for me. Our toothbrush is stored in the cabinet when not in use with toothpaste, floss, shampoo, and deodorant stone.
Huge adjustment on many levels, but a very exciting challenge to bring simplicity, and a brand new mantra to my life, "less is more."
From a girl who began life with "go big or go home," or "balls to the wall," or my personal favorite, " less IS NOT MORE, MORE IS MORE!"
O K. Challenge is ON! I will take pics of the monstrosity, and the before and after of the new cottage!!!!!!
This home inspired my thinking!!!
Thank you!