Houzz Interview: Maria's Dreamy Whites

I have always admired people that decorate with whites and still manage to keep it gorgeous when they have kids. Maria who has five children is one of these talented people.
In the middle of a horse ranch in California, Maria keeps renovating and decorating their family nest, turning it into a stylish white kingdom. "I have an addiction to painting everything white" says Maria, "and hope to show other moms that living with white can be done!".

Maria was kind enough to share her home with us, and to answer a few of our questions about her style and how she goes about the decorating process. She also added many beautiful photos into her houzz account which she created a few weeks ago. You can enjoy all of her photos here.

I'm very happy to introduce you today to Maria and her charming blog Dreamy Whites.


Please tell us about your "first meeting" with your house
My husband is a horse trainer and we live on a horse ranch. Our boss was nice enough to buy us a new modular home to live in.  He actually let us pick it out!  When we picked it out we chose a home that had a lot of windows, high ceilings, and an open floor plan.  

You live in a modular home- please tell us more about it
Our home is a manufactured home, which means it was built at a factory. It was brought to the site in 3 pieces and then assembled.  Modular homes are a cheaper way to go if you can't afford to build a house.  I love the modular home we live in.

What was the biggest renovation challenge you faced?
I wanted our modular home to have the feel of an old renovated farmhouse.  My husband did simple things like adding 100 year old ceiling tin to the living room recessed ceiling area.  He also added trim around the windows and doorways. I think those little improvements have made a big difference in creating the feel of an old farmhouse.

What are your favorite styles and colors?
My favorite styles are French Farmhouse (like the old farmhouses in Provence), Shabby Chic, and Coastal Cottage.  I have so many different styles that I like though.  My favorite colors are white, gray, and sea glass blue.

A spot in your house that makes you very happy/proud
I really like how our living room feels with the sectional. I didn't decorate this room overnight.  It has taken me a number of years to get this room to feel the way I wanted it to feel.   I really wanted it to have a french farmhouse feel mixed with a little bit of Shabby Chic.  I think I have finally accomplished the look I was going for, at least for me.

Your precious accessory/furniture/art
My favorite accessory in my home is the chandelier hanging over our sectional.  I found it for a great price, and probably won't ever find another one for that good of a deal.  I think it would make any room look great.

Your next house project
My husband is going to be adding 100 year old tin to the recessed ceiling area in our bedroom.  I can't wait.  

5 things that houzz readers need to know about you and your blog
1. I am a mother of five kids and hope to show other moms that living with white can be done!
2. I love the french farmhouse (like a farmhouse in Provence) look mixed with a little bit of shabby chic.
3. I also share a lot of ways of incorporating splashes of color amongst an all white decor.
4. I love to feature other bloggers who share the same interests.
5. My interests include photography, graphic design, designing for weddings, and interior design.  I am full of all kinds of ideas for decorating a home, and hope to share them on my blog. 

Last but not least: as a houzz friend, Maria has chosen a Pottery Barn giveaway gift card to one of the lucky readers that will share their thoughts about her house and interview.

Thank you for sharing your beautiful home Maria!


For your chance to win the $50 Pottery Barn gift card selected by Maria, comment on this interview by Sunday, April 18, at 5pm EST.