Create an ideabook for your next remodeling project!
Browse more than 1,000,000 photos from top designers and save your favorites
Eclectic Homes
Top Ideabooks
- Wondrous Steampunk Style for a Massachusetts Victorian
- DIY Efforts Transform a South Philly Row House
- From Baseball Factory to Homey Loft in Toronto
- From Raw Space to Hip Home in a Converted Utah Garage
- Ted Danson and Mary Steenburgen's Guesthouse Brims With Charm
- Travel Treasures Personalize a Denver Comedian's Home
Houzz Tour: Pretty Patterns Bedeck a Barn House
Sun-kissed interiors showcase handmade patterned creations and thrifted decor in this colorful, cozy Central California home
DIY blogger and maker Bonnie Forkner and her husband consider it a small miracle that they found their light-filled cottage nestled in California's Santa Ynez mountains. The house, a converted barn that once sheltered rescued animals, sits on property overlooking gorgeous vineyards and mountains — in an area that initially seemed way beyond their budget. But through luck and the magic of the Internet, the couple found their dream barn house complete with views of breathtaking sunsets, rolling hills and lush vines.
"We have plenty of windows; a yard for our dog, Toaster; and a place to garden," says Forkner. "To say that we're blessed is an understatement."
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Bonnie Forkner, her husband and their pup, Toaster
Location: Santa Ynez, California
Size: 1,000 square feet; 1 bedroom, 1 bath, loft for storage and guests
"We have plenty of windows; a yard for our dog, Toaster; and a place to garden," says Forkner. "To say that we're blessed is an understatement."
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Bonnie Forkner, her husband and their pup, Toaster
Location: Santa Ynez, California
Size: 1,000 square feet; 1 bedroom, 1 bath, loft for storage and guests
| Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
|
| High ceilings, plenty of south-facing windows and white walls allow Forkner to layer in her handmade patchwork quilts with various patterns and colors in the living room. Vines crawling up and around the exterior are visible from the living room thanks to its unadorned windows. The stunning view of neighboring vineyards means there's no need for landscape paintings on the walls. Quilts: Handmade by Bonnie Forkner |
| Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
|
| The vine-covered cottage used to shelter rescued animals and was converted into a home 20 years ago. Forkner, an animal lover, appreciates their home's compassionate history. |
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
On the opposite side of the room is Forkner's painting table, salvaged from a thrift store.
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
Not one to keep inspiration too far away, Forkner strategically placed her reading nook close to her desk. The corner brings together the different textures of the shag rug, the pink throw, the woven basket and the quilted pillow covering. Despite the decor's eclectic mix, nothing overwhelms or feels out of place.
| Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
|
| The living room is "also our dining room, home office, painting studio and part of our kitchen," she says. "I totally don't mind the open floor plan and actually love that one space spills into the other." |
| Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
|
| A square opening connects the dining table to the pantry and the dedicated cooking area. Forkner and her husband are vegans and often eat food from their garden. |
| Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
|
| Exposed shelves, hanging fruit and playful color reflect the laid-back cottage spirit of the converted barn house. |
| Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
|
| A doorway connects the great room to the master bedroom. "I carved out a little sewing corner for myself here," says Forkner, who writes about all things crafty, inspiring, homegrown and organic for her blog, Going Home to Roost. |
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
Forkner repurposed a silverware tray and a drawer into an open shelving unit with a printed paper back. A maker by trade, she constructs most of her home decor with salvaged finds; she also supports other makers and artists by writing about their work.
| Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
|
| Wisteria draped over a backyard arbor frames the mountain views. Hammocks invite guests to stay awhile on lazy afternoons. |
| Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
|
| Mismatched pillowcases, organic wood elements and a handmade quilt provide just the right amount of pattern play and eye candy without overwhelming the master bedroom. |
| Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
|
| "We live in Central California, where sunlight is almost guaranteed daily and we're surrounded by beautiful gardens and vineyards," Forkner says. "Life is good." |
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
Here, Toaster awaits the arrival of guests in a bright spot by the entry.
Ideabook updated on Aug. 22, 2012.
What are you working on?
News From Our Partners
Latest Ideabooks
People found the photos in this ideabook after searching for:
View over a million photos:
Bonnie, I wanted to ask you the name of your draping, fern-like indoor plants. Feel free to share here or shoot me an email? Thank you! And thanks again for sharing your gorgeous home with us.
Thank you for sharing!
P.S. - Love "Toaster" too. Cute name :)
@cathy: you did such an outstanding job on this write up- i almost forgot it was my house! haha.
both of those plants are succulents, my favorite one is the 'pearl' succulent!