Houzz Tours
My Houzz: Eclectic, Artistic Rented House in Ojai
Original artwork, vintage furniture and vivid colors saturate a designer's quirky Southern California space. And wait 'til you see the swing
After 23 years in Los Angeles, Erin Ellwood had had enough and was burned out from life in the busy city. She and her daughter were drawn to the slower pace of Ojai, California, nestled in the hills east of Ventura and Santa Barbara. "We are both happy that we can actually see the stars at night," she says.
After moving to Ojai, Ellwood realized she really enjoyed helping friends design their homes and started her own design business. Ellwood's own house, a rental, shows off her knack for design, with its eclectic mix of contemporary and vintage furniture, bold colors and one-of-a-kind artwork.
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Erin Ellwood, daughter Amelie and their two greyhounds
Location: Ojai, California
Size: 1,200 square feet; 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, office
That's interesting: Ellwood's father, Craig Ellwood, was a famous California architect. Both her parents knew Charles and Ray Eames.
After moving to Ojai, Ellwood realized she really enjoyed helping friends design their homes and started her own design business. Ellwood's own house, a rental, shows off her knack for design, with its eclectic mix of contemporary and vintage furniture, bold colors and one-of-a-kind artwork.
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Erin Ellwood, daughter Amelie and their two greyhounds
Location: Ojai, California
Size: 1,200 square feet; 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, office
That's interesting: Ellwood's father, Craig Ellwood, was a famous California architect. Both her parents knew Charles and Ray Eames.
The quaint home is tucked away beneath lush trees and blends with its surroundings. "Nature is my favorite designer. It is never contrived," Ellwood says.
The electric cobalt-blue paint used on an exterior gate and the Adirondack chairs give a preview of what's inside.
Paint: Scandinavian Blue, Benjamin Moore
Paint: Scandinavian Blue, Benjamin Moore
Ellwood made this outdoor light fixture out of empty wine bottles, adding handmade personality to the backyard. An assortment of potted plants decorates the backyard seating area, where Amelie and her friends love to play.
An Ikea swing hangs from from the ceiling in the living room, offering a playful alternative to seating. It's a definite favorite among Amelie and her friends.
With an active daughter and two rather large dogs, Ellwood chose furnishings that were both functional and practical. A gray CB2 couch and fluffy flokati rug from Overstock complete the living room space.
Throw pillows: Ikea
With an active daughter and two rather large dogs, Ellwood chose furnishings that were both functional and practical. A gray CB2 couch and fluffy flokati rug from Overstock complete the living room space.
Throw pillows: Ikea
Designing around the 1950s redwood-panelled walls and the lack of natural light presented some problems. "I usually like bright, open spaces and white walls," Ellwood says. Since she rents the home, she couldn't remove the panels, so instead she gave them new life with her vibrant art collection. "As soon as I got my artwork up on those dark wood walls, it felt like it was mine," she says.
The vintage Eames lounge and ottoman have been in Ellwood's family for years.
The vintage Eames lounge and ottoman have been in Ellwood's family for years.
"I always inhabit a space; I don't just move in," Ellwood says. She feels it is important for spaces to look as if they came together organically, and did not want her house to look overdone. "If you love it, buy it. Everything goes with everything as long as it made your heart leap when you first saw it," she says.
Chair: vintage
Chair: vintage
Ellwood's personal style and inspiration stems from many different sources in her daily life. "Everything that enters my personal sphere inspires me," she says. "Nature, music, art, films, food, people, weather, even politics."
Dining table and chairs: Modernica
Dining table and chairs: Modernica
Ellwood couldn't make any major alterations to her rental kitchen. She opted for covering the refrigerator with chalkboard paint, which is perfect for jotting down quotes and reminders.
Ellwood's favorite spot in the house is her home office. "I live there," she says. "It's comfortable, and there is a bird feeder outside the window I love to watch. It's a beautiful spot."
"Color finds you. You don't find it," says Ellwood. "It depends on what you want to feel, what goes on in the room, the architecture. Color is key; it is everything. Beige is not a color to me."
Amelie's room blossoms with color and personality, with bright floral bedding and a playful art print above the bed.
What's Ellwood's next big project for her home? Owning it!
Houzz call: Do you have a creative, colorful house? Show us your home and it could be featured on Houzz!
What's Ellwood's next big project for her home? Owning it!
Houzz call: Do you have a creative, colorful house? Show us your home and it could be featured on Houzz!