My Houzz: Casual, Organic Elegance in California
When interior designer Beverley Harper saw some online photographs of a Woodside, California, home, she warned her real estate agent that she “didn’t want to buy a Sheetrock palace.” But when Harper visited the house in person, she realized that the bones were good (despite the Sheetrock), and that the house just needed some serious aesthetic adjustments.
Within two days Harper knew exactly what she wanted to do to the property. Her primary concerns were the dark floors and making the most of natural light. She replaced all the floors on the main level with a lighter wood, then traded the heavy hanging cupboards in the kitchen for open shelving and windows.
The choice of materials and furnishings resulted in a casual yet elegant home that reflects Harper’s time spent living in Europe and Australia.
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Beverley Harper; her daughter, Lulu (age 13); and their dog, Mojo. Daughter Hayley is away at school.
Location: Woodside, California
Size: 2,600 square feet (240 square meters); 3 bedrooms, 3½ bathrooms
Year built: 1949
This photo is from the 2010 real estate listing.
AFTER: Harper swapped out the light fixture for something a bit more contemporary and replaced all the main-level flooring with French white oak.
Light fixture, table: SummerHouse; chairs: Panton Chair, Design Within Reach
The driftwood art assemblage reminds Harper of the many beach houses she has lived in over the years. The piece, titled “Grow,” is by San Francisco artist Leo Bersamina.
Although the house was designed with an open plan, the kitchen felt claustrophobic. Harper removed the top cabinets and repurposed them in the garage, painted the base cabinets white and added two small windows to brighten up the space. (See the first photo for a comparison.)
She also replaced some of the overhead lights with large basket fixtures. The baskets not only soften the lighting, but match her earthy aesthetic.
Light fixture: Summer House
Harper took down the heavy kitchen cupboards and replaced them with a simple white shelf. The move completely opened up the kitchen and made the room look clean and modern.
Having grown up in the Cotswolds, England, Harper gravitates toward limestone colors. Her decorating style is organic and textural; nothing can be too precious.
The heavy fireplace surround was replaced with an austere design in off-white concrete.
This antique daybed, bought at a flea market in Australia, has followed Harper from home to home.
She wrapped reclaimed wood around the existing beam in the living room ceiling.
The built-ins were constructed at the same time that the beams were wrapped. All of the custom work was done by Jeff Taurian at Cabinetsnmore.
The entry is decorated with an antique table bought in Australia. The handy chalkboard message board offers a place to hang things, such as sunglasses and bits and pieces picked up while traveling.
The staircase connects the main floor to the girls’ bedrooms on the lower level.
The furnishings in the bright master bedroom are pared down to the essentials: two small side tables, two lamps and one mirror. A painting by Leo Bersamina dominates the wall.
The bedroom looks out onto a lush garden. A painting made by daughter Hayley when she was younger is framed in reclaimed wood and displayed above the bed.
Harper made the blackboard in Lulu’s room by masking out the area and applying chalkboard paint directly to the pink walls.
Morocco Headboard in White: West Elm
Although located on the lower level, the girls’ bedrooms are bright. This room belongs to Hayley, who is currently away at school.
Lamp: Pottery Barn Kids
A Terry Hoff artwork titled “Pie” adorns the wall in Hayley’s room. The missing piece, depicting a glass of milk, is sitting on the floor so it doesn’t “spill.”
A clothesline and mini-chalkboard pins display some of Hayley’s original art.
The side of the house opens up onto a low-maintenance gravel deck outfitted with a table and chairs. The homeowner’s favorite color is Mediterranean blue, as seen in the fanciful tree swing.
Lulu and Beverley Harper relax in the outdoor swing with their dog, Mojo.
Knotted Melati Hanging Chair: Anthropologie
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