Friday, July 26, 2013

Summer Showcase of Homes - Vignette Design


I'm so honored to be a part of the 2013 Summer Showcase of Homes.  It's been a fabulous week of amazing home tours, and at last, it's my turn to share.
So without further ado, welcome to our home!

Our home was built in 1906, the year of the San Francisco Earthquake.  I've been told that it was probably built as a vacation home for a San Francisco family who would have traveled by horse and buggy, 25 miles south on El Camino Real to spend the summer and escape the City fog. 

It's hard to tell what is original and what has been added on to or "improved" throughout the years, but my take is that it was originally a craftsman style home.
The staircase in the entry hall reflects that style.


The walls are apple green highlighting my "Sunday Paintings" collection of roses on the wall.


To the left of the entry hall, you can see the formal dining room.  But first, let me show you the living room to the right of the entry.


Come on in and have a seat.
I recently updated this room with burlap grasscloth on the walls and new upholstery and curtains.


Apple green velvet on the sofa...


...and red and white paisley for the club chairs.
The bookcase got a new coat of black paint too.


That's not the only thing that got a coat of black paint.
So did all the doors and window sashes, just this week!
I'm loving the new dramatic look.
(Reveal coming soon!)


The new curtains are a heavy cream cotton with a red stripe, reminiscent of a French grain sack.


The oil painting of cut roses is from 1907 and was painted by a local artist.
It was the very first piece of art that we bought years ago!


Let's go across the hall to the formal dining room.


The apple green color is carried through to this room too in the form of damask wallpaper.


The curtains are floral linen, repurposed from the living room.


The captain's chairs are slipcovered in Hungarian grain sack material and monogrammed.


 I love mixing patterns!
The dining room is the perfect place to do that too.


Mr. A surprised me with the Welsh Cupboard many years ago for my birthday.  Originally, the inside was painted yellow, but of course I painted it apple green!
It's fun to change out the plates seasonally.


The rustic luxe tablescape is a mix of  burlap and aged candlesticks mixed with a bronze and crystal Victorian urn, an heirloom passed down from Mr. A's mother.



It is my favorite piece and the perfect container for romantic summer hydrangeas, straight from the garden.


Looking to the right of the dining room is my favorite room, the sunroom.

 This room is "command central!"
Since I'm drawn to small, cozy rooms, I spend most of my time in the sunroom when at home.

 This is where I sip coffee in the morning, meditate, read, blog, talk on the phone or pay bills!

 From this room, I can see if I have visitors since three sides are all windows.

 Oscar keeps watch from the sunroom too, letting me know if someone is passing by or if Mr. A is home.


The kitchen connects to the sunroom and is the heart of our home!


It got a facelift last year with new paint on the cabinets, taking them from cream to green.


Although I suck at cooking, two of my grown children are cooks and Mr. A isn't bad either!
Thank God he loves to cook, or I would starve!

Hence, the stove! 


I'm pretty good at keeping the refrigerator stocked though!
The glass front refrigerator isn't for everyone, but for me it's a dream come true.
I love "fridge-scaping" it.


The countertops are honed Calacatta Oro marble, and the backsplash is simple white subway tile.


I love the grain of this marble, it just gets better with age.
However, if you want perfection, this isn't for you.  It stains, it etches and it chips easily.
But I love it!

 The paint finish is distressed, so why not the marble?

 With two dogs and a cat, things are going to get worn anyway!


The family room is connected to the kitchen and features sofas upholstered in heavy oatmeal colored linen.
We don't watch much TV (unless it's baseball), but when we do, this is the only room with a television.


The breakfast area beyond features a built-in banquette with an extra long farm table and wicker chairs.


We can seat the whole family here for Sunday suppers!


The tablescape is another rough luxe mix of French confit and demijohns with a little olive tree thrown in.
A collection of majolica plates above the window and a French tole chandelier complete the look.


Down the hall from the family room is a little guest room...


...a full bathroom,


And the laundry room!
Notice, it has a door to the outside?
So does the bathroom, making it convenient for days by the pool.


Let's go upstairs!


I'm only showing a glimpse of our master bedroom!
It is a room that has evolved over time with both new, antique and hand me down furniture.
Nothing matches, and I like it that way!


The botanicals above the bed are from my grandmother.  The Persian rugs and bedside table are from my mother-in-law.  The wicker trunk and alabaster lamps are antique.
I designed the bed and had it upholstered in green velvet.


The master bathroom has a clawfoot tub, shower and separate vanity area.
The antique bamboo armoire is another one of my favorite pieces.
I found the slipper chair at Goodwill and had it upholstered in that toffee check that we all know and love!

 I love filling the armoire with stacks of  towels!

The vanity area between the two sinks is an example of "organized clutter."
Trust me, it doesn't always look like this!
The triptych mirror is vintage and is a perfect place to hang all my necklaces, a trick I borrowed from designer Mary Emmerling!

The only other upstairs bedroom that I'll let you see is this one, which was our youngest son's room.
All his posters, signed baseballs, fossils and memorabilia were recently put away.
Now it's a guest room for when my mom comes to visit.


 A vintage style bathroom is right down the hall.
It was the very first bathroom I remodeled back in 2001.
The floor is black tile with white rosettes that I designed, thinking I was clever!


There is a little sitting/reading room off the upstairs hallway...

 ...that has a balcony overlooking the front yard.  It is original to the house.
Mr. A and I like to sit up here and watch the world go by, sipping a glass wine.
We've reclaimed it from the teenagers that used to live here!

Our house has seen its fair share of parties over the years, from little league to band parties and even a couple of 50th birthday parties. It has been a wonderful home to raise our children, and it is full of memories.
Although we've lived here for nearly 15 years, we know that eventually we will pass it on to the next family who will create their own memories.
That's the beauty of this old home--we are just a small part of her history!
Thanks for visiting!

Be sure to visit the other five home tours scheduled for today:
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81 comments:

Rebecca said...

I think yours is one of the most charming homes I've seen lately. You've made it so welcoming; so warm & eye-catching. It says "lived in" in the most stylish, comfortable way.

I like the mixed patterns in the dining room & the fact that you use bare wood and darker colors (I prefer this to the all-white that is so prevalent right now....).

Thank you for the virtual tour.

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

I love old home and this one is truly a gem. I love the architecture, all the fabulous moldings and nooks and crannies. You've done such a wonderful job with each room giving it great personality and warmth. My favorite is the kitchen/familyroom area. Gorgeous. Thanks tons for the tour. Hugs, Marty

Anajá Schmitz said...

Amei sua casa, cheio de carinho. Um lugar muito aconchegante, maravilhoso para criar uma linda família.
Obrigada por compartilhar, me deste muita inspiração e ideias.
Tenha um ótimo fim de semana.

Victoria said...

Your home is beautiful architecturally; of that there is no doubt. It has the details that are hard to find in new construction, But what makes this beautiful house a stand-out is your skillful decorating. Not only are your choices of furniture and accessories lovely, but the way you carry the colors and patterns you undoubtedly love from room to room, wall to wall, are what make your home a complete portrait. In the end, it is not precious but welcoming, which is not easy to achieve. Thank you so much for sharing it with us.
XO, Victoria

Laura @ duke manor farm said...

Delores- my head is spinning at your amazing home. Your kitchen is beautiful and that stove..... I too prefer small spaces and can see myself settling into Command Central. Thanks so much for inviting me over today.

Suzlovesflowers said...

Your home is stunning, warm, and welcoming! Thanks for sharing!

Meg@OliverandRust said...

i waited all week just to see your house tour. although our styles are quite different, you have a fearless style that uses colour and is ultimately comfortable. i love it. thank you for joining this tour so we could see your home. the black looks amazing by the way.

Kim @ Savvy Southern Style said...

Delores, I always sit here and drool all over my laptop when I look at your home. So big, but you have made it so cozy. Can't wait to see the exterior reveal and let's share the other bedrooms some time soon.

The Decorative Dreamer said...

Your home is so beautiful and always a treat to see. I haven't been able to keep up with many lately so this is a real treat to see all the changes you have made over the last few years. I remember how your home looked the first time I saw it. You have been very busy and I love every detail. Thank you for sharing!

Confessions of a Plate Addict said...

Your home is beautiful, Delores! I love those monogrammed slipcovers and your fabulous kitchen and breakfast room. And...I am so tickled to see that your fur babies photo bomb your pics like mine do! lol Thanks for the tour!...hugs...Debbie

Peggy Thal said...

Loved your house tour. Thank you for sharing. Very charming home with your very own style. Loved all the rose paintings. Your home is just beautiful!

Anonymous said...

Your home is amazing Delores. I visit and revisit many times. I love every bit of it! Your style is incredible! I glean inspiration with each visit.
Thanks so much for including it in the tour.

gme said...

I have waited all week for you tour and obviously they saved the best for last! I love, love, love all the green and beautiful coloe in your home. I want to "pin" every photo to use as inspiration for years to come. Can't wait to see the outside reveal when it's all finished. Also, love that you left the pets in the photos, kitty is such a poser...:)

gme said...

Gee, sorry for all the errors in my post. I didn't proofread before I hit enter.....:(

Bargain Decorating with Laurie said...

you know I loved your home tour. Everything you do just speaks to me. Oh shoot! You've made me want to paint my doors black. They look beautiful. laurie

Preppy Empty Nester said...

Love your home. You have such great taste. So glad I found you! Your newest follower!!

Lori E said...

Well done Delores. Last but certainly not least. It is nice to see the furry family members in the pictures. It is a lived in home.
Love that after you mentioned they were photobombing your shots you caught yourself in the bathroom mirror. LOL.
The kitchen turned out beautifully and your built ins are great. Love it all girl, just love it.

Unknown said...

Your home is beautiful! It is nice to see someone use color and pattern. You did a great job! Thanks for sharing!

Anonymous said...

Your house is ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL and reflects the confidence you have with your personal style and taste. I love that is does not look like the current decor trends that excludes more color. Instead it looks so inviting, cozy, and with sophisticated french country style.

Lori Lucas said...

The only thing I see wrong with your home is....that I don't live in it! ha! It is pure liveable elegance. Charming. Warm. Perfect. You decorate with my favorite colors of red and green. When other houses are all neutral, it is wonderful to see someone else embrace colors and you do it with perfection. What a wonderful house. Thanks for sharing. Lori Lucas

Debra@CommonGround said...

Delores, your home is one of my all time favorites. The "collected" look and feel of your home make it classic and elegant, yet so comfortable and inviting. I love how you've used green as the unifying color, and that leopard stair runner is perfection!

Unknown said...

Your home is absolutely stunning, Delores! I love all the color and that apple green is unbelievable! Thank you so much for tour.....it was amazing!~~Angela

Art and Sand said...

Many beautiful homes have been seen this week. I loved yours immediately, but I knew your home was lived in and not a "museum" when I saw your big dog tucked in the chair. We lost our dog a week ago (big hole in our hearts) and she loved to sit in my husband's leather chair with her head up on the arm.

Any person who loves their dog well is good in my book.

Thanks for the tour.

Art and Sand said...

Many beautiful homes have been seen this week. I loved yours immediately, but I knew your home was lived in and not a "museum" when I saw your big dog tucked in the chair. We lost our dog a week ago (big hole in our hearts) and she loved to sit in my husband's leather chair with her head up on the arm.

Any person who loves their dog well is good in my book.

Thanks for the tour.

Kathysue said...

Hi D! This was so fun to get to walk through your home with you.You are a great tour guide and your home speaks volumes of the loving and talented person that you are. What I love most about your home is that even if I did not know you personally I could tell that a very loving family person designed it. It is all about comfort and warmth and impeccably decorated with treasure and favorite pieces. Kudos to YOU my dear friend, it is outstanding and so is your photography!
xoxo Kathysue

Patty said...

I just loved the tour of your beautiful home! The apple greens, the leopard towels and step runner... everything is so beautifully put together.

Twooth Fairy said...

I've been following your blog for a while now. It's a calm moment in my busy day to see the photos of your lovely home. I also put leopard carpet on my stairs to hide the spots, works well don't you think?! I love your style and want to thank you for sharing it! By the way, every time I see something on Joss & Main or One Kings Lane that I love, I get the feeling you're looking at it too. :)

Leslie Harris said...

Your decorating style oozes warmth and is classic and beautiful. The apple green is so refreshing along with on those fabric choices that I'm loving. Best part was the animals which seem to be throughout the pictures and make your house truly homey!

Unknown said...

It's just wonderful, such an inspiration. I love how textural your home is; and when I'm trying to figure out how to "texturize" my home, I always come to yours for inspiration. I also love how you decorate to your taste, and not necessarily to what is trending. My favorite thing is how you re-used your dining room drapes in your kitchen - love 'em!

Recreate and Decorate said...

Your home has all of those archetectural details that I love! Mine is blah right now and can't wait for my husband to get to detailing!!
What a fabulous home you have! and I love the red and whilte paisley chairs!

Marlis said...

Delores, I know how much work went into getting this ready to show! I am so glad and thankful that you did. I adore your home. It's filled with family and memories around every nook and cranny. Your style comes through and I love that it shows us how to live with what we love. Just beautiful Delores!! Can't wait to see the black trim photos.. xo marlis

AntiqueChase said...

Love your home and that you have your tole chandy and rose oils displayed... I have a serious Sunday oil collection and just sold 8 of them off... I seriously gasped when I saw yours against the green paint... but I know that they shouldn't be in closets and that I only have so much wall space... are you thinking of moving soon... Your home is beyond lovely!! marcy

Home on Hidden Oaks said...

Your home is beautiful, such a dream house filled with charm, history, color and life! Thank you so much for sharing!

Jesse at Home on Hidden Oaks

Unknown said...

Beautiful. Luv the collected, passed down look. The kitchen.. a dream indeed.
Thanks for allowing me to peek in.
Hugs, Gee

kristi @chatfield court said...

Thank you for sharing your home. I loved all of the pattern and color, especially the green! I am a green addict too.

Angela said...

Delores,

You have an amazing sense of style and flair! I wish I had that gene!! I have been a regular regular reader of you blog for awhile now - and the pictures today look especially lovely!

I am crazy about your green walls, the trim, the kitchen, sunroom, breakfast room etc.

You have done an amazing job - you should be so proud!

Thank you so very much for continually sharing your knowledge and beautiful surroundings with us!

Many thanks!
Angela

Unknown said...

I am in love with your beautiful home! I love the little surprise pops of leopard print! Every inch is magazine worthy :) Just lovely! Thank you for sharing.

Sarah said...

Delores, I've been an admirer of your home and gracious style since I first visited Vignette Design. Your tour today was perfection. I admire that you and others have kept the integrity of this home through the years, but yet keeping it current and stylish for today. Your taste and style are impeccable, and your home reflects the beautiful person you are. The dogs and cats and the fact that you raised a large family within this home also speak volumes. Yours is a home with layers; a home collected over time. I don't know that I could pick a favorite room, each one tugs at my heart! Thank you for letting us tour your home this week. ~ Sarah

Unknown said...

Oh it's just beautiful - and so warm and homey. Your furniture looks like you could just sink in and read a good book! Lovely!

Christy @ Our Southern Home said...

Delores,
Thank you for inviting us into your stunning home today! I don't know where to begin! It is just lovely. It may just be my favorite on the tour this week! I love to use color as well. Your mix of pattern is just breathtaking! Looking forward to sharing your home with my husband this evening! ~Christy

Christine at Little Brags said...

Hi Dolores, Love your updated home tour.....and you have to torture me with the grain sack covered dining room chairs....dreaming...Christine from Little Brags

Jennifer @ Town and Country Living said...

Love your house! The architectural details are pulling at my heart strings. That built-in in your breakfast area is gorgeous! And I love your double stove. That's a cook's paradise, for sure. Thanks so much for the wonderful tour of your beautiful home.

Amy of While Wearing Heels said...

Wow. Your house is lovely and inviting. There are so many wonderful aspects to your beautifully decorated home. I adore the tiles you designed in your bathroom. Love them, actually. And, 2 dogs and a cat all living in harmony, I am impressed.

Scribbler said...

Your home is beautifully put together, and yet it does not look like someone tried too hard, like you often see in such large homes. It exudes warmth and welcome and comfort.

Nothing But Blue Skies... said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Nothing But Blue Skies... said...

I am always in awe at your ability to make such a grand old home feel so effortlessly warm and inviting! You truly have the most beautiful home in blogland.

I love the way you collect and mix things, from fabrics, to furniture, to dishes. Always creating gorgeous vignettes in every nook and cranny of your home.

Love the beautiful green and the little touches of leopard too!

Thank you so much for sharing your incredible home with all of us!

Have a fabulous weekend!

Cyndy said...

The house looks great! I love that it is elegant without being fussy, pretty without being cutesy and completely unique, which I think also describes its designer! :D

FABBY'S LIVING said...

I love your beautiful home Delores! Specially how elegant and yet so comfortable it is. Very warm and spacious. Your kitchen is amazing, wow! Hubby loves to cook on the weekends too. I wish I could go and visit, because at the same token, it's so warm and inviting! Your decoration is wonderful, too! Loved the tour, thanks hon!
FABBY

Pinky at Designs by Pinky said...

Delores, I always love seeing your bEAUTIFUL home! Older homes have such warmth and character and YOU have brought such beauty with you lovely touches, furniture, etc. Your kitchen is gorgeous and I always love seing your dining room and breakfast room and the 'scapes you create. Thank you for this wonderful tour. XO, Pinky

Bonnie said...

I loved the tour of your lovely home. You have a knack for creating comfort and elegance at the same time. I know how much work you put into this tour and blog post. Thank you for generously sharing with us. I couldn't chose a favorite room because they all shine brightly.

Babs said...

Delores, Your style is amazing,always casual and elegant.
I love the look of your home having evolved or the years, but also stylish and current. Looking forward to the reveal.
xo Babs

Bliss said...

Beautiful tour, every bit of it!
Bliss

Cathy~Mille Fleur said...

Oh my Delores! I adore your beautiful home! I have always loved visiting here and now to have it all in one gorgeous post...perfection!

Debby said...

I have always loved your home. I like how you let your pets on the furniture. Your house is outstanding but cozy at the same time.

Jenna said...

Beautiful home! So charming! Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof

Jane@Cottage at the Crossroads said...

Delores, your home is stunning down to every last detail! I love your use of greens and reds with brown thrown into the mix because those are the colors that I use, too. I would love to see a book published about your home and its evolution as to how it looks today. I'd be the first person in line to buy your book!

Unknown said...

Delores, I have been following your blog almost from the very beginning & it is always a treat to see your beautiful posts. Your home always reflects such a gracious quality. As I told my husband, "Yes, they did save the very best for last!"

Kathy Bunge

The enchanted home said...

Gorgeous house tour! I love all the warm colors and textures, its so inviting while still being very elegant. Love your green mossy walls and leopard runner...stunning. Thanks for inviting us in!

Beeutiful by Design said...

Wow so nice I had to visit it twice to take everything in. Congratulations on a job well done

Becca Bertotti said...

Such a gorgeous tour, Delores! I love the history behind it ... your revamped kitchen (love the way you *fridgescape*) and every other single inch of it, too! What a great idea to nestle your candles into your urns and surround it with ivy ... might have to borrow that! Thanks for inviting us over!

Suzy said...

Delores - Your home is stunning! I think it is so cool to live in and love a home that has so much history. I'm a color/pattern/texture mixing kind of girl, so I love every single room. Great tour!

Calypso In The Country said...

I adore your home! I love all the patterns and textures and how you live so beautifully with your precious pets. Such stunning architecture! Thanks for sharing!
-Shelley

Melanie said...

Your house is stunning! Ginormous and gorgeous, lol. Thank you for sharing your home with us.

Monica said...

Thank you Delores for featuring your beautiful home ...every room was stunning and the history that fills your home is priceless. I am in love with your kitchen and the Victorian urn...I will have to keep my eyes open next I am antiquing for a similar one!! I also love the chest coffee table with rope detail.

www.mysoulfulhome.com said...

Hi Delores, Fabulous home tour! Thank you for sharing. I am in California too ~ down south in San Marino ( next to Pasadena ). We like the same colors, style & I think we have the same type of dog (a Maltese).
I am now a follower & look forward to more posts from you.
Kelly

Unknown said...

Love your home! Obsessed with your staircase and I want to move into your kitchen! The color on the cabinets is so fun :)

Unknown said...

Your house is wonderful ! It has so many comfy rooms to sit and relax. I love how you carried green throughout. Your kitchen is very pretty and I love your dining room centerpiece. Enjoy your home. For us, its time to move to Texas. First, our house has to sell!
Blessings My Friend,

Sandy Linville said...

What a beautiful and welcoming home... love, love your choice of colors and your warm decorating style!! Thanks for sharing your home with us.
Sandy ♥

Linda (More Fun Less Laundry) said...

Delores, Thank you for sharing your beautiful home with us! I just love every bit of it, including the warm colors. It feels so welcoming and interesting and full of charm and personality. Looking forward to seeing the black trim! Linda

Anita at Cedar Hill said...

Wow love your home! We are building a new craftsman style home. Yours is the real deal and that kitchen... the stove... the frig.... wow, wow, and wow.

La Dolfina said...

Your home looks amazing Dolores!
Fabulous tour, thank you :)

Cindy @ Dwellings-The Heart of Your Home said...

Your home is lovely! Love your kitchen and all the mixing of fabrics and textures...warm and cozy...beautiful! Would love for you to share at this weeks Amaze Me Monday!
Blessings,
Cindy

Marty Walden said...

I absolutely love the kitchen and breakfast area, Delores! I love the greens and the feeling that your home is alive and so inviting. Thank you so much for joining us on our home tour!

Suzanne said...

Your home is gorgeous. Seriously, I could move in and not change a thing! I am now a regularly visitor to your blog. Love all your little critters, too. They make a home, I think.

Libby said...

Lovely tour Delores! We had seen bits and pieces of some of these rooms...but what a treat to see it all put together. And yes, it is a sense of history with older houses. Our old one, built in 1923, has been passed on by us to a young family (I just hope they will take as good care of it...). Older houses are pure joy, I think! Thanks for the very complete tour!

At Rivercrest Cottage said...

I have loved your laundry room for years and haven't been able to find it because I lost your blog site link. So happy to see it again, and the rest of your lovely home! My house wants to be just like yours some day when it grows up. :-)

Burlap Luxe said...

Amazing beauty over hère.

Breathless

Xx
Doré

strvn2plsHM said...

Love your home and your design taste!!! We are a baseball loving family and so I enjoyed the fact that you only watch tv when there is a baseball game on....that's our family too :). Im very interested to know where you purchased your Hungarian grain sack fabric? We lived in Hungary for 2+ years and love most anything Hungarian, especially Hungarian food:). It would warm my heart to be able to do some slipcovers in that fabric, if you would be so kind to let me know where I could purchase it at, my family and I would be most appreciative. Thank you so much!!!

Display Homes Victoria said...

Interesting Article. I read few of yours on this blog. They are very informative. Thanks a lot for sharing.

Susan (Between Naps On The Porch.net) said...

Delores, your home is gorgeous! I love all the colors you've used throughout in the paint and the furnishing. The apple green velvet sofa is so beautiful, too many things to list because I LOVED it all! So glad this grand house has you as it caretaker. I was trying to figure out the staircase, it looked kind of like two staircases going up and then one split off. Maybe you mentioned that in this post and I missed it. I'll go back and check. Would love to see a picture of that up close. I love how it looks! Does this home have an attic room? I love when older homes have attic spaces that are bedrooms or offices. :)
Going back to drool again!

Tracy Walters-Madison Manor said...

I was going through some blogs that I bookmarked and I came to yours when you had moved into a rental, so I had to go back and see what you sold, and then went back further and viewed your home as a showcase home and I have to say, I love the showcase home pics so much more...Isn't it odd that these Realtor's come along and have us paint everything white and it takes the homey-ness out of a very warm and beautiful house. And I would of bought your home too in a week if we were looking in your area, it's stunning and to die for, every single thing I love in a home, I'm sure you have moved on, but that would of been a tough one!!! Best of luck to you, Mr. A and your fur babies.

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