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Name: Barbara & Paul
Location: Santa Barbara, California
Size: 700 square feet — 2 Bedroom and 1 Bathroom (main house) + 400 square feet (guest house)
Years lived in: 1 month — own

Welcome to the cozy cottage of Barbara and Paul — or as I call them Mom & Dad! My parents moved into this home a little over a month ago, with dreams of retiring in what they refer to as their "dream home."

Barbara and Paul have always owned homes where antiques and great lush landscaping were the prominent charm. In this new home, they enjoy the sweeping views of the mountains, the breeze of cool coastal air and the laid back California sunshine. However they do face challenges of “downsizing” and re-decorating in such a smaller space. Like so many of the houses they have lived in, their vintage country American style always remains true.

Apartment Therapy Survey:

Our Style: Classic, California cottage and shabby chic

Inspiration: Comes from the style of the house — contemporary classic mixed with vintage

Favorite Element: Our lovely backyard

Biggest Challenge: Living in such a small space

What Friends Say: “It’s so cute.”

Biggest Embarrassment: The size — we're still adjusting!

Proudest DIY: We just moved in, so we haven’t begun any major projects or renovations

Biggest Indulgence: We just replaced the piping with copper pipes + the custom window treatments

Best Advice: Follow the style of the house when you decorate. Also consider the location of the home, it’s so important.

Dream Sources: I get a lot of inspiration from magazines. Coastal Living, Country Living, Architectural Digest, Kitchen magazines, decoration/design magazines.

Resources of Note:

LIVING ROOM / MAIN HOUSE ENTRY

    • white couch: bought it from a store in Encinitas, California
    • dark wicker chairs: Ethan Allen
    • curtains: Tri County
    • bakers rack: antique
    • red Chinese chest: Leaping Lotus in Solana Beach, California
    • chests and wicker suitcases — Antica in Santa Barbara

BEDROOM

    • bed: Martha Stewart
    • nightstands: Martha Stewart

GUEST HOUSE

    • bed: antique
    • wood desk: antique
    • art work: paintings by Leroy Neiman

Thanks, Paul and Barbara!

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