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Name: David Florimbi and Nancy Simon
Location: Santa Barbara
Years lived in: 6

Nancy and David moved into a single story ranch style home in the hills of Santa Barbara, California six years ago. They preserved the bones, but opened up many of the rooms and gave the whole thing a coat of fresh white paint. The open floor plan, combined with large windows and a vibrant color palette, give this home an air of exotic getaway.

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The most striking aspect of Nancy and David's home is its color sensibility. The canvas of bright white meets pops of internationally-sourced vibrant colors and textiles is just lovely. And it's a design idea one could apply in any living space, be it small or large, in California or out. This interplay between happy colors and minimalist white can be found in the aesthetics of many different parts of the world: I've seen this in Scandanavia, Southern India and Indonesia.

Nancy and David's green philosophy shines through in the sense that they restored a very funky ranch home with as lightest touch as possible, while still transforming the space. Also, the quality of the furniture they own is superb, much of which was purchased or acquired years ago when they ran an import store. They buy once and make an investment for life, and most of the larger pieces come from a different country (such as the gorgeous Indian doors!). The artwork was made mostly by David, a very accomplished painter and this personal touch makes the place real and interesting. His lively colors sit so well against the white backdrop. The overall effect is calming, personal and extraordinary. It's a very inspiring place to have a cup of tea and watch the day go by!

Re-Nest Survey:

Our style: Indian-y, beachy, eclectic.

Inspiration: Beatles' White Album Goes to the Caribbean and India.

Favorite Element: David's art (says Nancy), white floors, Indian doors, big windows.

Biggest Challenge: Moving a 17–ton palm tree over the house.

What Friends Say: Groovy.

Proudest DIY: David painted the floors!

Biggest Indulgence: The whole thing (and copper gutters).

Best Advice: Extra UV tinting on the windows.

Green Elements/Initiatives: Low-water showers and toilets, ozone-treated pool, restored ranch house, buy good quality and buy once.

Resources:

Appliances: Sub-Zero fridge, Viking range, Kitchen Aid dishwasher.

Hardware: Harrington.

Furniture: Secondhand stores, things from Pakistan and India.

Accessories: This and that.

Lighting: Low-voltage halogen, Restoration Hardware, antique sconces.

Rugs and Carpets: Tribal and sisal.

Tiles and Stone: Subway tiles, NS Ceramics, Tunisian tiles.

Window Treatments: None

Beds: Tempurpedic.

Artwork: David's art and Richard Ross's photo of a Buddha

Paint: Benjamin Moore

Flooring: 10" clear pine planks, painted white

(Thanks, Nancy and David!)

Interested in sharing your home with Re-Nest? Contact our editors through our Green Tour Submission Form.

(Images: Leela Cyd Ross)

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