A Family of Five Swaps an RV for a Modern Spanish Bungalow

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(Image credit: Ashley Petrone)

Name: Ashley Petrone, husband and three kids
Location: San Jose, California
Size: 1,392 square feet
Years lived in: 4 months, owned

Just four months ago, my family of five moved from southern California to northern California. We were living in an RV that I renovated on our land down before. We moved up north for a job transfer and it was fast! Within a few weeks we bought a house and renovated it. Our home was built in 1936 and has sweet Spanish charm! Curved windows, ceilings, and doorways. Beautiful original wood floor that we refurbished and an updated kitchen that fits with the original feel of the home.

We renovated this old galley kitchen into a chef’s dream. (Image credit: Ashley Petrone)

Describe your home’s style in 5 words or less: Modern Spanish bungalow.

Open shelving and dark wood cabinets for a different and unique look in our Spanish bungalow. (Image credit: Ashley Petrone)
I wanted every room to feel cozy while still being minimal (Image credit: Ashley Petrone)

What is your favorite room and why? There are a few spots. I love sitting in my hanging chair and looking out at our giant arched window. I also love our breakfast nook. The way the sun shines in is cozy and it has an original arched bookshelf tucked in the corner.

I chose two different backsplashes in the kitchen to make the oven side really pop. (Image credit: Ashley Petrone)
Unique arches and textured walls make each room so cozy. (Image credit: Ashley Petrone)

If you could magically change something about your home, what would it be? One spot we haven’t updated yet is our one bathroom. Our family of five shares it, which we’re used to because we just came from an RV. But we will be updating the bathroom early next year.

We opted for open shelving pantry in the kitchen so we could access our basement still but have a functional space. (Image credit: Ashley Petrone)

What’s the last thing you bought (or found!) for your home? The last thing I bought was gorgeous art from @ariellevey and a pendant light from @serenaandlily.

I updated our fireplace to modernize the house and added that wood cubby on the side to balance out the fireplace to the wall. (Image credit: Ashley Petrone)
The giant window and curved ceilings in this room is my favorite! (Image credit: Ashley Petrone)

Any advice for creating a home you love? I’m always for going your own way. I have a tendency to go away from the norms. No matter what choose with intention. Spend where it matters, save where it matters, and always only pick things that you love. Not just things to fill a space.

Thanks, Ashley!

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