This colorful California home was designed by a professional—Sarah Barnard Design—and it reflects the owner’s personality thanks to an impressive collection of books, art, custom furniture, and installations. The architecture of the space—like those floor-to-ceiling windows in the living room—certainly add a high-end feel to the home. But though this space is on the more polished side, it still packs in lots of inspiring ideas for decor, from the bold use of art to the dreamy and dark purple bedroom.

From the homeowner: “After living in the same one-bedroom apartment for over 20 years, I decided I was ready for a larger home. I wanted a two-bedroom condominium in the same general area. I ended up moving into a condo in a building one block west of the apartment building in which I had lived. Originally, I envisioned the second bedroom as a guest bedroom. Due to space limitations, I ended up turning the second bedroom into an office and TV room.

Right now, I rarely entertain, although I would like to entertain more. I wanted to find a home that felt welcoming and restful, somewhere I would feel comfortable coming home to. I definitely feel comfortable in my condo. I spend much of my free time reading and stitching.”

Favorite Room: I am excited to finally have a dining area. In my previous apartment, I had no room for a dining table. (My coffee table in the living room did double duty, as a coffee table and a dining table.) I enjoy preparing meals for myself and my friends and serving them on an actual dining table. I love having my books in my dining room. I feel good around my books and I believe they bring some nice color to the dining area.

Favorite Element: I find it difficult to pick a favorite. I love the art walls in the entrance to my condo. When I first saw the condo, I had the idea of using the walls in the entryway to display art. I never dreamed that the area would turn out as beautiful and compelling as I believe it is.

Biggest Challenge: I do not know how Sarah Barnard of Sarah Barnard Design would answer this. The aspect that comes to mind for me is finding room for my books. In my previous apartment, I had bookshelves in my bedroom, which worked out pretty well. However, in my new condo, I wanted my books out of my bedroom; I wanted my bedroom to be a restful oasis that encouraged sleep. I definitely wanted the books easily accessible but just not in my bedroom. Because my living room is surrounded by windows on two sides, I was not sure where to put bookshelves. Sarah came up with the idea of displaying my books in my dining area, which satisfied my requirements of having the books easily accessible and in a prominent place.

Biggest Indulgence: The neon sign in my bedroom was probably my biggest indulgence. For years, phantasmagoria had been my favorite word. When Sarah suggested a neon sign in my bedroom, I thought of my favorite word. Sarah, her staff, and I worked together to create the neon sign that now hangs in my bedroom.

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