Jessica & Travis’ Historic Storybook Tudor in Fullerton
Name: Travis and Jessica Kiger and their two children
Location: Fullerton, California
Size: 2,400 square feet
Years lived in: 6 years; Owned
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Jessica and Travis’s charming 2-story home is a historic Southern California landmark—built in 1923—that looks as though its roots are deep-seated in a Grimm fairytale. Complete with beautiful arched wood doorways, built-in shelving nooks, and handmade hardware, the bones of this house hearken back to an era when attention to detail was king. Keeping in line with the home’s storybook architecture, the owners have furnished their family home with sturdy, functional pieces, a fun mix of textiles, and a healthy dose of whimsy.
The high ceilings and large plot of land surrounding the property make this 4-bedroom, 2-bath home feel even more spacious. Set back a good distance from the quiet street on which it resides (a street just off a main Orange County drag), the house also feels surprisingly remote and private. A brick-lined overgrown backyard provides a great backdrop for Jessica to shoot the inventory for her budding clothing business, Swish & Swoon. An endless grassy landscape out front, coupled with an interior boasting unusual pointed ceilings, circus-inspired murals, and a shrubbery-filled clawfoot tub, provide Jessica and Travis with a fun environment in which to raise their two imaginative children.
Apartment Therapy Survey:
My Style: California eclectic meets European storybook. I love blending handmade pieces with brilliant color, unexpected textures, mismatched eras, and seamless functionality. I’m a sucker for rustic pieces and cozy details.
Inspiration: I’m drawn to the Old World rustic charm of European cottages, colorful eclectic pieces from Southern California, and touches of nature.
Favorite Element: The original handmade hardware, lights, and doors in our home are my absolute favorite. Oh, and I have to mention the built-in window seat in my work studio for Swish & Swoon. I love the natural light. We were fortunate enough to meet the gentleman who spent his childhood growing up here. His own father built the house, and he told us stories about growing up here in 1923. It was absolutely incredible, and it gave me such a deeper appreciation for the construction of our house.
Biggest Challenge: I have a love-hate relationship with our yard! My dream is to keep it looking wild and overgrown, but have it a bit more landscaped and filled with gorgeous flowers, wild vines, and a beautiful seating area out front.
What Friends Say: I love your house, it looks like an Anthropologie catalogue!
Biggest Embarrassment: The camping trailer in our driveway.
Proudest DIY: Some of the wood floors needed to be redone, so I painted the kitchen floors bright green and the kids’ room bright turquoise. I love how they turned out!
Biggest Indulgence: Honestly, we haven’t indulged. We try to live within our means, but I dream about the day when we’ll remodel our kitchen and redo the yard.
Best Advice: Take your time. 95% of the stuff in our house is either off of Craigslist, flea markets, or on sale from Anthropologie. It has taken years to find things we like without spending an arm and a leg.
Dream Sources: Local flea markets, Anthropologie, Restoration Hardware, DWR
Resources
LIVING ROOM
- Curtains: Anthropologie
- Sofas: Pottery Barn via Craigslist
- Bank: Anthropologie
- Coffee table: Anthropologie
- Painting above fireplace: garage sale
KITCHEN
- Wooden cabinet: vintage via Craigslist
BEDROOM
- Bedding: Anthropologie
- Chandelier: flea market
- Curtains: Anthropologie
- Armoire: antique from Europe via Craigslist
KIDS’ BEDROOM
- Beds: IKEA
- Quilts: Anthropologie
- Bookshelves: spice racks from IKEA
- Rug: Urban Outfitters
- Artwork: Naptime Diaries
BATHROOM
- Tub: antique
- Canvas over tub: Naptime Diaries
PLAYROOM
- Sofa: Pottery Barn via Craigslist
- White cabinet: IKEA
- Art: wrapping paper used as posters
DINING ROOM
- Dining set: Restoration Hardware via Craigslist
- Curtains: Anthropologie
- Lighting: West Elm
WORK STUDIO
- Armoire: antique via Craigslist
- Clothing rack: Cost Plus
- Artwork prints: Naptime Diaries
OFFICE
- Rabbit bust: Anthropologie
- Bird cage: Urban Outfitters
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