A “Homebody’s Haven” Vintage Craftsman Home

Name: Sienna and Javod
Location: Willow Glen — San Jose, California
Size: 1,300 square feet
Years lived in: Rented 2.5 years

Sienna and Javod are inspired by vintage pieces, whether it’s while window shopping at local antique markets, shopping for vintage treasures online, or inheriting family heirlooms. When paired with a penchant for DIY, crafting and art, the result is a beautiful home filled with geometric patterns, textiles and mid-century furniture.

Sienna and Javod describe their home as a homebody’s haven. The 1,300 square foot home in San Jose’s tree-lined Willow Glen neighborhood has rooms where Sienna—an art teacher—can draw, paint, and make things. She gets most of her inspiration from her art and her late grandfather, a prolific artist who worked in the Detroit auto industry.

The couple also appreciates that most of the details of their home have been preserved. The living room features built-in storage and some of the rooms are lined with wood crown molding. “Although the original 1920s built-ins and wood paneling in the living and dining rooms soak up a lot of light, we appreciate that they’ve remained relatively untouched.”

Our Style: Although our style continues to evolve, it remains heavily influenced by mid-century modern shapes and materials, accented with lots of plants, geometric textiles, art, instruments, and books. It’s a homebody’s haven.

Inspiration: Sienna — I get most of my inspiration from whatever art I’m working in. I’m currently enamored with textiles, surface design, and sewing. I’m also hugely inspired by my late grandfather. He was a prolific artist working in every medium and was a designer for the Detroit auto industry.

Favorite Element: The wood paneling and built-in storage

Biggest Challenge: The addition in the bedroom. Access to the basement renders most of the space unusable. We’ve somewhat successfully turned part of the addition into a seating area, but it doesn’t get much use.

What Friends Say: “You guys are like real adults!”

Biggest Embarrassment: The backyard. It’s mostly weeds and the California drought has wreaked havoc on all of the desirable plant life.

Proudest DIY: We recently hand-sanded and refinished both of the large mid-century coffee tables in the living room. They were both in terrible condition, but now look new!

Biggest Indulgence: Most of the furnishings and decor are thrifted, purchased from antique shops, inherited from Sienna’s grandparents, or from Craigslist. However, we’ve begun purchasing handmade designer goods and are regularly adding to our art collection.

Best Advice: Buy the expensive house paint and put a plant in every room.

Dream Sources: Sienna’s all-time favorite place is Treasure Mart in her hometown of Ann Arbor, Michigan. Javod likes to hunt for vintage treasures online. We both enjoy “window shopping” at the Alameda Point Antiques Faire.

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