This California Ranch Home’s Ethereal Ambiance Is Inspiring

Name: Paleny Toros and husband
Location: Van Nuys, California
Size: 1,592 square feet
Years lived in: 8 months, owned

My husband and I bought our 1958 ranch style home in May of 2017 and spent six months remodeling before we moved in over Thanksgiving weekend. We did major work in the kitchen, dining room, and two bathrooms, and some minor changes in the two bedrooms, living room, garage, and sunroom.

When we were looking for houses, I was very sensitive to the layout and energy of the houses we were considering. I was always drawn to the older homes, which had very little work done to them. I felt a lot of positive energy in our home when we saw it during its open house. I loved being able to make our home very much ours by incorporating different styles that I love to each room, while still making it feel cohesive in its entirety.

What is your favorite room and why? My favorite room is the kitchen. We created an open kitchen with an island in the middle where we have most of our meals. The kitchen overlooks the formal dining room, which has high ceilings, rustic beams, and a beautiful brick fireplace, so this view from the kitchen creates an extremely inspiring and ethereal ambiance.

Describe your home’s style in 5 words or less: A collection of inspired styles.

If you could magically change something about your home, what would it be? I think it would be a beautifully landscaped backyard. We haven’t done any work to it and although it’s not an eyesore by any means; I have visions of the kind of magical garden I would want it to be so we can spend summer evenings enjoying the outdoors.

What’s the last thing you bought (or found!) for your home? Plants. Lately I’ve been on a major plant kick because you can never have too many plants. I bought a baby fiddle leaf fig tree, a baby Golden Devil’s Ivy, a baby Button Fern, and a baby Lemon Button Fern all online from Hirt’s Gardens.

Any advice for creating a home you love? I think fill your home with things you’ve accumulated lovingly over the years during your travels and outings instead of trying to fill it up all at once with items that don’t have any sentimental value. You will love your home because it will be very specific to you and your aesthetic. This makes your home unique to you and filled with personality and life.

Thanks, Paleny!

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