I thought it would be nice to see how people make it work in small spaces, with children...we ALL know how challenging that can be, whether we are experiencing it now, or in a past life!
So, my first tour is going to be my beautiful friend, Tanya's home. She and I have known each other for over 25 years. We love each other, fight like sisters - with no need to make up afterwards - we know we still feel the love! We have been through good times and bad together and even though we are very different, we somehow still find a way to be the best of friends. I hope all of you have a friend like that!
Tanya's home is a small, two bedroom, beach bungalow located in Venice Beach, California, which I visited about a month ago. The home was built in the 1920's, has original hardwood floors, great built ins, and tons of quaint details that homes today often lack.
I'm so excited to share all the photos with you! Enjoy! (And, P.S. This post isn't quite finished...so check back for a few more photos and many more comments!)
Let's start in the living room.
I love the way Tanya has utilized all of her space. Notice the big brown wardrobe against the back wall? Well, you'd never guess, but it houses all of Tanya's amazing clothing, which she showcases on her blog November Grey.
Inside view(Sorry, photo is a bit blurry):
You would never even have known it, would you? Stylish, beautiful, and very utilitarian at the same time.
And, look at this chair? Chic, right? It is a hand me down from Tanya's mother, who found it via thrift. What a lucky find! That is the original upholstery, no less.
The couch. Notice, the antler lamp to the left. It was spray painted white and glued to the lamp post.
The painting hanging above the couch was painted by Tanya herself. What a great way to cover a large space. If you can't afford to buy an original work of art - make your own! This is a perfect idea, if you have some sort of artistic ability. If you are a little challenged in this area...ask a friend to help! (Good thing Tanya is my friend!)
The painting near the front door was a work by a local artist and Tanya...they painted it together.
The view from the living room looking into the dining room.
Look at the fun built ins this house has! I wish builder's today put more priority into the little details of homes. Is that leaded glass on the buffet built in?
Also, notice how Tanya used shelves high on her kitchen and laundry room walls to store things. I love all her neatly, organized boxes. Not only do they look cool, but they are a great way to stay organized.
I really feel the beauty of old homes is in the details. I mean, just look at how beautiful these door handles are! All the doors have the original hardware, or replaced hardware that was salvaged from places of the same era. Some have been painted over throughout the years, but I bet underneath it all they still have that fantastic bronze finish.
The Kitchen.
This sign was a wedding gift from Tanya's mother - a personalized sign that is a work of art! The stove looks original - what a cool look!
The bathroom.
I love the high shelves! Such a great way to create storage space where there otherwise seems to be none.
This piece was created by Tanya's husband, Rick's, grandmother in the 1970's. What a great way to keep her memory alive!
The bedroom.
Tanya described this photo so well, that I'm just going to quote her.
"These two objects perfectly embody the marriage of our lifestyle together. The hubs, a once wondering hippie who trekked through Europe back-pack style, climbed mountain tops to "find himself" and collected a series of Buddha's along the way... And me, ever the romantic and vintage collector, stumbled upon this antique baby carriage from France on a ritualistic thrift shop and smile every time I see these two pieces together on our dresser top."
A painting of Tanya and Rick, hanging in their bedroom. Fabulous!
I actually didn't get any photos of Tanya's entire bedroom, since the bed was stripped for washing when I was taking photos. So, Tanya, kindly took these photos and sent them to me.
Don't you just love her darling pillowcases! So, unique!
And, lying on Tanya's bed was her current read!
The Details.
Tanya's little girl has a habit of picking flowers for her Mommy while she is on walk with Daddy. So, Tanya puts them in the kitchen window in glasses that belonged to her Mother in Law. So, sweet!
This mirror was a yard sale find that had traveled between Tanya's mother and sisters and finally found it's way to her. It was originally olive green and she painted it white. She loves the contrast with her Tiffany blue walls.
Another quote from Tanya, "This salvaged, vintage hutch was a purchase many, many years ago. It has seen me through my single years as a wardrobe for lacy underthings, with roommates as a storage space for cheap wine glasses (and even cheaper wine), and currently as a bookshelf for my most cherished reads."
Another plus of living in a 1920's era home is the hard wood flooring. I love how warm, and weathered it looks. Perfect.
I am in love with these last two photos. Not sure why, but they seem to speak to me. Look at the great details of this door! I mean, really, do homes that are built today have this much character? I think, not.
The lady, herself: Tanya. Thank you, Tanya for letting us take a peek into your home and your life!
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