It doesn’t exist, you say. A Hollywood Cabin? And that may be true, except that you didn’t look for said Hollywood cabin in Dallas, TX. This poor misfit - this Consealed Cottage, if you will- needed to feel more like itself.
The project was born from a pulled up floor - a friend, the realtor tasked with ship shaping and selling the home, had posted a picture of its kitchen tile on Facebook. And lo! Is that colorful art deco mosaic pieces, likely from the original floor from the year the home was built? Sign me up.
Sadly the floor couldn’t be salvaged (except for in my mind! sigh!) , but it was the basis for returning the home back to its true self. And herein you have the foundation for decor inspiration, for this home, and your home: You don’t have a style. Your home, though, does.
1) Keepin’ it real
The pristine old bathroom in the home looked as it had never been used. Can you buy those tub knobs? No! That green tile? Not a chance! Don’t touch it. In areas that the home can wear its original outfits, let it. It not only feels authentic, but also comfortable. It’s that little white t-shirt you keep going back to.
2) Be fabulous - or not
Homes with high ceilings naturally feel formal and need large furniture to fill them. Homes with smaller rooms and lower ceilings are cozy - and need to be decorated as such.
This house’s big challenge was that it had both. The matching fixtures in the front formal living and dining rooms bring the cathedral ceiling into the dining area, making both rooms feel spacious yet comfortable. The gold fixtures play on the upscale feel while the wood elements ground the home in its true personality.
3) Work with the surroundings
Ignoring space beyond the immediate room can often make an entire portion of the house feel out of place. In this home, the family room is cozy and casual while the back of the home opens up to a stone, LA-style pool and patio suited for a ruckus. The airy space allows for movement in the indoor-outdoor living space. The all-white kitchen feels fresh and clean - just like a dip in that fabulous pool.
4) Don’t apologize for a space - help it find its best self!
Never, NEVER say “oh that’s just the such-and-such.” How would you like it if someone said that about you?!
Sometimes a home’s biggest quandaries can provide its best gems. This downstairs master bedroom seemed small before it was properly cleaned and designed. All it needed was to embrace its natural light and rectangular shape. It now feels private and big - with enough room for a bed plus sitting area, TV, or home office. Remember, in LA, everyone is a star.
