Historic Craftsman Bungalow: Small Footprint, Big Personality!

When the homeowner decided to invest in a neglected 1918 Craftsman bungalow, the task of home remodeling seemed daunting.  Back then he says he was “insane enough to believe that it would be fun and rewarding to revive the house.” Drawn to the house’s beautiful raw Douglas fir post-and-beams sticking out amidst holes in the roof, broken windows with old layers of bizarre paint colors, the writer, lifelong traveler, and lover of the outdoors - saw something unique in the personality of the building.  

At first, the homeowner undertook a lot of the basic structural repairs like repainting and patching holes in the roof himself. However, the overwhelming potential he saw in the space made the necessity of a remodel clear: “[It] got to a point where the house looked okay, but needed someone to integrate who I was with what the house could be. I had all these inchoate ideas, but did not know how to use them to bring out the best in the house.” With the house being historic and also less than 1000 square feet, he had a lot of ideas for his first home and a vast collection of objects and photos from his travels. “I was hoping,” he muses, “that somehow I could make a home that had enough of my past to feel safe, enough of my present to feel comfortable, and enough of my dreams to be inspiring.”

From there, the owner knew he needed interior designer Sarah Barnard to help translate his vision into home that was both functional and a reflection of his personality. Since she not only listened but also challenged him, he knew Sarah was the perfect fit: “She didn’t mirror my ideas back to me, she brought her own strong aesthetic to the table. I could see that she was going to challenge me, and I think conflict is as important as collaboration in an artistic process.”

It is evident in her design how Sarah thinks deeply about the client’s personality, especially in the case of this house: “She’s always looking for harmonious contrasts, both in materials and design, and the surprising connection between things on a deeper level.” The use of eco-friendly and natural materials highlights the homeowner’s love of nature, such as the recycled beer bottle kitchen countertop, and the sun tubes and pebble rocks in both showers that make him “feel like [he’s] showering outdoors.”

The final design of the house is filled with surprises, such as the wall cut-out between the kitchen and the dining room, uniting the front and back of the house. Besides the primary bathroom with pebble flooring and sun-tubes, the owner loves the fireplace with its collection of books, art, and objects from his years of travel.

Some of the essential details in the property were abandoned by the previous owner, which made for daunting projects. “The cabinet was built with the house, and took about 90 hours to strip, sand, and stain.” The homeowner’s handiwork is evident in the beautifully refinished cabinet, which now displays his personal collection of objects from around the world.

After all the stories which unfolded in this bungalow, perhaps the most perfect was gaining a new friend: his cat Lulu “adopted him” almost a year to the day after his dog passed. “Max was with me when I bought the house, and suffered through the renovations and mess - but he didn’t get to see it in its finished state. Then just before the final renovations are done, in waltzes Lulu - the same black coat with white fringe as Max…” The breezy Craftsman is ideal for Lulu who relishes her posts on windowsills to keep guard against squirrels, birds and other critters.

One great benefit of his new house that he entirely attributes to Sarah is space: “The best thing she did was recognize what was important [and] create space around that - which is really what I wanted in the end. I love my stuff, but I need space. She saw that before I did.”

Sarah Barnard designs healthy, happy, personalized spaces that are deeply connected to nature and art.

To learn more about Sarah Barnard Design, please visit www.SarahBarnard.com.

"Ocean Avenue"- Casa International

Beijing's acclaimed interior design magazine features a beautiful five page pictorial on the work of Sarah Barnard Design.

Sustainable design means different things to different people, but at its core, sustainability is the sensibility that objects and materials which are sourced responsibly are also beneficial for our mental and physical well-being, too. For professionals, sustainability is a standard that ensures our spaces are safe, comfortable, and beautiful. Interior designers like Sarah Barnard make decisions throughout the entire process that are geared towards that end: beauty and functionality melded in the healthiest way possible.

Working out of her Los Angeles based studio, Sarah Barnard is intrigued by clients who have unusual requests and lives for a challenge. She hasn’t met one yet that she didn’t like. In this project, the owners wanted an escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.  They wanted a space conducive to relaxation and meditation.

This space is quite small (under 2000 SF) and so creating a sense of visual expanse was challenging. One strategy Sarah Barnard employed to raise the ceiling height was to paint out the crown molding to match the wall and ceiling color (but not the baseboard).

The media room also functions as a second bedroom with a contemporary sofa that folds out into a comfy guest bed.  Also, this penthouse overlooks Ocean Avenue in Santa Monica, California. Anything that needed to go inside the apartment had to fit in the freight elevator. If the item could fit in the freight elevator...it couldn't be a part of the design!

The aesthetic is generally quiet and is a combination of contemporary pieces and vintage items. The living area is intentionally light and bright, encouraging the walls and furnishings to recede so that the ocean views can remain the focus. The master bedroom is intentionally considerably darker to promote sleep, while the horizontal lines of the furnishings and drapery echo the direction of the shoreline.  Careful selection of organic natural textiles, non-toxic wall finishes, re-use of on-site materials as was feasible, incorporation of vintage fixtures and furnishings as well as energy efficient appliances and lighting.

This space is amazing! The clients live full time in the San Francisco Bay Area and use this unit as a relaxing retreat. Everyone who visits falls in love with the interior and the views!
 

Sarah Barnard designs healthy, happy, personalized spaces that are deeply connected to nature and art.

To learn more about Sarah Barnard Design, please visit www.SarahBarnard.com.

Small Kitchen Design : Interior Strategies for Petite Spaces

Small kitchens have a terrible reputation for being cramped and undesirable. By improving your kitchen’s layout, you can maximize its performance and visual appeal. You can further enhance the function of your small kitchen by making smart design decisions when selecting appliances, surface materials, and architectural details.

Combining your appliances will optimize the total function of your kitchen when working with limited space. Take into consideration the Work Triangle of the refrigerator, sink, and stove. Make sure there are no obstructions, such as an island, and separate the household traffic from intersecting the triangle. Use your backsplash as storage with a stainless rod to hang kitchen utensils. Use appliances such as over range microwaves with built-in ventilation to save space. Reducing the number of required devices help your kitchen look less cramped.

Surface features along with architectural details add character and depth to your small space. When using the color white, whether it be on cabinetry or walls, it will reflect light giving the illusion of a larger area. Incorporating earth tones or low contrast color schemes on cabinets, backsplashes and flooring gives a textured look for added depth. Large windows can provide more natural light, which can allow your room to feel more spacious. A tip when choosing textures is always keeping in mind their aesthetic purpose. Consider using reflective materials as in stainless steel to expand the space visually.

Small kitchens can rise above their reputation of being cramped and cluttered when considering a few key elements. Optimizing the functionality to maximize your space will improve the layout as well as give it a starting point from which to work. Choosing the correct appliances to incorporate in the Work Triangle for your kitchen will help the layout take shape. Small kitchens can be impeccably designed making you almost forget the desire for a larger kitchen.

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Working out of her Los Angeles based studio, Barnard works on interior design projects big and small, from sprawling corporate headquarters to cozy beachfront cottages. With a contemporary approach that employs traditional vocabulary, she defines her range of style as “innovative yet time-honored.” Sarah is intrigued by clients who have unusual requests and lives for a challenge and has yet to meet a client she doesn't like. Sarah loves designing for anyone with pets! She adores people who are avid collectors of anything they fancy.

Sarah is often retained by clients who have never worked with an interior designer because they thought designers weren’t for them (until now). She is known for delivering, on time, all the time. Sarah is incredibly down to earth, and people love her for her frankness. Sarah and her staff will go above and beyond for a client: build a custom sunroom for the kitties, organize and alphabetize boxes in the garage, take the kids out shopping for their bathroom tiles…etc.

Sarah Barnard Design undertakes residential interior design projects, commercial spaces and, even single rooms. She can assist you with space planning, color counseling, kitchen and bath remodeling, historic preservation, and all aspects of green design and healthy living: organic, non-toxic, sustainable and fair trade materials, energy and resource conservation, air and water purification, natural furnishings and fabrics and much more!

Story by: Claudia Casas              Interiors by: Sarah Barnard

Sarah Barnard designs healthy, happy, personalized spaces that are deeply connected to nature and art.

To learn more about Sarah Barnard Design, please visit www.SarahBarnard.com.

References:

Small Kitchens by Jeffrey Holloway in Residential Design & Build Volume 77, Issue 5, 2012

ASID Design Research Database: http://www.asid.org/content/research-resources

Styling your Bookshelves

Bookcases and shelving can display more than just a personal library; well-styled cabinets and shelves add effortless style and interest to any room.  Seasonal decorations such as a vase of spring flowers bring life into your home by adding visual interest and texture.

Bookends help create space on a shelf and can be as beautiful and exciting as they are functional.  Framed photos or artwork are an instant way to personalize your shelving.
 

Create height and dimension by placing books in different directions. By adding beautiful and personal items, shelving transforms from utilitarian to an impressive display of your personality.

Sarah Barnard designs healthy, happy, personalized spaces that are deeply connected to nature and art.

To learn more about Sarah Barnard Design, please visit www.SarahBarnard.com.

Home Design Tips for Small Spaces

Designing small functional spaces is always a challenge, but when done right, they create a cozy environment. Learn how to maximize your space with these tips! For kitchens, utilize built-ins to help organize storage. Use the built-ins to generate height and open up your room vertically.

Lighter colors help to make the area appear more spacious, while blues recede into the background.

Glass shower doors help this bathroom feel open and unrestricted.

Mirrors can give the illusion that the room is bigger than it appears.

Decorating with furniture that fits the scale of the room will also help make the room feel less cramped.  Feel free to add pops of color with accessories, but avoid clutter to maintain openness.

Sarah Barnard designs healthy, happy, personalized spaces that are deeply connected to nature and art.

To learn more about Sarah Barnard Design, please visit www.SarahBarnard.com.

Restaurant Design with Cuban Flair

Add a tropical flair to your household by drawing inspiration from Cuba! Mix earth tones and tropical colors with mid-century decor, and you'll instantly feel like you're on vacation. Use your chosen color scheme to color block the walls, pairing a bright color with a neutral like Terra-cotta. Explore natural elements like rich wood grains, and add tropical household plants to enliven your space. Choose furniture that predates the 1950's, and feel free to mix and match styles to give the area a vintage flea market look. The masonry walls, exposed beams, and outdoor style lighting create the illusion that the diners of this Cuban Café are relaxing on a cozy patio.

The lounge area in the rear allows patrons to relax and enjoy the infectious Cuban atmosphere while playing dominoes or listening to live music.

Sarah Barnard designs healthy, happy, personalized spaces that are deeply connected to nature and art.

To learn more about Sarah Barnard Design, please visit www.SarahBarnard.com.
 

Green: Inside and Out

Environmental Concept creates unique outdoor living spaces for high-profile clients in the Los Angeles area and strives to use sustainable practices that create healthier environments.

When designing their offices, we were asked to create a contemporary space that used organic materials, giving a result that was eco-friendly inside and out. Objects such as the reception desk were salvaged and rehabilitated for minimal environmental impact. The polished concrete floors and painted branch mural embody the contemporary organic approach of Environmental Concept.

Floating wall shelves display colorful concept sketches, while Aduze pottery and a driftwood side table welcome guests.

This zesty bathroom scheme was inspired by the colors found in the exterior garden.

Sarah Barnard designs healthy, happy, personalized spaces that are deeply connected to nature and art.

To learn more about Sarah Barnard Design, please visit www.SarahBarnard.com.

Old World Elegance: Luxury Primary Bedroom Suite

Give your home an old-world elegance by drawing inspiration from grand European interiors.  Use a darker color palette, and use wall texture to give your walls depth.  Through Sarah's home design, this primary bedroom transformed into an intimate and warm haven complete with elegant bed and plush tufted ottomans in colors ranging from mocha to chamois to beige to burnt sienna.

Accessorize your space with pottery and other mementos that recall European elegance.  Here Sarah gives reflective items highlights by placing a spark of rust that adorns twigs bundled at the hearth and places bronze tinted pots inside the inlaid wall. 

To lighten this bathroom, Sarah uses a buttery blend of cinnamons lending itself well to the highly sought after soft light of such spaces.

Sarah Barnard designs healthy, happy, personalized spaces that are deeply connected to nature and art.

To learn more about Sarah Barnard Design, please visit www.SarahBarnard.com.

Award Show Glamour at Home

Award show season is in full swing! Take a peek behind the scenes, and tour this backstage VIP lounge for the Academy of Country Music Awards. In the style of glamour and grandeur for A-list celebrity guests, this lounge conveys the traditional spirit of the event complete with organic decor. Sarah Barnard had the honor of designing this tasteful lounge for the Academy of Country Music Awards and their guests. This stylish yet classic lounge features natural linens and vintage furniture- a perfect example of how sound design and sustainably sourced materials can make a space inviting and enriching.

Sarah chose a palette of warm neutrals garnished with bright colors via plants and luxurious fabrics. This lounge has elegant decor which can inform design and decor in your home.

Bring nature inside. Potted succulents, freshly cut ranunculus stems, and a bold brass pheasant adds interest to this space. Plants and art inspired by nature make areas feel comfortable and natural.

A sofa outfitted in menswear woolens pairs elegantly with the "Dressmaker" lamp from Baker and an antique wooden horse.

These gorgeous vintage art deco chairs and an ebonized oak vintage coffee table by Galerie Sommerlath add the air of refinement and lushness. A brass bar cart demonstrates how recycling can be chic.

A burlwood sculpture and ceramic urchins' physical beauty is forever captivating. The glass lamp by Baker echoes the ocean and subtly provides the natural element.

Natural silk, linen, and wool toss pillows complement the organic linen on this beautiful couch. Choosing a creamy, light fabric like this one is an excellent way to highlight the elegant design of the sofa and make the sitting area more inviting.

We hope you found inspiration in this luxurious lounge outfitted in natural materials and organic decor.

Galerie Sommerlath and Baker generously provided Furniture, art, and lighting for this backstage lounge. silk, linen and wool toss pillows complement the organic linen on this gorgeous sofa. Choosing a creamy, light fabric like this one is an excellent way to highlight the elegant design of the sofa and make the sitting area more inviting.

Sarah Barnard designs healthy, happy, personalized spaces that are deeply connected to nature and art.

To learn more about Sarah Barnard Design, please visit www.SarahBarnard.com.

Living With History: Focus on Antiques

Collecting antiques can quickly become a way of life. Not only are you accumulating one of a kind objects, but you are surrounding yourself with history.  When purchasing antique furniture, it's essential to have done your research!

An excellent place to start is by educating yourself on different types of antiques.  Did you know that an authentic antique must be over 100 years old?  A great place to start is the library.  Familiarizing yourself with different styles will make you an educated shopper.

Learn how methods of furniture fabrication have changed throughout the eras.  This familiarity will help you distinguish a real antique from a modern day knock off.  Keep in mind that imperfections mean that a piece was hand made rather than cut from machinery.

Develop an eye for different types of wood; it will help determine a piece's value.  Walnut, for instance, is considered high-end and will appraise the piece at a higher cost.

Once you are familiar, start shopping! Often you can find great deals at garage sales and flea markets.  However, if you're looking for something specific it might be a good idea to check with an antique dealer or well connected interior designer.

Sarah Barnard designs healthy, happy, personalized spaces that are deeply connected to nature and art.

To learn more about Sarah Barnard Design, please visit www.SarahBarnard.com.

Party Planning With Style

Dinner parties or other home gatherings can be remarkable when a keen eye for detail and that special finishing touch are involved. When first starting the party planning process, scope out the locations in the home that will provide the space for the event. What appropriate accessories do you already own? How is the lighting? What tasks need completing before space can function? Consider rearranging furniture to create a fresh new look for the room and to open up the space to accommodate guests.

For a Christmas party, your decorated Christmas tree can provide a terrific backdrop. As most holiday accessories are collected over the years, using them to decorate your space is a nice personal touch and can be a conversation starter. Furniture can be rearranged around the tree to create a new lounge-like seating area for guests to occupy before or after dinner.

Small accessories used as accents are great for decorating any space and can help with the theme of your party. Here, a silver-leafed sea shell and starfish can serve a summertime, beach themed soiree.

For the dinner table, centerpieces and table settings genuinely add to the ambiance of the room. In this modern dining room, the pink tinted china adds a pop of color and compliments the nature-inspired centerpiece. Additionally, to set a table correctly can impress guests while adding dimension to the table as the glassware in the photo does.

Lighting can play a significant role home design and in the general atmosphere of your party. Here, a candlelit chandelier gives cozy warmth to the room.  Consider having lit candles throughout the rest of the house to continue this warm feel for your party. Natural lighting can also work for your event.  In this ocean view penthouse, the floor to ceiling window lights up this entertaining area. For your house, open up those curtains before the sun goes down to enhance any room.

Interiors by: Sarah Barnard

Sarah Barnard designs healthy, happy, personalized spaces that are deeply connected to nature and art.

To learn more about Sarah Barnard Design, please visit www.SarahBarnard.com.

Colors From the Garden

Choosing colors for your home can be difficult when there are so many from which to choose.  Sometimes the answer can be as simple as looking for inspiration in your garden.  Nature's color palette provides the perfect balance of neutral tones, vibrant greens, and lively colors.

Elements from your garden can serve as decor.  Not only do they tie your interior and exterior design together, but they bring freshness, life, and color into a room. 

Potted succulents serve as great centerpieces, and are easy to take care of for they need little water to thrive. Pair them with interesting found objects such as rocks and found wood to add organic shapes to a room.

Sarah Barnard designs healthy, happy, personalized spaces that are deeply connected to nature and art.

To learn more about Sarah Barnard Design, please visit www.SarahBarnard.com.

Decorating with Seasonal Details

The changing seasons can serve as the perfect inspiration for home design and is a great way to keep rooms looking fresh!  Check out these seasonal details from Sarah Barnard Design.

Spring
Fresh flowers bring life and color to a room.

Pastel colored flatware reflects the blooming flowers outside.

Fresh fruit reminds us of the lush bounty brought from spring showers.

Summer
Sea themed decor gives any room the easy-breezy feeling of summer at the beach.

 Rustic wood flatware recalls a cool autumn day.

Neutral tones and orange flowers mimic the changing fall leaves. 

Winter
Holiday garland, white flowers, and traditional Christmas decor adds holiday cheer.

Sarah Barnard designs healthy, happy, personalized spaces that are deeply connected to nature and art.

To learn more about Sarah Barnard Design, please visit www.SarahBarnard.com.

Best and Blue-est Blues for Home Design

Blue is a versatile color that looks great in any room.  Often used in home design, blue can be calming, peaceful, and charming.  Check out these great blue rooms by Sarah Barnard Design.

The existing antique brick and the chosen cool blue tones of the locally made cabinetry make for a delightful collection of old and new in this Scandifornian style home. Founded in a Scandinavian aesthetic with an appreciation of natural materials, light and bright spaces and a California cozy style all it’s own makes this eco-friendly kitchen one of them most loved rooms in the house.

Refreshing blue tiles offset a limestone niche and give the serene primary bath a splash of color.
 

Blue, a predictable choice for a boy's bedroom, transforms this 'little man's' room with the warmth of traditional design elements and cutting edge details to create a youthful, contemporary space.

This mural, featuring a vintage Aston Martin inspired by the classic James Bond film 'Goldfinger,' is paired with blue wainscoting.

The soaking tub echoes the oval forms present elsewhere in the space and allows for a feeling of lightness overall.

 A sea of blue ceramic tile paired with organic form glass floor tiles and an orb-like wall sconce create a fresh aesthetic for a child's bathroom.

Quarts countertops infused with real seashells pair nicely with the seaside location of the residence.

Sarah Barnard designs healthy, happy, personalized spaces that are deeply connected to nature and art.

To learn more about Sarah Barnard Design, please visit www.SarahBarnard.com.

Half-Bath Interior Design

Half-baths are designed to be used by guests. Creating a stylish half-bath can make your guests feel welcomed and pampered.  A well-designed half-bath utilizes a small space through a bold statement.

A hand-carved stone sink sits atop custom maple shelving in this jewel box of a half-bathroom. Inspired by Scandinavian design principles and informed by California living this powder room includes Moroccan influences for a truly collected aesthetic, affectionately called Scandifornian.

This serene guest bathroom has a custom vanity cabinet and matching wood framed mirror which floats above the cream-colored pebble flooring.

Pillowed, onyx wall tiles and a hand carved, honey onyx sink harmoniously mesh with a specially made mahogany vanity.

Bespoke cabinetry, Carrera marble detailing and oil rubbed bronze fixtures create a rich palette that delights the senses.

Sarah Barnard designs healthy, happy, personalized spaces that are deeply connected to nature and art.

To learn more about Sarah Barnard Design, please visit www.SarahBarnard.com.

Sexy Spaces

Creating a sexy space is all about the attitude of the area in question.  Not only are sensual spaces beautiful, but they are spaces of self-expression.  Check out these sexy spaces created by Sarah Barnard Design.

Surfboards painted by youthful members of LRO add interest to the conference room as works of art.

The Teen Choice Celebrity Gift Retreat was designed to be both fun and modern while emphasizing a commitment to sustainable practices.

This coastal penthouse has a bird’s eye view of the Pacific Ocean. Eco-friendly furnishings, natural textiles, and organic rugs provide a perfect Zen retreat.

Vintage rattan coffee table ottomans pair perfectly with a sleeper sofa from Linea and lightweight linen sheer drapery.

 A therapeutic bathing tub, heated floor tiles and soothing views of nature enhance the splendor and comfort of this primary bathroom.

Large multi-toned pebbles set the tone for this powder bathroom. This design melds classic Moroccan influences with the contemporary strategy for a delightfully balanced composition.

This former laundry room, now a primary bath, has been transformed into an oasis retreat.

A breathtaking painted wall screen sets the tone for this sumptuous sitting room.

Sarah Barnard designs healthy, happy, personalized spaces that are deeply connected to nature and art.

To learn more about Sarah Barnard Design, please visit www.SarahBarnard.com.

Interior Design Focus: Roman Shades

Window coverings are the perfect finishing touch to any room, but sometimes long draperies can end up looking too fussy. Roman shades are the ideal alternative window covering that helps create a classic yet practical home design solution to blocking out the sun.

Adding neutral linen roman shades to these french doors are a subtle way to block out sunlight.

Here you have subtle roman blinds blending in with a well-designed room.

In this dining room, Roman blinds are used to add texture and contrast.

Natural woven shades mimic the textures and materials seen in this family room

 These wood woven shades are a great way to diffuse natural light.

Sarah Barnard designs healthy, happy, personalized spaces that are deeply connected to nature and art.

To learn more about Sarah Barnard Design, please visit www.SarahBarnard.com.

Long Luxurious Draperies

Window coverings serve many purposes. Not only do they block out sunlight and create privacy, but they add a decorative element to the room that ties it together. Long beautiful drapes add an item of luxury and sophistication to any home design.

This lightweight linen sheer drapery adds an airy elegance to this seaside room.

Pale pink draperies add a sense of luxury to this majestic room.

An example of how light sheer linen draperies can complete a room without looking fussy.

Long red velvet drapes paired with patterned sheers bring Christmas cheer to this historic mansion.

Sarah Barnard designs healthy, happy, personalized spaces that are deeply connected to nature and art.

To learn more about Sarah Barnard Design, please visit www.SarahBarnard.com.
 

Kids Room Interior Design Ideas

These rooms provide big style for their little inhabitants.

A pink playroom that all little girls dream of. This shade of pink was personally approved by the little princess who resides here.

A multi-tonal mix of pinks and prints.

The smocked pink drapery and antique painted beds are a traditional foundation while the light fixture, custom polk-a-dot chairs and whimsical bubble murals create a playful harmony.

A boy's bedroom is transformed into a 'little man's' room with the warmth of traditional design elements and cutting edge details to create a youthful, contemporary space.

Sarah Barnard designs healthy, happy, personalized spaces that are deeply connected to nature and art.

To learn more about Sarah Barnard Design, please visit www.SarahBarnard.com.

Scandifornian Style in a Beautiful Blue Bathroom

The soaking tub echoes the oval forms present elsewhere in the space and allows for a feeling of lightness overall.

Quarts countertops infused with real seashells pair nicely with the seaside location of the residence.

The natural woods and focus on light, bright and cozy feelings are a nod to traditional Scandinavian design, a sea of blue ceramic tile paired with organic form glass floor tiles and an orb-like wall sconce to create a fresh Southern California aesthetic, Scandifornian.

Sarah Barnard designs healthy, happy, personalized spaces that are deeply connected to nature and art.

To learn more about Sarah Barnard Design, please visit www.SarahBarnard.com.