Even before its recent redesign, this four-bedroom farmhouse-style home had a lot to offer. It's in the enviable setting of Hedgerow, a highly sought-after, peaceful neighborhood in Montecito between the ocean and the upper village, and it was built on a secluded plot with a stunning garden, and views of the Montecito mountains beyond.
It's a truly idyllic place to vacation. But there were some interior design challenges to overcome before it became the perfect retreat, as designer Hayley English found out.
The homeowners, who have a young family, enlisted the interior designer's help to create a better backdrop for vacations and casual gatherings with friends, and to improve the sense of flow throughout the space. They were looking for an unpretentious, youthful take on traditional farmhouse style with coastal decor elements, says designer Hayley English, who picks out her highlights and describes how she overcame the 1970s' home's challenges to give it a new sense of style.
'White kitchens are often predictable and unremarkable,' says designer Hayley English. 'Yet this space feels surprisingly warm with the humble materials such as the butcher block island and rattan chairs.' Kitchen ideas from Hayley were about softening the edges of this space.
'We loved adding feminine floral fabrics to drapery and upholstery for a softer touch. The addition of grosgrain cushion ties feels whimsical and chic,' she says. A vintage rug in muted shades of pink and gold also contributes to the warmer scheme.
Key pieces include the pendant light from Hector Finch (Harbinger), barstools from Serena & Lily, with Lisa Fine cushion fabric. Other fabrics from Soane Britain and Fermoie.
Hayley English, founder and principal designer of Hayley English Interiors, is known for her traditional yet approachable interiors. Hayley enhances century-old architecture with youthful, inviting layers for single family homes.
'This dreamy dining room provokes ideas of living a simple life,' says designer Hayley English. The dining area is open plan to the living room, so her dining room ideas needed to work across the whole space. 'The goal was casual and comfortable, common now in so many dining rooms we’re designing. The wooden table top is marked with years of holiday brunches, games nights and family gatherings,' the designer adds.
Key pieces include chairs from Redford House with cushions from Schuyler Samperton (Jasper Showroom). The candleholders are from Match Pewter, the table linen from Connected Goods.
Living room ideas had to bear in mind that this is the first room guests see when they enter the home. 'We strategically created an open floor plan for optimal flow. One of the goals here was to create an airy feel, so the light color palette was key,' explains Hayley English. 'Pops of earth tones in the upholstery play on the beautiful stone fireplace surround while denim blues add a coastal element.'
Key pieces include ottomans upholstered in Lisa Fine fabric, the coffee table from Redford House, rug from Jamal Rugs and throw pillows from Nickey Kehoe.
The blend of antiques and vintage accessories in the living room creates a traditional and curated look, that speaks of relaxed, settled living – a great way to foster a welcoming space and put visitors at ease. The pitched ceiling, with white clapboard paneling is a further nod to the property's coastal setting and style. Key pieces here include sofa fabric from Kravet, pillow fabric from Pierre Frey and Lisa Fine, mixed with an antique games table and chairs in the corner. The artwork here, and throughout the home, is a mix of vintage, commissioned and antique artwork of California scenery, which thoughtfully ties color palettes together in each space.
Lit by large windows, this spacious primary bedroom could feel stark and unfinished, but Hayley English's bedroom ideas aimed to create a unique and nostalgic space, something she tried to do with each of the bedrooms. 'We leaned into the beautiful cathedral ceiling with a tall, four poster bed tied with crisp linen drapes for an added texture,' she explains.
Key pieces include a Serena & Lily bedframe; bed cover from Chelsea Textiles; quilt from Les Indiennes (Nickey Kehoe); drapery from Schumacher; sconces by Mark Sikes for Hudson Valley Lighting; table lamp, Natan Moss x Hollywood at Home.
'This bedroom was made to feel nostalgic, inviting and chic,' says Hayley English. 'The inspiration was cheerful, English cottage style and the historic paint color felt meant to be. Most striking is the play of patterns and colors throughout the space. It is by far my favorite in the home.' The walls are painted in Benjamin Moore's 'Guilford Green'.
Key pieces include drapery by Penny Morrison, Hollywood at Home; quilt, Nicky Kehoe; lampshade, Maison Maison; pillowcases, ST Frank (Over the Moon).
'I would describe this room as sophisticated yet approachable for its straightforward design but punchy palette,' says designer Hayley English. 'The cane bed and woven wood shades incorporate coastal elements.' The cool blue walls are painted in Benjamin Moore's 'Woodlawn Blue', a good choice for this elevated coastal look.
Key pieces include bedframe from Serena & Lily; quilt, Neem (Nicky Kehoe); euro pillow fabric, Décors Barbares Tissus Tartares; pillowcases, Annie Selke
Photographs: Sara Tramp
Styling: Lauren May
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