COUNTRY IN THE CITY - Scripps Ranch Residence

I met Jamie when she was pregnant with her second boy. We began working together by decorating the boy’s rooms first and then we did the rest of the house. Jamie absolutely loves American folk art, country fabrics, Shaker furniture, decorative paint and quilts. If she could pack it up and move to a B&B in the mountains she’d go in a heartbeat. In fact, she is still looking for that perfect cabin in the local mountains, and when it’s found... we’ll be decorating that too.

Our goal for their primary residence was to bring the country to the city. She definitely wanted the traditional folk art style without feeling too much like a lodge or cabin. And decorative painting on the walls was a must. Jamie had collected antiques and quilts from years of travels to Amish country, farmsteads and antique stores around the U.S., and we had a great time placing each piece. My favorite was the historic antique quilt that we showcased in the living room, fully encased in a museum display box. This quilt I believe had links to one of the early American presidents.

It truly was a joy working on this project and getting to know Jamie’s style. The end result is exactly what we were looking for: a Bed & Breakfast in the mountains, perfect for curling up with a cup of tea and a treasured book at the end of a long, hard day.

On one side of the living room,we had a sofa built then tossed it with custom throw pillows in multiple fabrics. The end table and coffee table were custom made, painted in solid colors and then embellished with decorative painting reminiscent of tole painting. We installed limestone flooring then added a round area carpet to add coziness to the space. Shutters hide the view of the next door neighbors... when closed, you can almost picture yourself miles away from the city.

Across from the sofa, framing the fireplace, we had two chairs custom made in a scrumptious leaf printed chenille. It's so scrumptious they feel like a sweater. The cats immediately adopted the chairs as scratching posts, so matching slipcovers were made to protect the fabric underneath. The slipcovers have ties in the back adding character to the look. The table between the chairs is also custom made.

Jamie already had the dining room furniture from Ethan Allen. I added the tall drapery and had the crown molding and ceiling painted in accent colors. The wool area rug was such a great find, it looks like many of the quilts Jamie has throughout the house. The red tablecloth is temporary, set up for Christmas.

Jamie's kitchen used to be whitewash wood which she totally detested. We drew up plans and had the cabinetry replaced with warm toned shaker style kitchen. Jamie and I actually painted and antiqued the island ourselves as well as the matching back at the open shelves. The scarf style valance is a copy of a photo she had liked in a drapery magazine, made using fabrics I selected. The chairs are from Lorts and have custom loose cushions in fabrics that match the valance.

It's very subtle, but if you look closely you can see where we used an alternate flooring bordering the island. This is such a wonderful country kitchen it makes me feel as if I'd stepped away to a ranch somewhere miles away from the hustle and bustle of the city. During the project, every time I stopped by to see Jamie I was greeted with a custom-made latte exactly to my liking... yes, I could stay here awhile.

The little tea drawers were such a great idea. With the amount of tea and coffee this family enjoys, they will get much use out of those drawers.

We did one of Jamie's favorite granites for the countertop and combined it with natural stone backsplash using mosaics in two colors and 4x4 field. It turned out beautiful.

The powder room has a natural stone frame around the mirror and backsplash in similar material to the kitchen. The walls look like wallpaper but they're actually hand-painted in an elegant version of a country pattern. As this serves as powder room but also has a full shower and bath, the painted walls handle the steam much better than wallpaper.

Jamie's bedroom is truly one of the most relaxing places on earth. The bedding, pillows, drapery, chairs and ottoman are all custom made using fabrics I selected. The wool rug is from the same vendor as the dining room rug and the colors are just fabulous. The walls are finished in a subtle glaze with a leaf pattern crowning the doors and windows. There is a view of a local lake out the window.

This is the library wall which will eventually be full of books but for now is treated with accessories. The chairs are inviting in a nubby creme fabric with the black and white toile used as piping. The ottoman has a nice durable fabric at the top, so you won't hesitate to put your feet up... again, and again...

This is the patio off the master bedroom. We hand-painted a rug right onto the patio floor boards. The Adirondack chairs are really comfortable and the style of them is unique. What a great place to hang out!

I shouldn't finish without mentioning the boys. We built them a custom loft/homework/play area which they've enjoyed tremendously. The corners of the bench seat have lift-up lids to conceal storage below. The seating and pillows are done in a boat theme. I think my favorite fabric is the beige fish fabric on the pillow. It's so cute! They're a bit older now, shhh... don't tell them I said it was "cute."

This little bar area is on the adjacent wall closest to the guest room. It's a great craft area and catch-all, and serves as extra seating when friends come over.

The TV cabinet has two desks at either side for homework and etc, with a tall bookcase to the right which serves as toy and game storage.

Here's a closeup of the loft fabrics and art... too bad you can't see the fish fabric in this shot. But the red lid of the corner storage unit is visible. All of this cabinetry was made by the same guy who did the kitchen. He did a great job.

I hope you enjoyed a walk through our B&B in the city. Although the photography isn't the best, you get the general idea. A very unique project for a very unique individual. Hey - if the clients I come across had all the same tastes, my job would sure be boring! I much prefer working with different styles. Wonder what's coming next?