California Dreamin': Transforming a Dated Colonial Home into a Stylish Californian Oasis

One of the biggest challenges in house design is when the exterior style and the interior design are out of sync. Megan Read, owner and principal of Studio Read Interior Design, brought harmony and style to a 1939-built colonial home in Burlingame, CA. Here are the 8 key updates she made to put the style back into this home


1. Outdoor Connection:
The kitchen layout was reconfigured to connect inside and outside spaces, creating a bright and welcoming breakfast nook.
2. Banquette Seating:
A custom-designed banquette seating area added elegance without feeling too commercial.
3. Kitchen Palette:
Warm neutrals and blush tones were carefully chosen to pull the kitchen scheme together, with stunning cabinet color by Farrow & Ball's Oxford Stone.
4. Sociable Layout:
The layout was adjusted to create a more sociable environment, with an enlarged opening between the living room and kitchen.
5. Powder Room Elegance:
The compact powder room was updated with rich wallpaper and a warm paint color.
6. Transitional Design:
Vintage pieces were mixed with modern furniture in the dining room to create a harmonious transitional design scheme.
7. Borrowed Light:
Borrowed light was used to enhance the sense of space and flow between rooms.
8. Primary Bedroom Elegance:
The primary bedroom was kept calm and elegant with a warm color palette and luxurious textiles.

Transforming a dated colonial home into a laid back and contemporary Californian oasis is a testament to the power of thoughtful design and creative solutions. The result is a home that seamlessly blends old and new, creating a space that reflects the lifestyle of its owners while honoring the history of the property. With these 8 key updates, this California home is a true design masterpiece that inspires us all to bring a touch of California cool into our own spaces.

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