When most of us imagine what a perfect home for a family is, we envision one that has ample play area inside and out, one that fosters creativity and inspiration for all of its members, and one that feels like a respite from the rest of our chaotic lives. It seems as if the Taylor family has found just that in their 1919 Oakland, CA farmhouse cottage. Diana Taylor, a home decor maker and interior designer, and her husband Josh (an app designer), and their two daughters Adelaide and Laia, have only lived in their little Oakland haven for seven months, but you would never know that looking at their inviting space. It’s together inspiring and not surprising to see how settled the family looks when you discover that they have moved nine times in the past ten years! Diana is essentially a pro at this point, and we have no doubt that the heart and spirit of the home is only going to get that much stronger the longer they live in their lovely little oasis.
Diana and Josh have lived in the Bay Area for five years, and this is the first home they have owned. Living in the Bay Area can sometimes feel cruel because you love it so much, but being able to actually own your own little piece of it can be extremely difficult. When the Taylors were looking to buy their home they weren’t even looking in the neighborhood they ultimately settled into, but the unique arrangement of the lot, lush garden, and obviously the adorable (and unusual for the area!) farmhouse style cottage was enough to convince them, fully. Knowing that their kids could climb in the many trees on the property (everything from eucalyptus, to a variety of fruit trees), build fairy houses, and adventure in the park-like setting was an incredible future to behold. The party doesn’t stop at the yard, however, Diana tells us that there is no end to the plays, dance recitals, building, crafting, and choreography inside their house! Guests are also a common staple in their home, with all of their family being out of town, a rotating cast of visitors are often found enjoying the splendor.
With so much being perfect in this home it’s hard to imagine anything lacking at all, however there are a few places for ingenuity/improvement– storage and a single bathroom being paramount. With all the bedrooms upstairs, and the single bathroom downstairs (and for a family of four) an upstairs bathroom is a dream they have for the future. Storage is also a little short in the Taylor home, Diana admits that for the first five months of living in their linen-closet-less new house they just piled extras in front of the washer. Being the creative and professional unpacker that she is, Diana has come up with solutions– like baskets for the kids’ many toys and crafts, side tables with storage, multi-use items and plans to add a bigger vanity in the bathroom with storage. But, for now, they’re happy to be building memories, sharing their home with family and friends, and watching the endless inspiration they, and their children, pull from their new house. -Rebekah
Above image: The Taylor family sitting on their front steps. “Our front porch is quintessential farmhouse living. I often sit and read or get work done on the porch while the girls play and we sometimes all sit on the porch and have dinner together. It’s a great place to sit and chat with neighbors. Its really an important part of the home, where guests are welcomed in,” Diana explains.
from Design*Sponge http://www.designsponge.com/2017/07/a-petite-farmhouse-hidden-within-a-beautiful-garden-in-oakland-for-a-creative-family-of-four.html
from Home Improvment http://notelocreesnitu.tumblr.com/post/163450315324
No comments:
Post a Comment