Casual, Organic Elegance in California

When interior designer Beverley Harper saw some online photographs of a Woodside, California, home, she warned her real estate agent that she “didn’t want to buy a Sheetrock palace.” But when Harper visited the house in person, she realized that the bones were good (despite the Sheetrock), and that the house just needed some serious aesthetic adjustments.

Within two days Harper knew exactly what she wanted to do to the property. Her primary concerns were the dark floors and making the most of natural light. She replaced all the floors on the main level with a lighter wood, then traded the heavy hanging cupboards in the kitchen for open shelving and windows.

The choice of materials and furnishings resulted in a casual yet elegant home that reflects Harper’s time spent living in Europe and Australia.

This photo is from the 2010 real estate listing.

AFTER: Harper swapped out the light fixture for something a bit more contemporary and replaced all the main-level flooring with French white oak.

The driftwood art assemblage reminds Harper of the many beach houses she has lived in over the years. The piece, titled “Grow,” is by San Francisco artist Leo Bersamina.

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Casual, Organic Elegance in California