Knock, Knock: Nature Inspired Home
Artist Stephanie Congdon Barnes has spent the last eight years in Portland, Oregon, with her husband and their two children. Here, we take a peek inside their lovely home, which brings together thrift-store finds, vintage pieces and Stephanie's own creations.
Since her kids don't watch TV, Stephanie created a television cozy from wool felt. Add an Eames rocker, tree brances and pillowcases handmade from Vera Neumann tablecloths, and--ta da!--you get this warm family space.
In her kitchen, Stephanie brings together colorful Scandinavian and modern mid-century pieces to "brighten up the everyday." The yellow chair is vintage Casalino.
Seven-year-old Mia loves girly stuff, "but I'm not a glitter-and-sparkle person," says Stephanie. "We reached a happy medium for her bedroom: lots of pink flowers, but using vintage fabrics."
Miles, 5, is the lucky inhabitant of this cheery room, featuring a thrift-store lamp, a shadowbox made by Stephanie's sister and curtains in place of a door. The family recently tore off one hundred years of wallpaper and are preparing to repaint--although we secretly love the rustic look of the old walls.
This craft studio is a haven for both Stephanie and her kids. ("They love to make stuff, too," she says.) Two inspiration boards display art by friends and family; and her dad built the extra-high table base because Stephanie likes to stand while working.
More thoughts from Stephanie after the jump...
ON HER STYLE: "My husband and I like a clean, simple look. I paint the walls with neutral colors and let the furniture and accessories be the color."
ON REDECORATION: "We have a 100-year-old house, which we're gradually renovating on a budget. Almost all our furniture comes from yard and estate sales. We have yet to buy a new piece of furniture--but we'd like to! Maybe someday."
ON HER CHILDREN'S INFLUENCE: "My children find nature--branches, shells and rocks--to display in our home. It's art to us."
ON PORTLAND: "Portland is the best place to have a family and still have a fun life. Many artists and designers live here. We love it."
Visit Stephanie's flickr site to see more shots of her home and creations and to be inspired!
this house is gorgeous. what fun colors and cute pieces!
I am not sure, but I think the chrome thing on the back of the kitchen door in one of the pictures is for saran wrap and wax paper. I only know because I have a friend in his eighties who lives on CPW and he has a white one similar to it! It is probably from the 1950's!!! I want to move to Portland!
Also, what is that adorable toy on the kitchen rubbish bin????