These days some people consider 1,900 square feet tiny, but decades ago homes of this size were considered quite normal. With a nod to the charms of modestly scaled houses, the August issue of Western Interiors features a style-packed Los Angeles residence designed by Betsy Burnham.
Throughout the house Burnham used bold, vertical strokes to avoid a quaint cottage feel and to make the rooms seem more generous. Note for example the vintage screen in the master bedroom and the punchy apple-green tiles in the bathroom. The really fun, fearless gestures though are in the living and dining rooms, so I won't spoil the surprise for those who don't yet have a copy of the magazine. If you are a Burnham fan and seek inspiration for a not-so-huge house, this a must see.
Photography by Matthew Millman. Thanks Mrs. Blandings for the tip!
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14 comments:
I love the white lacquered bedside table. It's especially pretty in combination with the chinoiserie panels.
I agree! In the past 20 years people suddenly need 4,000 SF to not feel 'cramped' - ridiculous!! I prefer a 1900 sf house to a large impersonal one anyday!
The headboard in the bedroom is so dreamlike and beautiful.
On another note, you might enjoy the interview I just posted, of a designer who lived in a palace.
I'm glad you liked it - it is a great house!
I agree with you all, the screen/headboard is a show-stopper and pairs so nicely with the glossy white table. So Betsy to mix modern and older finds.
Be the Change -- I know, I think the complaints about being cramped these days are funny sometimes :)
I'm loving those large green square tiles in the bathroom. They make such a happy statement and I don't think I would tire of the look at all.
As for square footage - I'm all about only having what you need. I've always thought that more space, would just mean more cleaning - ugh!
tonic -- great point about the cleaning! I love the tiles too.
Yes, it's a little disturbing to see beautiful and quaint smaller houses being torn down in favor of soaring and huge houses that don't look appropriate for the lot - let alone the region they are built in.
Our little house is only 1600 s/f and was built in 1979. It has 3 bedrooms and 2 baths - all of which are of decent size. Because of the open floorplan, it seems much bigger and we're able to entertain easily.
Besides, I have enough stress trying to decide how to decorate that 1600 s/f.... I can't imagine twice that!! ;-)
Riley -- yes, 20 rooms plus assorted out-buildings would be a huge decorating task!
I love how they used that screen as a headboard! Lovely!
Love a not-so-huge home with style. Take that any day over a cavernous one sans style.
I love cottages and bungalows. I also love Burnham's style. Thaks for the tip, I will have to check out this issue, Courtney!
I actually meant the screen behind the headboard that's so dreamlike and beautiful.
Thanks Courtney, and Mrs. B! I am a Burnham fan so this is very fun to see. The bedroom is wonderful.
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