California French Cottage Home Tour

One of my oldest and dearest friends lives just down the street from me.

Bienvenue à la Maison Claire.

Claire describes her home as a "Beach Cottage" built in the 1950's.

I think her background as a French language student who 

studied in Paris has greatly influenced her beachy style.

She has achieved a 

gracious, comfortable and elegant style.

 This is her living room/family room.  She loves a neutral palette and it always feels current.

Notice the French theme?

 Claire's husband loves the sea and sails racing boats.  Her sons are/were lifeguards on 

Newport Beach.  There are nautical motifs throughout their home.

Claire has this gorgeous kitchen and hates to cook!  She remodeled this a few years ago.  

(Wish she had taken before photos).

 But she knows where the best take-out is and count on her to make fabulous appetizers.

 The kitchen nook is a favorite spot for her family and friends to gather.  

I could not get a lighter shot!  All that California sunshine outside!

The view outside her kitchen window.  

We are lucky here to get the ocean breezes and have few insects.

This area (formerly the smaller kitchen) is Claire's office.

 She designs jewelry using new and vintage pieces collected from flea markets.

Claire has made some of my favorite jewelry.

 Her "atelier."

 This is a little jewel box of a powder room.

She bought the base at an antique store and painted it 

(along with the mirror) and added the marble top.

See my hand by the orchid...busted.

 Come on upstairs. 

 I love where the full length mirror is positioned (I suggested it, remember Claire?).

 Isn't her daughter's room darling?  Claire did such a great job mixing new with vintage finds.

I love the hanging lantern and the seahorse table.  So unique.

Here, in the upstairs hall you get the beach cottage feel but with the elegance of a crystal chandelier.

The above photos flank the front door.  I love that sweet quilted chair on the left.

The handles and knobs on the built-in on the right are from an antique hardware store. 

Nice way to add character to a new piece.

 I love Claire's style and "je ne sais quoi."  How about you?

"Thanks, Claire for giving us a tour.  Sure, I'd love a cup of tea."