It doesn't matter how many home tours we come across, the boho-chic California style gets us every time. There's something about this laid-back aesthetic that feels lived-in and cool without trying too hard. It also fits right in with the relaxed lifestyle of the golden state. This newly constructed modern farmhouse style in Westchester, Los Angeles, made our retinas dilate at seeing Natalie Myers of Veneer Designs interpret the modern boho style.
The five-bed, five-bath, 3900-square-foot home was designed with a toddler, a dog, two cats, and working parents in mind. So Myers set about crafting a much-welcomed sanctuary for the young family to retreat to that was chic but not too precious. She was determined to achieve a beachy, refined, and light home with furniture and accessories that not only looked beautiful but could withstand the daily wear and tear of family life too. We think she nailed the brief.
Take a look for yourself. We guarantee you'll be sharing it with all the heart emojis.
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Myers tells me that the stylistic cue for this room was the quintessential California-infused beach lifestyle that her clients moved from Seattle to L.A. to be a part of. "Modern coastal inspiration informed the living room, with a bite and edge so people don't take it too seriously," she says.
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One thing we couldn't help but admire about the space was Myers' minimal and unfussy style with earthy texture and edgy masculine undercurrents. "I apply this style as a filter for my clients' wishes and the house's architecture to create a unique install specific to that project," she explains. "It's a long-winded way of saying I don't have a specific style I subscribe to my clients. More of a viewpoint that I use to help them focus their energies."
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The color palette is fairly neutral throughout with mostly white, black, and nudes with navy "making its way in drips and drops." Myers tells me the color palette clearly dictated her client’s wardrobe choices. "It felt right to embrace this timeless and calming combination," she says.
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The only small challenge was working around the dog and 2-year-old. "We rejected a few cool pieces because we knew they wouldn't last," she says. "Otherwise, my clients were beyond sweet, chill, and enthusiastic. There were no major hurdles. It was a walk in the park."
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Keeping in with the coastal theme, Myers featured photographs of surfers and sunsets.
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The bathroom evokes a bohemian vibe with a vintage runner and timber ladder for the Turkish towels.
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Myers describes the primary bedroom as a "serene retreat with a balance of feminine and masculine pieces." It's mostly minimal in style with some bohemian and beachy touches to keep things interesting and to feel more personal.
Primary Bedroom
The term "Primary Bedroom" is now widely used to describe the largest bedroom in the home, as it better reflects the space’s purpose. Many realtors, architects, interior designers, and the Real Estate Standards Association have recognized the potentially discriminatory connotations in the term "Master." Read more about our Diversity and Inclusion Pledge.
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The overdyed vintage rug provides an anchor to the soft and neutral colors of the room.
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The four-poster bed brings a whimsical touch to an otherwise boho-chic room.
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Each piece is thoughtfully considered so there is minimal clutter or distraction and a central focus on slumber, which should always be the priority of any bedroom.
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While there are several things she loves about the space, she was delightfully surprised at how much the formal living room is used by the family. "I wasn't expecting anyone to spend much time in it beyond admiring the set up on their way into the kitchen," she says. "I was wrong. Apparently, each member of the family really enjoys their time in the space. From reading books to practicing the ukulele to actually conversing. It's great to see it as both a pretty and a functional space."
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The great family room is a "massive space" with tall ceilings for the family to hang. "We hid a large Samsung Frame TV on the gallery wall among minimalist California centric images," she says. "Most guests don't realize it's there. The layout is fairly simple yet each piece packs a punch of uniqueness."
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When it comes to playing favorites, Myers says the extra-large "perfectly distressed" rug in the great room is the "most beautiful thing in the entire house." She adds, "It was also a delight to work with vendors like Katie Hodges, Lawson Fenning, and Lostine to create customized versions of the items they sell. We used nude leather wherever we could."
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The great room blends into the dining room and kitchen, making for a beautiful open-plan style that's flooded with light thanks to big windows and skylights.
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The open-plan design is perfect for a growing family. You can see the kids playing or eating while you're cooking in the kitchen.
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Myers gave the basic white kitchen a shakeup with black and brass accents. "I wanted to bring in some of the contrast and edge we accomplished in the formal living room," she says. The bright kitchen runner definitely helped to achieve that edge. "When you see a fab vintage rug you like that fits the space, you grab it as fast as you can and then figure the rest out," she says. We couldn't agree more.