When this old Northern California home was renovated and redecorated back in the mid-1960s, the owners decided to take inspiration from some of their favorite destinations around the world: England, France and Spain.
By razing two tiny bedrooms and a hall, enough space was cleared to give one family’s the college-age twins an L-shaped living room of their own that was really half bedroom, half study.
Except for a dash of brilliance on the chair cushions and studio couches, the colors were natural neutrals, and the textures rough — timbers and mastic walls adding up to a rugged background for headboards made of old Spanish window grilles.
Since there originally was no fireplace, a plaster-hooded, circular stone fire pit was built, Spanish-farmhouse style, in the center of the sitting area. (The flue was a simple pipe through the ceiling.)
ALSO SEE: A dramatic fireplace filled the center of this midcentury modern living room
Around the warmth of the fire, the kids could can stretch out on tiger skins or loll in comfy chairs made of French wicker.
