Californians at Home

Californians at Home – Style Maven Elizabeth Kirkpatrick

March 26, 2021 By kimwheeler 82 Comments

Today I am interviewing one of my favorite people, my friend Elizabeth Kirkpatrick, a native Californian who lives life with joie de vivre in a home unlike anyone else’s. She grew up in Northern California, met her Italian husband here while working at Gucci, and raised her young sons for several years outside of Florence, Italy. She and the family moved back here to the Bay Area to create a gorgeous and original home and gardens filled with animals, antiques, flowers and momentos from her travels.

Elizabeth sold antiques for 12 years and had her own shop, The Hen House. She began her blog The Vintage Contessa in 2009. Contessa was her email name and it seemed to fit her, and many of her friends call her that. She kindly opened her home to me and we safely took photos with masks and some distance and she gave some wonderful answers to my questions about what makes her a unique Californian. Meet the closest thing we have to a California Contessa..

Is this Europe? No it’s California! A glimpse of Elizabeth’s front yard. Don’t you love the paint colors of her home? She looks amazing in these citron tones and they figure prominently in her wardrobe and home.

Elizabeth you are a native Californian, grew up in Northern Cal. What makes living in California special and do you think it influences the way you entertain?
As a CALIFORNIAN we have it ALL……….OCEAN,MOUNTAINS and The DESERT all within a few hours drive! Besides it’s ALL I KNOW……..I am a 4th Generation Californian. I was born in a little farming community called Modesto in 1960. The housing community was called “Sherwood Forest”. My parents moved to Marin County when I was six months old. I had the best of all seasons as the snow (Lake Tahoe) was three hours away. The desert was an hour and 20 away by plane and my Mother had sisters in Southern California with beautiful homes. We would spend SPRING breaks and summer vacations with them. I ABSOLUTELY LOVED my time there.I would say YES, MY SURROUNDINGS INFLUENCED THE WAY I ENTERTAIN.

Any great memories of growing up here in California ? Summers?
Summers were spent in Newport Beach,Catalina Island and Palm Springs. My Aunt and Uncle had a yacht which we would cruise to Catalina for long weekends. We also had good family friends who I would stay with on Lido Isle.We walked everywhere. They (MY COUSINS) were always barefoot and I being “THE TOURIST” would always stub my big toe! From lunches at THE BLUE DOLPHIN to swimming the CHANNEL(which was a BIG NO NO!!) we were always busy bee’s!I experienced my First Spin the Bottle with a boy named JOHN ~JOHN!At home my house was on a hill where CELESTE and I would cardboard slide and dig to CHINA with gardening spades!I was always building a BARN or RABBIT HUTCH trying to con my FATHER into more pets!Or putting on PLAYS in our basement!I should have been in THEATER!

You are an amazing entertainer do you come by that through your mother or did you learn as you went?
My Parents did entertain while I was growing up.Especially during THE HOLIDAYS. My father would wear a red smoking jacket and my Mother would be in a long ……….wait FOR IT……..CAN YOU GUESS?………..CAFTAN! I knew when we moved back to CALIFORNIA from Florence, Italy I wanted to have GARDEN PARTIES! However, in the beginning we did not have much of a GARDEN! The Italian had the vision to terrace the backyard. My vision was a YELLOW AND WHITE GARDEN! I learned as I went as far as the garden. My husband loves to have people around and entertain. He would have people over every night if I said, “OKAY!” For him it means nothing of whipping up a dinner for 12 spur of the moment! SO, to answer your question I would say MY MOTHER and MY ITALIAN!

Has spending years in Italy improved the way you entertain and live? Or has being married to an Italian ?? Or both?
Living in Italy started for us in 1991 ~ 1994. Three years, four months, and 7 days………I stayed behind in Italy with the SONS when it was time to go back to the USA so MY FIRST BORN could finish FIRST GRADE. We arrived in Italy due to a death in the family so we were there to help out. We arrived in Italy just the four of us. Myself, husband and two little boys. We left Italy with two black Labs, two pound cats, one Italian woman named Gilda who had never been to the STATES and 18 pieces of luggage. It took THREE cars to get us to ROME and THREE WONDERFUL FRIENDS saying GOOD-BYE. A side note……….I PAID NOTHING FOR THE EXTRA LUGGAGE.NEVER MIND OUR BELONGINGS had left three months earlier in a container! Whats the saying,”When the cats away the mice will play!” I went shopping once THE ITALIAN had left! AND I was not buying clothes but plates and pottery!

Did Italy leave an IMPRESSION on me? Most definitely that would be a YES! Food and Family come FIRST in the ITALIAN culture. I have a good story about flying home with my sons to visit my family and I had two Italian business men FIGHTING over who would hold MY BABY! On the reverse flight I had two women in front of me rolling their eyes DISGUSTED that two kids were behind their seats! Guess what NATIONALITY THEY WERE? That trip I had my first big AHAAA Moment! What matters is FAMILY and being KIND. I ADORED ITALY…….I being the AMERICAN did not want TO LEAVE!

Did you grow up living in a house like yours with many cool objects and collected treasures?
My first response is NO! HAVE YOU EVER SEEN A HOUSE LIKE MINE? But in all honesty a few of the things I grew up with are with me today! Mostly furniture and prints, silverware,cooking utensils, and clothing that all belonged to MY MOTHER. My Mother loved to antique or thrift shop. She volunteered for an organization called SUNNY HILLS. I LOVED GOING TO WORK WITH HER AS IT WAS ONE BIG GOODWILL PILE! I was always finding “TREASURE!” I believe my look came into BEING as I had a VINTAGE/ANTIQUE shop for 12 years and my philosophy was, “BUY WHAT YOU LOVE”. That way if I ever closed; I could bring it all home with me! Well, that worked in reverse for me as some of “THE STUFF” I bought for the shop never made it to THE SHOP!

My Aunts and Cousin had BEAUTIFUL HOMES and ANTIQUES which I have always been exposed too. So,“THE EYE” was trained at an early age. Also,In the library in the Palm Springs house were back issues of COUNTRY LIFE from ENGLAND. I adored looking at these magazines, especially the last few pages where the real estate was listed! I would PICK my favorite old house abroad! Nothing has changed I still do that when I see real estate in Europe!

Elizabeth in her cool kitchen/art gallery. She can make you the most authentic cappuccino too.

You are a huge animal person and have had an array of dogs, chickens, doves, a cat and even a pig as roommates. How does this work with all your beautiful objects? Most people with all your gorgeous glassware and chandeliers wouldn’t have a pig wandering about, but you make it seem like the happiest spot for them!
The same way it worked without having the baby proofing items! I think all that baby proofing design stuff was just coming out on the market after we had our FIRST BORN! We did NOT use any of that. ALL EYES ON BABY and if we were invited to dinner without kids we did not accept the invitation!

The word NO was used and still is with THE TEA CUP PIGGY! THEY ARE VERY SMART ANIMALS…….unfortunately they are kept in mud and muck and get a BAD WRAP! He actually RUNS THROUGH THE HOUSE from one end to the other. Makes a U-TURN under the kitchen table! We call this SPRINTING! I MUST GET A VIDEO OF THIS FABULOUS FLYING PIG !He has never hit or run into any person or object! He puts himself to sleep every night and you will not hear a peep out of him until you get up in the morning! HE JUST KNOWS WHAT IS OFF LIMITS and understands the word NO very well. He also knows where he can PUSH the LIMITS!!

With her sweet pig Banksy in the yard. Can you see he smiled for me? Theodore was busy catting around when I was there so I am including this of the handsome devil from Elizabeth’s Instagram..

What’s your favorite dish or go-to for easy entertaining?
I would have to say PESTO for pasta as THE ITALIAN makes it once a year and we freeze jars of it. However, that is just a starter here…..We then serve a main course ~ you know THE ITALIAN WAY! Which for me is “CHASES MEAT” (A neighborhood boy loved this dish so we named it after him!) The real name is Cotoletta which calls for veal but I use thin sliced beef. Last night I made yellow peppers as a side dish……..EASY! Slice 4 bell peppers and take the seeds out. Put three tablespoons olive oil in frying pan and put peppers in and cover for 8 minutes. After 8 minutes add 2 Tablespoons red wine vinegar and 1 Tablespoon of sugar. Put lid on and cook for another three minutes. Serve at room temperature. Recipe hails from CUCINA FRESCA which was given to me on my 28th birthday by MY MOTHER! “Elizabeth on your 28th B-DAY to improve the Italian cooking. With Love,Mother “

Is there a cookbook you love?
When we were first married I used THE SILVER PALATE cookbook. My Mother collected cookbooks and she loved GOURMET MAGAZINE. My Grandmother was a food and wine editor for THE OAKLAND TIMES newspaper she even had a RADIO TALK SHOW on KNBR. She had her own column. GO GRANNY!!!!!!! I have enjoyed MIMI THORISSON cookbooks and SKYE MCALPINE cookbook A TABLE FOR FRIENDS.
The other CONTESSA does a FINE JOB TOO! I ADORE HER ONE PAGE RECIPES…………..THE BAREFOOT CONTESSA is always a WINNER! I do her baked SALMON with mustard and breadcrumbs when it needs to be impressive but simple and can be made ahead!

You always have the most inspiring kitchen. How did you get that look.. collected pieces?
Most were FREE or FOUND objects! The Kitchen is the HEART of the HOME. That is where we all hang out. The cat, pig and me. My vision for the kitchen NEVER HAPPENED! I have a page from a magazine DREAMING of a big center island three level table. With a lamp on it! I had found old balustrades to make the table! We still have them. I still have the photo! This vision I had 29 years ago ~ it never happened. SO, I created a SITTING ROOM with my FOUND objects. Everything has a story with me!

The pine cupboard was being TOSSED OUT BY MACYS DISPLAY PEOPLE! (Seems the new Senior V.P. of merchandising did not like pine for the displays!) I also scored THREE TABLES one of which is my desk now and another is our KITCHEN TABLE and the third one I sold. The old dish rack my COUSIN GIFTED ME. The big Flowered chair another cousin was tossing. Second chair was MY dear friends Mother’s kitchen chair……..she was dumping as she moved back to South Africa and I said NO! She has since passed of Cancer. The loveseat belonged to a department store Family in Los Angeles. ORBACH’s I think. The feet are LIONS FEET!

The brick floors were laid by MY ITALIAN one summer; he sent the three of us to ITALY to SUMMER at the beach! The Chandelier I found at a Flea Market. The carpet was a wedding gift from a family member in ROME.(I would love to change that but the sentimental WINS over the NEED!) The FRENCH clock I worked for by sitting in an ANTIQUE SHOP. THE rams head was GIFTED TO ME by a little BOY who lost his MOTHER to cancer. His mother was my dear friend. The feeding trough I found at a Flea Market with my SON for $3.50!!! The cabinet pulls I found in MODESTO at a JUNKYARD!
I think if ONE had to NAME MY LOOK it would be More of an ENGLISH COUNTRY HOME with a TOUCH of THEATER………Cecil Beaton and I SHOULD HAVE MET!

Is there a house drink you like to serve?
WINE or PROSECCO! My husband does not make cocktails nor does he drink them. With one EXCEPTION that would be a CAMPARI. That is his GO TO DRINK on the weekends. My Italian grew up in ITALY were there is no drinking age. Kids start early with water and a splash of wine! So, it is not forbidden when they become teenagers. It has always been there. If we go out I will indulge in a LEMON DROP or a COSMO!I feel like such a GROWN UP when I DO!

Alfresco entertaining is another thing you are a master at. I love how you set up your yard as another space. Any tips for gorgeous plants and creating an outside oasis?
READ those magazines! STUDY THOSE CATALOGS that come in the MAIL! TURN CORNERS DOWN of things that interest you. I am a self taught GARDENER. I read years ago in a British magazine that TWO COLORS in a GARDEN make more of an IMPACT than an assortment of colors. So, I decided to stick with YELLOW & WHITE flowers. Over the years a bit of purple and pale pink have slipped in. Only because I couldn’t WAIT for the white lavender to arrive! The purple grows better for me than the white lavender. When I purchased the PENNY ROYAL I did not realize it gave me a purple flower! I love that plant and BANKSY loves it too…….THE FRAGRANCE when one steps on it is OUT OF THIS WORLD!It likes SHADE and will SELF-SEED.
I used an old antique door for our outside table I found in ITALY………..Again it was FREE!I am still NOT THERE with the Outdoor Look as cushions get eaten by the squirrels! They love to pull the stuffing OUT and make HOLES in my yellow cushions! SO furniture is NOT big on my list which I would Love it be!

I have a fountain for the noise as we back up to a busy street! WE planted six fruit trees last SPRING so I look forward to seeing the BLOSSOMS and BANKSY the tea cup piggy will be HANGING OUT THERE! Catching any fruit that drops!I t will also make another wall to the busy road! ADD A MIRROR if possible!

Favorite candle or home scent?
I do not use candles as the one time I did the candle had dried flowers melted into it and they caught FIRE!!! The candle was in my living room and above the candle hangs DRY HOPS!! The flames were two feet……..high.I grabbed a blanket near by and yelled for The ITALIAN!! The whole experience put me off on CANDLES and that was years ago! My favorite scent is TUBEROSE.

Can we see a peek at your closet? You have an amazing wardrobe of caftans. I think just walking into your closet would make me happy every day. Any advice for someone renovating or creating a special space for their clothes?
I have zero advice as I have a husband who can do it all. Meaning construction, electrical and plumbing.However,he goes SUPER FAST so there is no time to think! Decisions have to be made LICKTY-SPLIT! Like the NIGHT BEFORE the next work DAY! I did have the vision to put my MOTHER’s bedroom lamps in the closet up high they add a little TA-DAH moment when you hit that switch. I have my veil and wedding invitation with my wedding shoes under lucite above the doorway.I always wanted to frame my bugle beaded wedding dress too but to give up. THAT WALL SPACE WAS OUT OF THE QUESTION!!!

I share the closet with THE ITALIAN as I like to refer to him on the BLOG, so it’s NOT ALL FOR ME! It is a DREAM come true but I still have baskets full of clothing that need to find a home soon! We are debating a center island! I DO LOVE THE SPACE when I enter so I think there will be NO center island for now!Instead of a chest of drawers I have an 18th century chest in my bedroom! Practical I am NOT! SENTIMENTAL I AM in saving the OLD PIECES! Let’s just say I’m a GOOD RECYCLER! Chandelier’s are ALWAYS a GOOD IDEA in A CLOSET or PANTRY or a GARAGE!

Elizabeth’s fabulous new closet her husband Giampiero built for her collection of caftans and basket handbags. I love the chandelier and the windows. Elizabeth is tall like a model and needed a closet that could hold those long dresses!

A California shop you love for home goods or clothes?
CHATEAU BEL AGE1578 W. LEWIS STREETSan Diego,CALIFORNIA
WEB SITE: CHATEAUBELAGE.COM TEXT for INFO: 619-518-1181
This is MY FAVORITE clothing shop I have found EVER! It is located in an old house and the living room has become the main salon with a fireplace. Water and refreshments are served. Opinions given if asked. A patio for outside chatting, eating and laughing. It’s a WONDERFUL SPOT TO JUST HANG OUT! I had my BIRTHDAY party there a couple of years ago! The owner has a FABULOUS sense of STYLE and a GREAT STORY! SHE grew up in an ICONIC CALIFORNIA HOTEL AS A LITTLE GIRL!

Favorite spot in California and one you hope to get to?
MONTECITO, CALIFORNIA.Close to Santa Barbara. I adore LOTUSLAND, a private estate open to the public. For years I missed OUT as their ADS in Santa Barbara magazine were always succulents! OH MY GOSH what a mistake I made ASSUMING what COULD BE! Ganna Walska created LOTUSLAND – Botanic Garden. Let’s just say Money was NO PROBLEM and FIVE husbands LATER you too can visit but reservations MUST BE MADE. Call 805-969-9990 or link here. A book on her LIFE is worth reading called, A ROOM AT THE TOP. She wanted to be an OPERA SINGER, but was told she was not GOOD enough so what does she do? She buys herself a THEATRE in PARIS!

I took so many photos at Elizabeth’s. There were just little vignettes of loveliness everywhere…Including the yards and gardens and patios..and so many beautiful flowers!

I also loved this wall in her husband’s office of photos of her and her two sons through the years.. I wish I had done something like this with my sons. You can see she has a talent for photo styling among other things!

Love these so much!

Follow Elizabeth on her blog The Vintage Contessa where besides her regular posts, features people with fabulous gardens each month and partners with Cindy Hattersley for Ageless Style. She is on Instagram as Contessa and Her Pig which is in her words : ‘Her musings and passions. What Inspires and Dazzles. Loving all things Worn and Rusted. AGE.The Grandeur of The Past. Bottom line Contessa Chatter!!’

Thank you Elizabeth! I could chat with you all day. I love all your wisdom and style and the way you wrap your day to day life in beauty. It’s truly an inspiration!

Get Elizabeth’s look and style. A few things she loves..and some similar looks.

Always Room at The Top by Ganna Walska, Sunbrella Citron Pillow, Aged Iron Pedestal Bowl, Jennafer Grace Leopard Paglamas, Hand Blown Colette Wine Glass Set, Outdoor Wall Cameo, Romi Tote Bag.

Hope you enjoyed this glimpse of Elizabeth’s California home as much as I did!

Sorry it’s been a while since my last Californians at Home post. Hopefully more soon! It’s not been easy doing this during the pandemic as you can imagine. If you missed them, you might also enjoy my other posts on Californians at Home – designer Cindy Hattersley, artist Heidi Woodmansee, and blogger Kristin Maxwell.

Have a great weekend!

Kim

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Californians at Home- Santa Cruz Artist Heidi Woodmansee

December 10, 2020 By kimwheeler 20 Comments

When I began this series, Heidi was one of the first people I thought of as she is a local artist who lives in the Santa Cruz Mountains. We met through my friend Elizabeth (aka Contessa), and we really hit it off. She’s a bubbly and fun person to be with who loves to chat and is a voracious reader and has an interest in so many things. We both have older kids and Heidi has two daughters. After I struggled my way through her wonderful watercolor class she taught this summer, I am in awe of her talent in all kinds of painting. She also had a very interesting childhood growing up in California and has transitioned from designer to teaching and painting full-time.

This is a longer post than usual, but hang with us because Heidi is a great sharer and has some stories.

Here she is at her cute entry..

Living surrounded by amazing beauty sometimes comes with a price as Heidi and her family had to evacuate this summer during the terrible fires that so many lost their homes in. Fortunately their home was unscathed, but years before in a 2011 storm a Douglas Fir fell on her home and literally split it into two and narrowly missed Heidi, but they rebuilt and it was a huge undertaking after the house was condemned and tarped…

In Heidi’s own words…

“Doors were removed, French doors and windows were added where we could to gain more natural light and access to the outdoors. I recycled all the old exterior French doors as my linen closet and interior doors. We replaced the interior hollow core doors with solid, paneled knotty alder. The ceiling in the office (now my studio!) was raised to the rafters. Our upstairs stone floors, crushed and ruined, were replaced with random width knotty elm. (I think it’s elm!) All the interior hardware and lighting fixtures were replaced with oil rubbed bronze, black. We reoriented the upstairs hall closet, and added a barn door. ”

“We moved back in during the first week in Dec., 8 years ago exactly! I coordinated the move, Russ was away on business, again! We had a tree, cookies baked and presents purchased and wrapped, and holiday dinner served in our new house on the 25th. Cooked by moi. I am so tired thinking about all of this. But that is the back story of this house and how it became what it is. I still have a few projects I’d like to do, things I’d like to change a little, but mostly I am very happy with how things turned out, even now after 8 years”

So impressive after all that. More photos of Heidi’s home style and her Heidi Michelle art studio. I think you’ll enjoy her and stories of growing up in California and more on our Q&A…

Heidi you grew up in the Southern California and now live in the Santa Cruz Mountains, near the ocean. How does that location influence the way you live and decorate?

I grew up on Vandenberg Air Force Base, and in Lompoc in Central California, about an hour North of Santa Barbara and South of San Luis Obispo. My family moved back to the US after living in Germany for years, when we got to the base my mother said we had moved ”behind the moon”. That area was not how she pictured California. At first we all hated the restrictions of living in such a small and provincial town.. The area is dry and very windy. The ocean was super dangerous and cold. We were miles from any excitement, theater, shopping, museums. (It was an hour to Santa Barbara, where we went to get a little culture.) It took getting used to. Eventually I was able to appreciate the beauty of the golden rolling hills, the wild and turbulent coast, the mild weather, and the abundant, colorful flower fields (which were at that time the main income of the Lompoc valley). But I never felt at home there. As an adult in the early 80’s I moved to the Silicon Valley, and then a few years later to Santa Cruz County where I’ve been living ever since. This is the place I was looking for!

Both my daughters were born in Santa Cruz. They are the true locals in our family! Living in California for most of my life has formed me into the person I am today, with a love of outdoor spaces, reverence for the trees and ocean. I know my love of flowers (my favorite subject when I’m painting!) blossomed (ha ha a pun!) from my exposure to the flower fields that surrounded our home and the town where I grew up.

I love the photos of your home. It seems like being an artist influences the things you choose, and use of color. Have you always lived like that? Did you grow up with art ?

Growing up I was always really proud of our home, even though we didn’t own a house until I was in high school. Before that we lived in base housing, which was not fancy and pretty tight quarters. We didn’t have a lot of money or expensive furniture. But my parents filled our home to the brim with books, art, color, music, eclectic furnishings , and most important, interesting people. My mom was always bringing home some “stray” person she met at the grocery store on the base, or in her daily escapades around town. They would usually turn into lifelong friends of the family. She liked to have people, and excitement, and fun things happening around us. We always had a garden, too. Mommy grew beautiful flowers and my job was to make little arrangements to bring to friends when we visited, and for the tables in the kitchen and dining room. I love doing that, and still do. My love of color probably developed there in the garden, although at the time I craved some calm. Like I said, I loved our home but it was a bit chaotic at times!

My godfather, Ted, lived in L.A. and had the most wonderful homes. He moved around until he found his house in the hills above Pasadena. Each house was special and unique. He had a huge influence on me and how I live now. He collected so many beautiful paintings and sculptures, furniture, interesting friends. His walls were galleries of watercolors, oil paintings, textiles, masks from around the world. It was always exciting visiting him, or staying in his house which was like our home away from home. He was a pilot and was often away, and his home was always open to us. In fact my parents had a key. We would drive the three hours to L.A and take mini vacations at the “Hotel Casa Ted”. I can remember some of his art, his garden, the way he entertained. We were always treated royally, with wonderful food served on the best china, crystal, linens. I learned so much from him about how to really live in your home, and to surround yourself with things that you love and will enjoy for a long time, rather than following trends.. When I got older, Uncle Ted would take me shopping and show me all the cool stores and the new funky places around Venice Beach and Santa Monica. It was really fun and always eye-opening. Living in a small town is so limiting but he really helped expand my horizons. I admired the artists he introduced me to, and dreamed about one day becoming one, too. Meeting them made me realize it was possible.

Wow how wonderful to grow up like that. What a fun mom and everyone should have a Ted in their lives at some point! How has it been having your own studio and space where you paint?

Oh my gosh Kim, I can’t tell you how great it is! I had been using the kitchen table for a long time. I would set up my paints, and then clean them up every day. One day a couple of years ago, I came home and my husband had moved his office downstairs into one of our daughter’s former bedrooms, and set up a work space for me in what used to be the office. It’s bright with large windows with views of the trees on two sides, two big work surfaces, my standing easel, and all my supplies at the ready for whenever inspiration hits me. It’s past-time for me to do a deep cleaning and organizing in there, I have acquired so many art supplies! Canvases, books, papers and stuff everywhere. And of course completed paintings and works-in-progress, my little nature collections of leaves and feathers and nice twigs with moss on them are all over the place. I am so lucky to have the space and I absolutely love it!!

As a former interior designer, do you have tips for people like me who are just beginning to collect real art and use it in their home decor? Does it matter if art matches the home’s tone and look or should one just go with what they love?

One of my pet peeves when referring to a piece of art, is hearing someone say “it will go with the couch”, or “it will match the room”! Art doesn’t have to match the sofa or the room!! Actually I don’t think it should! I think if you buy what you love and do it consistently, your original art will give your home that “something extra”. Mix it up! You can find artists at festivals, galleries, open studio events, local art leagues. Santa Cruz Arts Council is sponsoring the Visual Arts Network this year, to replace the Open Studios event that was cancelled due to COVID. That is a great on-line source for 2-D and 3-D art of every description, created by artists throughout Santa Cruz County. (Visualaartsnetworksccc.com)

Check out the local university and jr. college art departments, they usually have exhibits at the end of the Spring term. Purchasing from an emerging artist is a great way to acquire art without spending exorbitant amounts of money. You are sure to get something unique, and the artist will be so appreciative of the support. They are also a great resource if you want something made custom just for you. Look into contracting a commission with an artist you particularly admire. Most importantly, buy what catches your eye, makes you think, and makes your heart happy! One more thing – treat your art with respect and frame it properly, with a mat!

Those are great tips!

Has the pandemic changed the way you use your home? Has it been a challenge and do you have any things that have helped you and your family cope during this time?

Last year and into this past March I had been working part-time at a home lifestyle boutique, while at the same time leading art workshops, and teaching six week watercolor classes. I was busy arranging exhibits of my paintings in local venues and First Friday events, and had just completed Santa Cruz Open Studios. I was running around, a lot! When lockdown first started all of my activity stopped. Like everyone else I didn’t know how long SIP it would last and thought I should take advantage of the free time. I spent weeks organizing closets and drawers and getting my stuff together. I even re-sanded and re-oiled the kitchen island butcher block top, and re-lined the shelves in my linen closets! Then the weeks turned into months, well you know the rest. I feel really fortunate because our house is fairly large, and we each have plenty of space and don’t feel like we’re in each other’s way.

Every room in our house is used, daily, and it’s very comfortable. None of the space is off limits or just for show or guests. One of our adult daughters has moved back in to live with us while she works on her Masters Degree. She fixed up her room into sort of a little apartment. My husband has his own very private office downstairs, where he works daily.

My studio is my sanctuary on many days. We have nice cozy places to read, eat, space to work, space to watch TV without disturbing everyone else. During the summer I really enjoyed being outside on our decks, and fixed up a few little areas to make them colorful and welcoming. I planted lots of flowers and got a new water feature. When it wasn’t too hot outside you could find me on the vintage wicker chaise with a glass of iced tea and a library book. I have always loved our home (even before we remodeled it!), but I appreciate it even more after returning from fire-evacuations in September.

How great is this deck and the view?

Heidi’s home with her Christmas decor and below and snaps of her kitchen. The trays on the wall are antique paper mâché from 1940’s Japan and inspired by the walls of Gayle’s Bakery in Capitola. I love that spot too.

I really dig the vaulted wood ceilings and light and views!

You have decorated for the holidays.. any tips or traditions you can share? Are you an all-out holiday decorator or do you have special bits here and there?

Well, every year I say I’m going to tone it down. But I never do! I go all out, and decorate using our family treasures that we’ve been collecting for over 30 years. No themes, no color schemes except I do use a lot of white and silver. And glitter!! This year the tree is a little skinny and not as tall as I prefer. But the tree farms where we usually cut one down burned, (so sad.) We purchased a tree at a lot. It’s fine, but not as spectacular as I’d like it to be! I like them big and fat! I have lots of collections: trees, angels, special ornaments, a zillion nut crackers. The nut crackers didn’t make the cut this year but everything else is in a place of honor. I create little vignettes and don’t decorate in our private spaces for some calm! Upstairs it’s more of a controlled holiday extravaganza!

Do you have a dish that is your specialty?

I’m a pretty good cook, plus I’m a baker! I always helped my German mother bake traditional Christmas recipes. Now I put aside a day or two to bake a bunch of different cookies. Lebkuchen, which is a sort of German gingerbread, is always popular. I’m going to bake a Yule log this year, and probably 7 or 8 varieties of cookies.

The fantastic light is from the wonderful Wisteria in Soquel.

Wow I love Yule logs. I hope you share photos. Those are quite an undertaking. Any favorite cookbook?

Not really, I have recipes, mostly for baked goods, hoarded from family and sourced from all over. I grabbed my recipe box when we evacuated because those recipes would be lost forever if God forbid our house burned. I cook intuitively, and throw things together after I read a recipe. Rarely do I follow one to the letter. Haven’t had too many complaints so I guess my way in the kitchen is working!

You get more confident over the years with cooking I think right? Have a home fragrance or candle that is your signature?

I love those candles from Anthropologie in the glass jars. Capri Blue Volcano. I burn different candles in all the rooms of the house. Lavender in my bedroom, cinnamon, grapefruit, or citrusy scents are my favorite. I usually see what I can find at Marshalls!

The mix of the wood, white walls, and the blue accents have that Santa Cruz feel.

Can you recommend a California shop or two that you love for clothes or home goods?

For home goods I’ll put in a plug for the little boutique where I used to work. Botanic and Luxe in Santa Cruz is a lovely houseplants and homestyle boutique, owned by two lifelong best friends, young women who put their hearts and souls into everything they do. I really admire them, and their shop is filled with many locally crafted, carefully curated items.

I also love spending time at Wisteria in Aptos. That’s where I go when I need a little pick me up, or some inspiration. Wandering from room to room finding exquisite vintage and new treasures, exploring the gardens, and visiting the doves are all my idea of a perfect way to spend the afternoon!

I love Wisteria too! Do you have a favorite part of California – and what part do you still want to see?

I absolutely love living here in Santa Cruz County! I’m only a few minutes from walking on one of many beaches, or hiking through the redwoods, or shopping in our very cool, hip little downtown.

I fell in love with Mendocino when we visited there, Big Sur is amazing, the Napa, Carmel, Santa Ynez valleys are so beautiful. Monterey Bay is spectacular! When I would drive south to see my parents the drive through the Salinas Valley always took my breath away. The misty hills and all the agricultural fields are something special. San Francisco is such a fun city to visit. Lake Tahoe is where my husband and I eloped, the mountains and lake are gorgeous and the air is so fresh.

I guess I’m more of a Northern California Girl. I like the cooler weather and changes in the seasons here, such as they are for California. I love the redwood trees. I’m not a fan of the sprawl of a big city. I’m looking forward to exploring a little more in the northern part of our beautiful state. Trinidad is on my list!

You’ll love Trinidad! Humboldt and that whole area is beautiful.

Framed etchings from Germany collected by Heidi’s parents on their travels. Heidi’s mom was an actress from East Germany and her father a chief flight engineer in the Air Force when they met in there in 1950.

Heidi’s guest bath-a copper clad credenza with a vessel sink.

And her master bath..Love the tub and window!

I think these sinks are so cool…They are called “Happy D” sinks Heidi says, and are by Duravit.

You can follow Heidi and see and purchase her art on her Instagram and also on her website which showcases more all she does.

I especially love her botanical watercolors like this Christmas cactus and she’s been doing pet portraits for the holidays by commission too. She does both acrylics and watercolors and I loved looking through all her art. She often does shows, but during Covid you can browse her website.

Love Heidi’s home style? Get the Heidi look..

Heidi’s Love Blooms watercolor, Capri Blue Volcano Candle, Mercury Glass Trees, Sheepskin Rug, Blossoms Pillow, Abbot Table Lamp, Pedestal Candles.

Thank you Heidi for opening your lovely home up and sharing your tales of California living. I hope you enjoyed meeting her!

Kim

All photos and art property of Heidi Woodmansee.

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Californians At Home- Designer Cindy Hattersley

October 1, 2020 By kimwheeler 22 Comments

Today is just the second of my new series about how Californians live at home. Cindy Hattersley, a dear friend and super successful designer and blogger, has been at the top of my list to get for this series. She’s had a lot going on lately, but she kindly took the time to share some of her style secrets.

Not long ago I attended a lunch for our friend Elizabeth at her home and while there I asked Cindy if I could snap some photos. Cindy lives in a very special spot of California, Chualar in the Salinas Valley, ten miles south of the town of Salinas. Chualar was part of an old Mexican Land Grant and her stunning home is nestled in the hills in a private neighborhood. Cindy and her husband bought the property, along with the 10 acres of adjoining open space 30 years ago and did every bit including the amazing gardens while raising their two kids. They have created a sort of oasis out there in the Monterey Spanish Colonial style and have lovingly decorated it with their collections and beautiful antiques.

A little more about Cindy, a Midwestern gal who came to be a Californian. Let’s take a peek inside her California home shall we?

Cindy you grew up in Indiana, but have been in California a long time. How does California influence the way you live and decorate? Do you feel more like a Californian after all these years?

I am a hoosier at heart, but yes I do feel more like a Californian. The weather here allows us so much freedom with bringing the outdoors in. I love having my garden as an integral part of the overall design. Entertaining outside whenever possible, and incorporating natural elements in my interiors as well as when I entertain.

What do you think makes Californians different in the way they live and entertain?

Our ability to entertain outdoors most of the year. There is always something green and or flowering to bring inside our homes and our casual approach to both how we entertain and live. I think we Californians entertain in a style that is approachable and inviting.
SO agree! We are much more casual I think.

I love your home and the personal things along with antiques and beautiful objects make it so unlike any other home I’ve been in. Did you achieve this look organically over time or was it all planned?

Both actually. My husband and I started collecting antiques before we graduated from college. We created a couple of our corner cupboards when we built our home. We have continued to buy and sell pieces over time in order to add to our collection. As you know I am an avid believer in a collected look. I love combining the old and the new to create a harmonious mix. I don’t want my house to look like a museum with collections everywhere. My husband is more of a purist. He would prefer everything to be antique. I prefer more of a mix but always favor something old over something new.

You are a beautiful entertainer are there any tips you can share?

I try to keep the menu simple but tasty.

Is there a favorite dish that is your specialty or cookbook you return to again and again?

I don’t think I have a specialty. I love to cook but cannot and will not bake! I don’t usually prepare a lot of heavy food. I use a lot of fresh ingredients whenever I can. I prepare more Ina Garten recipes than any others. I know any recipe she puts in a cookbook has been well- researched. I am a big fan of hers.

I adore her too!

I know you and your husband are wine people. Tell me what California wine you are loving right now.

My husband loves Napa cabs and we both love the Rhone varietals from the Paso Robles area where we own another home. Personally I like wines that are more food friendly. Pinot Noir is my favorite hands down.

Is there a favorite fragrance or candle you use in your home?

Interesting that you should ask. I don’t care for anything that smells like something baking. I prefer a citrus, or earthy based candle.

Is there a great California shop you love for clothes or home goods or both?

Locally, for home goods I love Tancredi & Morgen, Wisteria, Patine, and Warmth Company. Both Warmth Company and Tancredi carry some interesting clothing items as well. In Paso , AnBe, the Shoe Tree and Bijou for clothing.

What’s the California town or spot you most love in our amazing state?

I love Paso Robles and we are fortunate to live close to the Monterey Peninsula and Big Sur. I love Yosemite and all of the wine regions, Sonoma, Napa, Santa Ynez Etc.

Anyplace your still want to go to here, but it’s on your list?

We have been most places within the State, I guess I would just like to revisit many of them.

Thank you Cindy!

Below a few more photos of Cindy’s home. I think it’s the accessories, mix of color and all the cozy spots make it so special and inviting. Even this etagere in her powder room is just a stunning collection. The food she prepares is also gorgeous as you can see from the photos. Some more glimpses of her pretty spaces. A lot of photos, but I wanted to show you how lovely it is…

Her sweet pup Beau!

Cindy not only has decorating talent, but fantastic personal style too. Every time I see her I am mentally taking notes on what she put together, her cool jewelry, shoes and clothes. She just wrote this post about how she found her own style! I loved it.