California Country Style

The other day, I discovered an awesome blog written by an gal named Kelley…

She and her family used to live here, in Corona Del Mar, California…

Kelley spent four fun-filled years decorating the place from top to bottom…

But on September 29th of last year, she published a blog post titled SOLD. Kelley confessed that they had recently decided the time was right for a new challenge, and that they had sold the house completely furnished. Like, as in, they left every single thing in the house for the new owner. Pretty wild, huh? (I’ve entertained the idea of doing that with our house someday, so it was neat to read about her experience!)

Today, Kelley and her hubby are renting a condo while they search for their next home. They’re also in the process of renovating a ranch house in Ojai, California. Kelley said, “it was a total mess, but exactly what we wanted for a weekend getaway.“

(Kelley’s Ojai, CA fixer upper)

Ojai is about 25 miles south of Santa Barbara, and about 12 miles inland from Ventura and the beach. The population is about 8,000 and the valley itself is only about 12 miles from end to end. There isn’t a single mall or parking meter to be found, and its winding roads are lined with native California Oaks- most of which are 80+  years old and because of strict preservation regulations. Each lot in their community is at least one acre and is surrounded by countryside dotted with orange, lemon and tangerine orchards. She says buying their Ojai fixer was their “crazy and exciting attempt to capture a small slice of the country life just a few hours from work, and not so far from the city that you can’t find a Home Depot near by“.

So far, they’ve pretty much just concentrated on fixing up the outside areas of the house. The front porch got some fresh paint, a floor full of stunning stones, and a whole bunch of neat, flea market style decor…

I can hardly wait to see what Kelley does with the inside of the house! Here are some of her ‘before’ shots…

They’ve just started to renovate this bathroom…

If you’d like to see how it all turns out, stayed tuned to Kelley’s blog: The Polished Pebble!

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79 Responses to California Country Style

1. Emily says:

   Mar 24, 2011 at 11:07 am

   I love when you find new delicious design blogs and share them. I just added the the polished pebble to my blog reader. Thanks!

   

   Reply
2. Bethany says:

   Mar 24, 2011 at 11:08 am

   Wow! I can’t even…wow!

   

   Reply
3. andrea says:

   Mar 24, 2011 at 11:08 am

   that’s awesome. i admire those who sell their houses completely furnished! it’s kinda cool cause you get to start all over with a new idea/design. perfect for the design junkie who wants a challenge thanks for sharing i’m gonna check out her blog!

   

   Reply
4. Melissa Lewis - Midwest Magnolia says:

   Mar 24, 2011 at 11:09 am

   Oh my Lord, I am in love with her house! It is gorgeous! Thank you for sharing your new find so I can now enjoy her beauty as well! So inspired!

   

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5. Ginger says:

   Mar 24, 2011 at 11:14 am

   I have followed Kelley’s blog for a long time. How lucky was that new homeowner to get all her gorgeous furnishings and art? She is amazingly talented and sweet. Glad to see you feature her!

   

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6. bungalowbliss says:

   Mar 24, 2011 at 11:14 am

   Holy cow. I don’t know if I would be so brave to just walk away. On one hand, it sounds very refreshing and exciting (let’s start anew!) but I get sooo attached and have a lot of family items and furniture. Good for her, though. On to a new adventure!

   I’ve also added her blog to my reader. Looking forward to seeing the new house take shape!

   

   Reply
7. nancy says:

   Mar 24, 2011 at 11:16 am

   I just love Kelley!! I’ve been a follower of her blog & she has amazing taste! I’m glad you discovered her and now many more will enjoy her blog as I do!! xoxo’s Nancy

   

   Reply
8. Yanet of 3 Sun Kissed Boys says:

   Mar 24, 2011 at 11:19 am

   Wow! I’d love to buy a home like that WITH everything in it! Awesome! Thanks for introducing her to us.

   

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9. Rachel Gill says:

   Mar 24, 2011 at 11:20 am

   Thanks for sharing Kelly’s blog with us Layla. I can’t get over how lovely her home turned out. It’s gorgeous! I’m heading over now to become a follower.

   Rachel
   xoxo

   

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10. Deidre Lynn says:

    Mar 24, 2011 at 11:24 am

    That kitchen! The china cabinet! Just beautiful.

    

    Reply
11. Sheila says:

    Mar 24, 2011 at 11:24 am

    I am at lost for words. No wonder the new owners wanted everything in the house she sold. The house is great. She has the decorating touch. Thanks for posting the photos.

    

    Reply
    • Layla says:

      Mar 24, 2011 at 11:35 am

      Sure thing, chicken wing! I knew you’d love them too!

      

      Reply
12. Estela @ Weekly Bite says:

    Mar 24, 2011 at 11:27 am

    Holy Moly!! Her house is awesome!! I’m heading over to her blog now

    

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13. ashley says:

    Mar 24, 2011 at 11:30 am

    OH. MY. WORD. I am DYING over her house! DYING. The yellow quilt…the sofas…the signage…the laundry room…ALL of it. LOVE her look and style. Officially obsessed. thanks for that one.

    

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14. Leah says:

    Mar 24, 2011 at 11:33 am

    “Hey mom, can Layla and Kelley come over to play this afternoon???!!”

    

    Reply
    • Layla says:

      Mar 24, 2011 at 11:35 am

      LOL!!!!

      

      Reply
15. gretchen nation says:

    Mar 24, 2011 at 11:40 am

    I have heard of this being done with vacation homes, but never with one so full of treasures. What a wonderful excuse to shop for new/old items! Makes you take a look around your own home and ask yourself iff it’s something you could do……?

    

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16. Katie Goldsworthy says:

    Mar 24, 2011 at 11:46 am

    OMGoodness!!! LOVE! This is me to a tee! Thanks for posting. I love how it a bit of modern, a bit of country, and so wonderfully eclectic!

    –Katie
    http://www.blah2beautiful.blogspot.com

    

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17. Rachel says:

    Mar 24, 2011 at 11:51 am

    Wow, she has amazing taste and her home is gorgeous! That would be hard to walk away from!

    

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18. tracie says:

    Mar 24, 2011 at 11:51 am

    thanks for sharing.. that was a beautiful home! and i love OJAI!! such a gorgeous location! {we used to live in Oxnard, next to Ventura}

    

    Reply
19. Dani says:

    Mar 24, 2011 at 12:07 pm

    What a beautiful house! That seems like one instance when you would not infact want to clear out all personal effects, as the realtors tell you to!

    

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20. liz @ bon temps beignet says:

    Mar 24, 2011 at 12:10 pm

    Oh, I totally love her style. You can tell that each and every piece in her home has a story.

    And every time I’m at Home Depot I see that door. My hubby and I call it the “pirate door”. I’ve always wondered what it would look like on a house. Thanks for sharing these pics!

    

    Reply
21. Kelly says:

    Mar 24, 2011 at 12:23 pm

    Great! Now I have one more amazing blog to stare at longingly instead of finishing my ever-growing laundry pile!!

    

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22. Kim @ Life Analytical says:

    Mar 24, 2011 at 12:29 pm

    The kitchen in her former house makes me so happy. I’m captivated by the laundry room as well.

    

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23. Aja says:

    Mar 24, 2011 at 12:37 pm

    WOW!!! This is so totally AWESOME! I really wanted this light for my kitchen… So this has totally made my day…Thank you for hosting such a wonderful giveaway! I love your blog and all the inspiring things you guys do. Your Blogger Friend, Aja

    

    Reply
24. Mrs.B says:

    Mar 24, 2011 at 1:01 pm

    Awesome! Thanks for sharing her blog!

    

    Reply
25. lauren says:

    Mar 24, 2011 at 1:03 pm

    that would be one way to not get too attached to your things!! absolutely gorgeous! although i have to say i am kind of a sucker for the ‘this was my great grandma’s” ‘this i found on that little weekend getaway’ memories that live happily next to my pretties. but i can imagine if you aren’t into that– what a freeing feeling as you’re off to start over!

    

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26. Kelley says:

    Mar 24, 2011 at 1:05 pm

    Well…I’m pretty much speachless right now…that never happens!
    I can’t thank you enough Layla, for the wonderful feature of my work and house. You did such an amazing job really telling our story. I hope all of your readers stop by The Polished Pebble often…I am so happy to have some new friends! Your self included of course…

    SWAK Layla! ; 0 )

    xo kelley

    

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27. Denise Collins says:

    Mar 24, 2011 at 1:11 pm

    Wow Thanks for sharing her blog. Her house was so beautiful I can’t wait to see how this new house turns out. I love the porch already.

    

    Reply
28. Flower Patch Farmgirl says:

    Mar 24, 2011 at 1:54 pm

    Holy Macaroni. I can’t get over her style! Love it all. Love the pops of color and all the weatheredness. (yes, that’s really a word.)

    

    Reply
29. Lolo says:

    Mar 24, 2011 at 1:57 pm

    Kelley is utterly UH-mazing! Not only is she the bomb at decorating, gardening, etc. etc., but she is a kindred spirit too Ojai is gorgeous. Quite a few famous people have homes there. There is a reason for that!
    Anyways, love that you featured my Cali gal pal. She is truly a gem

    ps – thank you for the coupon!! I am off to hopefully order another light from them

    

    Reply
30. Kasey says:

    Mar 24, 2011 at 2:16 pm

    Wow beautiful house and another wow because I can’t even imagine selling an entire home full of furniture.

    

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31. Vanessa says:

    Mar 24, 2011 at 2:42 pm

    Wow Kelley does some awesome work! What a great idea for a Navy uniform! I might have to frame up my hubbys

    

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32. Susan says:

    Mar 24, 2011 at 3:39 pm

    That was one of the most beautiful houses I’ve ever seen! Lucky is the person that bought that lock, stock and barrel!
    Susan

    

    Reply
33. Steve says:

    Mar 24, 2011 at 3:42 pm

    You’ve put together a really beautiful snapshot of Kelley’s homes. I followed along as she showed each room but seeing everything together is a special treat. I guess I should be following you too! Steve

    

    Reply
34. Steph. says:

    Mar 24, 2011 at 4:11 pm

    I live next door to Corona del Mar and I don’t know if I could do it because their house was likely a BLOCK from the ocean!!!! That said, the quiet, country kind of life is calling me more and more.

    Thanks for sharing this!

    

    Reply
35. IAMSNWFLAKE says:

    Mar 24, 2011 at 5:19 pm

    Gorgeous house! Loved it!

    

    Reply
36. Jan, Adventures in Southern Junkin' says:

    Mar 24, 2011 at 5:48 pm

    Thanks for sharing…and WOW! So interesting and so daring to really start anew!!

    

    Reply
37. kelly says:

    Mar 24, 2011 at 5:51 pm

    oh my goooooodness! that yellow quilt and striped rug, and the buckets, and pillows, and collection of prints in the dining room, and the kitchen cupboard, and the JARS, and that laundry room that i would die for, and then after venturing over to the blog – that GARDEN at her new project!!! glory!
    do you suppose her buyer is ready to sell it now? ha ha.
    thank you for sharing another place for me to get addicted.
    kelly in georgia

    

    Reply
38. liz says:

    Mar 24, 2011 at 5:56 pm

    forwarding this to my mom who is Hanford, California. This is just her style!

    

    Reply
39. Julie {CalleLillyCafe} says:

    Mar 24, 2011 at 6:28 pm

    Yes, can I have her furnished house to go please? gorgeous. Her new place & location sound perfect! Look fwd to seeing updates on her blog! thx for sharing! xo

    

    Reply
40. Emily @ ReMarkable Home says:

    Mar 24, 2011 at 6:52 pm

    Her house was simply amazing! I can’t wait to see what she does with the fixer-upper!
    I had an apothecary chest similar to the one in her family room built for my sister’s cabin. I love that piece!

    

    Reply
41. Terry Belcher says:

    Mar 24, 2011 at 6:54 pm

    stunning work in the sold house, luv it!

    

    Reply
42. Margie says:

    Mar 24, 2011 at 7:55 pm

    in.love. THANK YOU for sharing – you are the reason I have black cabinets and now Kelly is the reason we are ripping out the uppers for open shelving. So inspiratational!!!

    

    Reply
43. Kristin S says:

    Mar 24, 2011 at 8:02 pm

    Oh, this was a fun post! I can’t imagine selling a home with everying inside. Sure makes moving easier. Packing is the worst part.

    

    Reply
44. Geri Greco says:

    Mar 24, 2011 at 8:41 pm

    O.k. Layla.
    I will list your house with my new license and buy it too…..complete of course
    with all the Layla & Kevin magic included.
    Hugs,Geri.

    

    Reply
45. Jamie says:

    Mar 24, 2011 at 10:36 pm

    Layla & Kelly,
    Will you be my friend? Please check yes or no.

    Love the Polished Pebble! Definitely added to my reader…

    

    Reply
46. Maris (In Good Taste) says:

    Mar 25, 2011 at 4:03 am

    I just happened upon your blog and I love it! Thanks for sharing the pictures and details of Kelly’s house. You are both now bookmarked.

    

    Reply
47. Belly B says:

    Mar 25, 2011 at 4:38 am

    The home she sold looks like it came right out of a fairytale. A beautiful modern fairytale. *yearns*

    

    Reply
48. sherry {designindulgence} says:

    Mar 25, 2011 at 5:42 am

    I have been a follower of Kelley for a while. I love her style, and how nice to let everyone else know about how talented she is.

    

    Reply
49. Colleen says:

    Mar 25, 2011 at 9:10 am

    Wow Great blog you have here!…I am a follower of Kelleys…Off I go to read more of your blog!

    

    Reply
50. Kim in MD says:

    Mar 25, 2011 at 9:37 am

    I would have bought Kelley’s house totally furnished! It’s gorgeous! I can’t wait to see what she does with her new home!

    

    Reply
51. Susan says:

    Mar 25, 2011 at 9:37 am

    Wow, Layla, I can’t imagine walking away from that amazing home. It would be fun to start a brand new adventure, though. Thanks for sharing Kelley’s home and blog.

    

    Reply
52. Penny G. Malone says:

    Mar 25, 2011 at 9:48 am

    I’m going to add “The Polished Pebble” to my favorites list, also. I can not believe she could move out and leave all of those PRICELESS treasures!! Yay for the new owners though, right? I enjoy reading your blog =) I look forward to reading it every day.

    

    Reply
53. Alima says:

    Mar 25, 2011 at 9:50 am

    Wow! That first house was GORGEOUS!! I am still drooling over that kitchen! She has amazing style – I am so jealous of her talent! I can’t imagine how hard it was to leave that home. But I bet she will make the next one just as amazing!
    Definitely going to be following her blog! Good find Layla!

    

    Reply
54. Melanie says:

    Mar 25, 2011 at 12:18 pm

    whoah…thanks for sharing! She has a BEAUTIFUL HOME! Of all things- I am DROOLING over that laundry sink!
    I have been searching fro one like that for when we finish the basement! GAW- geous!

    

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55. MorningT says:

    Mar 25, 2011 at 2:12 pm

    I’ve been reading Kelley’s blog for some time and I love it. She’s certainly got a great eye and is a lovely person.
    Great feature Layla.
    xo~
    T

    

    Reply
56. colleen gilgenbach says:

    Mar 25, 2011 at 7:53 pm

    I want to know where they found that fantastic screen door. I want one.

    

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57. kelly says:

    Mar 25, 2011 at 9:20 pm

    wow!! what inspiration! how i would love to have bought that house!! in my dreams!!!

    

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58. Diana says:

    Mar 25, 2011 at 10:34 pm

    LOVE her flea market style! Her home is as beautiful as yours is. So inspiring…..

    

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59. Jami at freckled laundry says:

    Mar 26, 2011 at 7:28 am

    Such a beautiful home! I cannot believe they sold the home and everything inside! I might have wept over some of those grain sack pillows, the bottle drying rack, etc. lol I think it’s a fun & awesome concept to start fresh like that. (And their ‘fixer upper’ getaway home has such potential!)

    Thanks for introducing,
    Jami

    

    Reply
60. Ruthie Staalsen says:

    Mar 26, 2011 at 10:51 am

    Thanks so much for sharing this blog with us! I can’t wait to follow it!

    

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61. Cottage Coastal Store, Inc ~ Kim says:

    Mar 26, 2011 at 1:42 pm

    Thank you for sharing this blog! Right up my alley….Kim

    

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62. erin says:

    Mar 26, 2011 at 6:35 pm

    They had me at “running on the beach . . . and kissing the dog.” I can’t wait to follow along!

    

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63. velvet and linen says:

    Mar 26, 2011 at 8:38 pm

    Kelley is amazing!
    I’m fortunate to be able to have her as a friend and future neighbor!
    Her blog was one of the main reasons we decided to move to Ojai. Her home there is truly magical.
    Thank you for introducing your readers to Kelley’s beautiful world.

    xo
    Brooke

    

    Reply
64. Donna Frasca says:

    Mar 27, 2011 at 7:00 am

    That is so sweet of you to write about someone else’s blog – I love that – and The Polished Pebble too. I’ve visited there many times.

    Fun blog you have too! Stop by mine when you get a chance

    

    Reply
65. Heather Andignac says:

    Mar 27, 2011 at 3:17 pm

    Ohhhhh, I am soooooo happppppyyyyyy I landed here today (jumped from PWs site). I JUST started a new blog on renovating a CONVENT and raising a family, LORD HAVE MERCY. Cool to see we have some things in common — I have 2 kids we adopted, and live in the not so deep south – Atlanta, GA. I did grow up in Bama though. Come see me. I’m having fun!
    http://www.thegatheringarea.com

    

    Reply
66. Elisabeth says:

    Mar 27, 2011 at 8:12 pm

    That will be a fun blog to follow! I have to say, I could never do that! I am way too attached to my stuff. Not saying that’s a good thing, just the truth. For me, esp because I made a lot of stuff in my house, or fixed it up so I’m kind of emotionally attached to it.

    

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67. Kat @Low Tide High Style says:

    Mar 27, 2011 at 9:38 pm

    I love, love, love Kelley’s style, and the fact that she sold her last house lock, stock and barrel makes me love her even more!

    Kat

    

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68. carolinaheartstrings says:

    Mar 28, 2011 at 12:17 pm

    She is an amazing decorator!!!

    

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69. ErinWB says:

    Mar 28, 2011 at 1:35 pm

    Layla,

    Thank you for sharing that incredible home! Kelley’s style is impeccable – so fresh, fun, and sophisticated. My husband and I are renovating our 1930′s cottage and blogging about it. I’d love to send you some before and afters when we’re done! Hop on over if you have a minute

    Best,
    Erin
    http://www.chiccottagecharm.com

    

    Reply
70. Kristen @ More Than Mulberries says:

    Mar 31, 2011 at 9:33 am

    Lucky her! I grew up in Ventura County (Thousand Oaks) and it’s just a magical place to be. Love her style, she has an amazing talent!

    

    Reply
71. Darcy Davidson says:

    Apr 1, 2011 at 1:00 pm

    I absolutely love Kelly’s house in Corona Del Mar! Oh to live by the beach again…her kitchen is to die for with the cararra counter, and the living room accessories are fun and beachy!

    

    Reply
72. Tina K says:

    Apr 1, 2011 at 1:01 pm

    Love her style! She is definitely a talented lady. What I cannot fathom…CANNOT….is that she left all that stuff behind. I would be thinking “but, I dug and found that at a thrift store really cheap” or “so and so helped me paint this and hang it up”. Just the memories of decorating would be too much for me to let it all go. Kudos to her though!

    

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73. Heidi Dains says:

    Apr 6, 2011 at 10:04 pm

    Amazingly beautiful home. I love it all.
    ~Heidi

    

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74. Tanya @ Sunday Baker says:

    Mar 17, 2012 at 6:45 am

    What a cool lady-looking forward to her future decorating ideas!

    

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75. Sylvie says:

    Mar 17, 2012 at 7:27 pm

    I. Love. It. Would love to call that place home!

    

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76. jessica says:

    Sep 5, 2012 at 10:26 am

    Your home is beautiful!!

    

    Reply

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