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.”
Emy says
Beautiful 🙂
Alison says
Where can I buy Claire's jewelry? If it's half as beautiful as this home it must be gorgeous!
Alison says
Where can I buy Claire's jewelry?
Mary Ann says
I will ask Claire if she is still selling it and let you know.
Kassandra Graham says
I simply love the wicker daybed or wicker sofa with the white over stuffed pillows. It looks so inviting.
I am looking for a daybed exactly like this and would so appreciate any info you could share on it. Thank you.
amileedesoza7200 says
Oh wow,it's definitely so gorgeous..!!
Lovely to see this post,it just so nice or also their luxury interior looks so beautiful..!!
I'm glad to see this post..Thanks..!!
Villa Urlaub in Spanien
Amy says
I love this home. Fantastic tour. I love the antiques!
I'm sharing with my readers , tracking back to you.
http://commona-myhouse.blogspot.com/2013/09/house-guests-california-french-cottage.html
cornbsal says
Love the chandelier in the hallway. Some beautiful designs and ideas to think about.
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Morgan says
Beautiful!! Do you by chance know who the lights/lamps are in the office (the swing arm sconces)?
Thank you :-).
Morgan ([email protected])
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Anonymous says
There isn't one single thing I don't like! Beautiful!!
pam {simple details} says
Oh my goodness, I've never seen this! Unbelievably gorgeous at every turn!
Holly says
California French Cottage is the perfect way to describe this home – beautiful! I looked through some of the surrounding dates to see if you did a follow-up post on the paint colors but I couldn't find it – did you end up posting them at all? I was curious about a few – especially the kitchen. I love the kitchen and the breakfast nook. I can see why this was a popular post too 🙂
mishebe says
Beautiful home!
Renae Moore says
I too pinned a few of the images! 🙂 Mary Ann, you and your friend must have tons of fun together…both with impeccable taste and style! Love the CA beach feel….oh how I miss it!
xx
LisaMende says
What a lovely home! I like every room in her house but especially her desk area and the powder room!
affordable housing bronx says
This house is so beautiful. I love the white marble table top in the kitchen and the dining room looks like it was made for royalty.
HAMPTON HOSTESS says
just love the kitchen banquette and the gorgeous kitchen window overlooking the patio! have a great weekend!
Haute Indoor Couture says
That is the most beautiful marble I have ever seen in my entire life!
Anonymous says
Any chance we can get the paint colors specifically in the kitchen and office? thanks
Julia @ Hooked on Houses says
I'm in love! This house is absolutely gorgeous. Thanks so much for the tour! 🙂
A Cottage Muse says
Thank you for the tour…I'm going back to take it again so I don't miss a single detail!
Courtney ~ French Country Cottage says
Gorgeous with a capital G!!! I adore her cottage- what a wonderful warm and welcoming home!!
Sharing on Facebook~ Thanks for sharing this at Feathered Nest Friday!
Ann from On Sutton Place says
It's all wonderful but the dining room is just stunning. Thank you so much for sharing and coming to the party!
Sandy@The Olive and Rose says
I am in love with this home…her palette is the same is mine but the way she has edited is so perfected….she has a great eye and I am ready to move my furniture around and paint again!!! Thanks so much for sharing her home with us all.
Yvonne @ StoneGable says
There is such a fresh and calm feel in this lovely home, yet the colors and style is so dramatic! Just breathtaking.
Thank for friend for opening her home and thanks to you for sharing! I found so much inspiration here!
Yvonne
I'm Busy Procrastinating says
Claire has a refined eye for style. I like how she mixes new items with vintage/antique items. It makes a room much more interesting than everything being new or old. Thanks for sharing her room with your readers!
Cindy says
That is a gorgeous home, absolutely beautiful! Claire has great style. I love her kitchen best. The professional range, the marble, the island, tdf!
Thanks so much for the tour.
Hugs, Cindy
Karen says
Wow! Claire's home is magazine gorgeous, she has great style. I enjoyed seeing it, thanks for sharing.
Sarah says
Popping in from "open house" and thrilled to find your blog. Claire has a gorgeous home with incredible style. She truly has an amazing eye for beautiful details. It's definitely elegant beach house style. Thank you for taking us on a your.
A Delightful Design says
This home is so Stylish and peaceful. I especially love the black and brass mirror over the fireplace and all of her lighting choices. Thank you for sharing!!
The enchanted home says
Wow this is just fabulous!! I am most impressed, she has great style, love the dining room, the banquette, the bedrooms, the kitchen, its all so stunning. Yes I do see and feel the French theme which is combined beautifully with a coastal vibe. Stunning, thanks to you both for sharing!!!! So great to be back in blogland!
pve design says
Has Joni from Cote de Texas seen this home?
I love it.
pve
business card magnets says
I love those images, it is so inviting and cozy…I really enjoyed this interior design subject and the layout is so lively, especially the kitchen, simple and clean, living room as well.
Ann says
What a lovely house…
I love how serene and fresh it looks,
and love the French style that is so vivid in this lovely house.
And the stairs is so fab ♥
designchic says
What a fabulous home…adore the kitchen and her office space is wonderful!!
Carrie @ Hazardous Design says
You had me at "California French".
Love this house!
Kellie Collis says
What a gorgeous home! Loving the fabulous kitchen and that lovely breakfast nook. Enjoy the beautiful day, Kellie xx
Anonymous says
Love these photos. Beautiful home. The animal print stairs are great!!
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The Little Dog Laughs says
A pretty stroll through picture perfect. Have a wonderful day ~ Alexandra
Jessie says
Claire's home is beautiful! It's elegant and classic yet it feels current, comfortable and relaxing. My favorite rooms are the powder room, the kitchen and the dining area.
Great tour. Thanks for sharing with us, Mary Ann!
Jessie
http://www.mixandchic.com
Mid-Atlantic Martha says
What a beautiful home! This looks elegant, yet friendly. Nothing "cold" about this cottage. Thanks for your kind visit to my table last week — I'm just getting around after the "visit" from Irene this weekend.
theLENNOXX says
Oh wow what a beautiful house!! It's all so perfectly carried out, and I love the kitchen seating area. The seahorse side table is amazing, and the home definitely looks "no expenses spared". What a great job she did!
And regarding your comment you left on my blog about enjoying me writing, thank you so so SO much! My writing is my biggest insecurity, so your comment really went straight to my heart =)
xoxx Linda =)
LRS4AMANDA says
Claire's home is stunning…thanks for the tour!
Linda
Simple Dwellings says
Her home is gorgeous! I love the kitchen nook banquette area. I could sit there all day! And the slipcovers on the dining chairs are beautiful! I also love the seahorse table in her daughter's room. Thanks so much for sharing!
Elizabeth@themustardceiling says
Thank you for sharing this gorgeous home with us. It is classic and timeless. I lover palette of soft neutrals with a touch of black throughout.
Linda in AZ * says
*** Dear Mary Ann and Claire~
A huuuuge thanks to you Claire, for sharing your absolutely BEAUTIFUL, comfy & magnificently personalized home with us… and OF COURSE, to precious & oh-so-talented Mary Ann for featuring what she knew ALL of us would absolutely love… KUDOS!!!
B*O*T*H of you have truly made such wonderfully lovely, welcoming & unique homes~~~ color schemes, so subtle, just "float my boat", and the EDITING and SCALE are SUPERB!!!
Oh MA, how I wish we could move "back home where you are"!!! (I DO miss SO CAL so much sometimes, especially "the older I get"!!!)…
(Sharing the joy of finding, exploring & shopping fun places for one's home, with a good friend, topped off with delightful outdoor lunches overlooking the water, make me "HOMESICK", even after all these years!!!)…
Many SINCERE THANKS for "everything"~~~ such a DEEEEELIGHTFUL tour!
Linda in AZ *
[email protected]
Christine says
Au courant, bien sur! Thank you, Claire, for allowing Mary Ann to share with us! Your home is so simple and very beautiful. I am a 'gatherer', too but I keep it all. Do you sell your cast-offs?? I grew up in NB and I live close if you do!! LOL!
Nancy says
Hi Mary Ann,
What a truly beautiful home – you and Clare definitely have similar taste and talents!! Each room is truly stunning!!
I always love reading your blog Mary Ann … you always have something fun and interesting to read about and it always fires up my creativity!!
Ideezine says
I could walk through houses all day everyday. This one is exceptional love all she's done with her home. Very chic! Great post Mary Ann!
Bette
SHERRY HART says
I can see similar taste here!!! Love the black and white with soft grays. She has done an outstanding job making monochromatic look warm and inviting. I had to pin quite a few of these. The photographer 🙂 did a great job also…..
Marie says
What an absolutely stunning home! I love the banquette seating and how the kitchen windows open out to outdoor seating. Dream home for me!
-Marie
Kelly@Bungalow Blue says
Oh my goodness….this house is absolutely stunning!! The kitchen, office and powder room are amazing! Thank you so much for sharing!
Teresa says
Absolutely gorgeous, Claire!
Victoria says
So elegant, yet warm and tastefully done. I love the mirror on the stair landing and the beautiful marble countertops in the kitchen.
Best, Victoria
Nan @ Playful Decor says
Her house is beautiful! And the white kitch….someday! Mary Ann thank you for visiting my blog, I'm now a follower of yours. And thanks for the memory of my one beach-bum summer in NB about 25yrs ago! I rented an apt on River Ave and worked at NB Country Club. Good times!
classic • casual • home says
I will ask Claire about the paint colors when I get home tomorrow. (Up in the mountains) and do a follow-up. Thanks everyone…Claire is even prettier than her house!
Marianne {Style For Living} says
Wow, her home is absolutely stunning! This is my idea of a beach house! I really feel so relaxed just looking at the photos. I love how her kitchen window opens right up to the back. It all is so lovely!
Teresa at Splendid Sass says
WOW, Mary Ann! Stunning!
Would you happen to know more about the fabric on the two chairs in the living room?
The stairs are great, and I love the kitchen and office. The entire home is gorgeous!
Thank you for sharing.
Teresa
xoxo
laxsupermom says
What a beautiful home! The kitchen is just gorgeous! I love the restrained palette, and her mix of textiles for texture is perfect. Love the dining room slipcovers! Those buttoned, pleated skirts are just darling! Thanks for sharing.
My Notting Hill says
What a relaxed and elegant home. Thanks so much for this tour – loved it!
Katie @ On the Banks of Squaw Creek says
What an absolutely gorgeous home!!!
Luciane at HomeBunch.com says
Her home is magazine ready!!! Oh, la, la!!!!
I love every single room. Gosh, she has great taste! Actually, classic taste, which is even better.
This tour was 10 out of 10! And your pictures rocked! 😉
xo
Luciane at HomeBunch.com
Rene says
What a treat! Thank you friend for letting us stalk your house! Perfectly timeless – I could move right in.
Anonymous says
Beautiful! Please share paint colors!!!
Lesli at My Old Country House says
I do not exaggerate when I tell you that TO DATE, this is the most beautifully decorated home I have ever seen!!! I am going to post some of these beautiful photos on my blog. SO SO SO SO PRETTY!!!
Heather@SatisfyingSpaces says
Gorgeous!
Michele/Ohio says
I LOVE her house and her style! It is absolutely showworthy to be sure.
WOW! WELL DONE!!! Gorgeous home!
Elizabeth Rickert says
Love those corner windows in the first picture!
Karen says
Your friends home is fantastic! I absolutely love it! Beautiful style, beautiful taste. I noticed so many things that we cannot get away with here in the midwest like no screens on the windows. Love it!
Thank you Mary Ann for sharing this. And thank your friend too!
xo~
Karen
The 5 Bickies says
I LOVE Claire's home and enjoyed the tour so much ! Thank you! I especially love her office and the stair carpet. That's been on my wish list but I'm just not sure I can get away with it in conservative Pennsylvania 🙂
Karen@StrictlySimpleStyle says
Gorgeous all of the way through. I hate cooking too, but I think I might like it in that kitchen.
Kristy says
Thank you for sharing your friend's home…so beautiful and just my style! (I have always described my style as "French Country Coastal"). It's great to have friends that inspire us!
Kristy
http://www.starfishcottage.typepad.com
Lisa says
WHAT a beautiful home. Thank you so much for sharing it with us Mary Ann! You and your dear friend share a great eye for style…..I love both your homes. The details in Claire's house truly make it….I am a big fan of the neutral palette layered with interesting furniture and character.
Wendi @ Classic Chic Home says
This is a truly beautiful home! Your friend has an amazing eye, and excellent taste.
Thanks for sharing!
Stacey says
Absolutely magazine worthy!
An Urban Cottage says
What an amazing house. That gray chest, the office, the kitchen, the powder room are all perfect. Any idea what color the office walls are?
Stacy Curran says
This is one of the pretiest "real" houses I've ever seen! I seriously LOVE this house. She has terrific taste!
Stacy
rustic rooster interiors says
DONE… I'm moving in! I LOVE it all!!! Every detail is PERFECT! 🙂
Sammy says
This home is amazing! I love, love, LOVE the stairs! Thanks for sharing
Tote says
Claire has such a beautiful home! Thank her for sharing it with us. I love getting good ideas from everyone.
Susan
annie says
I adore everything about your friends house! I love the details throughout! The chandelier upstairs…brilliant. The diamond shaped hardware on the built in…makes it look like it has been there forever. Love the gorgeous mirror as you are going up the stairs. I could go on and on, but this is one house I'll be coming back to for ideas. One more thing…love the rectangular pillows on the sofas.
xo annie
Loretta says
Amazing! Love the mix of old and new. You both have similar taste. Thanks for sharing with us. Hugs!
lizziefitz says
Claire could certainly go into the design business:) her home is amazing. I can see how you two are friends. You have so much in common taste wise. I wonder if Claire would mind sharing her paint colors, they are beautiful .
Mademoiselle Poirot says
Beautiful! It's fresh and elegant and the kitchen is just stunning! Thanks for the tour, Love from London xo
Sharon (Roses and Rust) says
Thanks for showing us this lovely home. Everything is so tastefully put together. Your friend has lovely style. X Sharon
Kim @ Savvy Southern Style says
What a wonderful home tour. Her home belongs in Coastal Living magazine. Just gorgeous.
Julie says
This is AMAZING! thank you soooo much for the home tour! She's very talented.
Love of the Sea says
She has a fabulous home. All the little details and touches are wonderful. I especially love her dining room and the slipcovers on the chairs. Very pretty!
Linda@Coastal Charm says
Thanks so much for sharing Claire's stunning beach home…love it!
Blessings,
Linda
Tessa says
this was such a treat!! what a beautiful home! so much to love I had to "pin" an image!! thanks for the tour. i need to talk a few of my friends into this. so fun to see real homes that aren't featured in a magazine. though this one deserves to be!! xo, tessa
marty (A Stroll Thru Life) says
Wow, her home is stunning. Such fabulous decor and her style is gorgeous. Tons of inspiration. Thank for the tour. Hugs, Marty
Carolyn@SweetChaos says
Claire's home is lovely! I love the dark floors with the neutral paint colors. Her kitchen is fantastic. I don't like to cook either, but I think I might pretend to like it in that kitchen:)