Pretty Patterns Bedeck a Barn House

DIY blogger and maker Bonnie Forkner and her husband consider it a small miracle that they found their light-filled cottage nestled in California’s Santa Ynez mountains. The home, a converted barn which once sheltered rescued critters, sits on land overlooking gorgeous vineyards and mountains — at a place which originally seemed way beyond their budget. But through luck and the magic of the world wide web, the couple found their dream barn home complete with views of breathtaking sunsets, rolling hills and lush vines.

“We have loads of windows; a yard for our dog, Toaster; and a place to backyard,” says Forkner. “To say that we are blessed is an understatement.”

at a Glance
Who lives here: Bonnie Forkner, her husband and their pup, Toaster
Location: Santa Ynez, California
Size: 1,000 square feet; 1 bedroom, 1 bath, loft for storage and guests

Going Home

High ceilings, plenty of south-facing windows and white walls enable Forkner to coating within her handmade patchwork quilts with numerous patterns and colors in the living area. Vines crawling upward and around the outside are observable from the living area thanks to its unadorned windows.

The stunning view of neighboring vineyards means there is no need for landscape paintings on the walls.

Quilts: Handmade by Bonnie Forkner

Going Home

The vine-covered cottage used to shelter rescued animals and has been converted into a home 20 decades back. Forkner, an animal lover, appreciates their residence’s compassionate history.

Going Home To Roost

Forkner sites out of a corner desk peppered with colour.

Desk, chair: Ikea

Going Home

On the other side of the room is Forkner’s painting table, closed out of a thrift shop.

Going Home

None to maintain inspiration too far off, Forkner strategically put her reading nook close to her desk. The corner brings together the various textures of this shag rug, the pink throw, the woven basket and the quilted pillow covering. Despite the decor’s diverse combination, nothing beats or feels out of place.

Going Home

The living area is “also our dining area, home office, painting studio plus part of our kitchen,” she says. “I totally don’t mind the open floor plan and actually enjoy that one area spills into the other.”

Going Home

A square opening joins the dining table to the pantry and the dedicated cooking area. Forkner and her husband are vegans and often eat food from their backyard.

Going Home

Exposed shelves, hanging fruit and playful color signify the laid-back cottage soul of this converted barn house.

Going Home

A door connects the fantastic room to the master bedroom. “I dug out a modest sewing corner for myself here,” says Forkner, that writes about all things catchy, inspiring, homegrown and natural for her website, Going Home to Roost.

Going Home

Forkner repurposed a silverware tray and a drawer right into a open shelving unit using a printed newspaper back. A maker by trade, she constructs most of her home decor with salvaged finds; she additionally supports other makers and artists by writing about their job.

Going Home

Wisteria draped over a backyard arbor frames the mountain views. Hammocks invite guests to remain awhile on idle afternoons.

Going Home

Mismatched pillowcases, natural wood components and a handmade quilt supply just the correct amount of pattern play and eye candy without overpowering the master bedroom.

Going Home

“We are living in Central California, where sun is nearly guaranteed every day and we are surrounded by exquisite gardens and vineyards,” Forkner says. “Life is great.”

Going Home

Here, Toaster expects the coming of guests at a bright place by the entrance.

See related