This Vintage House Combines Craftsman Style With a Farmhouse Vibe

This California home is modest craftsman style on the outside and pure relaxed comfort with a dose of farmhouse on the inside. The three-year renovation of this Orange County home was well worth the wait: It preserved many of the details that fans of the craftsman style look for and incorporated many of the new features that buyers want.

Craftsman house in San Clemente by Better Living SoCal pathway

Sold by Better Living SOCAL, this home is in San Clemente, known as the “Spanish Village by the Sea.” The area is very desirable because of its state beaches, sandstone bluffs and green parks. And, considering that true craftsman style homes that have been renovated are difficult to find, this one is a real gem. The outside might look a little unassuming and modest, but the interior is an entirely different story that weaves together old and new elements into a unique and comfortable home design.

Craftsman house in San Clemente by Better Living SoCal pathway

Casual and relaxed, the living room features a large window that is a true craftsman detail and a stone fireplace that is the second major element in the room. Being in southern California, the accessories in the room are appropriately Southwestern, but not so much as to seem cookie-cutter. The decor also pulls in enough natural elements to make it feel just a bit rustic. The room is anchored by a distressed rug that pairs well with the leather sofa. Underneath the rug, a natural-looking wood floor runs through the entire main area.

Craftsman house in San Clemente by Better Living SoCal pathway

The spacious farmhouse kitchen incorporates just enough rustic elements to soften the shiny new look of some other parts. Aside from the island accented with reclaimed wood, the focal point in the kitchen is the luxurious Wolf range with luxe details like the pot filler and professional hood. Moreover, the mixing and matching of finishes makes the space more interesting, including the black countertop on the side cabinets and white top on the center island. White cabinetry, some open shelving and subway tile complete the stylish space.

Craftsman house in San Clemente by Better Living SoCal pathway
Craftsman house in San Clemente by Better Living SoCal pathway

The far end of the kitchen includes a desk for home management and enough storage for necessities. The dedicated light fixture is an often-overlooked feature for a kitchen desk. Against the wall, a table with the leaves folded down serves as a sideboard that can quickly and easily be pressed into service as extra table space for parties and gatherings.

Craftsman house in San Clemente by Better Living SoCal pathway

The spacious master bedroom features plenty of reclaimed wood. From the beamed gray ceiling to the custom platform bed, the timbers feature a variety of colors and styles, adding rustic interest to the white-walled room. The ledge that runs along the ceiling allows the homeowners to display decor accessories that otherwise might not have a home because of all the large windows and doors. A shabby chic lounge chair and occasional pieces create a cozy sitting area opposite the bed. To save space and continue the farmhouse style, a sliding barn door is used instead of a traditional door.

Craftsman house in San Clemente by Better Living SoCal pathway
Craftsman house in San Clemente by Better Living SoCal pathway

In one of the most creative parts of the renovation, salvaged bricks were individually sliced to form thin veneer pieces and applied to create a white brick wall. It was incorporated as a design element and then continued throughout the bathroom. The distressed, painted red brick covers a partial wall by the toilet and the shelf supports, creating a super vintage feeling that fits with the overall vibe of the home. The dual vanities are placed opposite one another instead of in a linear fashion, and the two sinks are farmhouse style, which is less commonly done in a bathroom. Rustic touches such as the bare bulb light fixture, mirrors framed in reclaimed wood, and repurposed pieces like the stool at the vanity make the bathroom stand out.

Craftsman house in San Clemente by Better Living SoCal pathway
Craftsman house in San Clemente by Better Living SoCal pathway

The walk-in closet is the one place that’s more contemporary. Built-in drawers mean a bedroom dresser is not necessary and plenty of hanging racks and boot storage make this a super functional closet. The vintage chandelier is a nice touch and the repurposed locker drawers for a hat rack are just the right rustic addition.

Craftsman house in San Clemente by Better Living SoCal pathway

The second bedroom is a bit more eclectic with some boat oars and a streamlined ceiling fan as decor highlights. The most unusual element in this bedroom is the high-set bed itself, which features a wicker headboard. The base underneath is comprised of cubbies with large wicker bins that hold lots of clothing and license. A retro mirrored dressed reflects the rug and other room elements and brightens the space.

Craftsman house in San Clemente by Better Living SoCal pathway

The second bathroom also has a very different look from the master bath. This one is dominated by stone, which forms not only the shower wall but also the tile on the bathroom wall behind the toilet. A large vessel sink is also made of stone. Similar decor elements are included, like the bare bulb light fixture, but the wood framing the mirror is polished and new, not reclaimed.

Craftsman house in San Clemente by Better Living SoCal pathway

The backyard features two levels and the bottom one is a prime space for entertaining. Being located in California means that much of the wining, dining and leisure activities are done outdoors for a good part of the year. This space has everything you might want, from an outdoor kitchen with a bar peninsula, a central fire pit that runs on gas, and a dining area. The landscaping and outdoor surfaces are easy-care and appropriate to the surroundings, with cacti, desert plants and grasses featuring prominently, as do the farmhouse touches.

Craftsman house in San Clemente by Better Living SoCal pathway
Craftsman house in San Clemente by Better Living SoCal pathway

Plantings along the walkway to the entrance of the house are also appropriate to the region’s dry climate, meaning that the garden beds are ecofriendly as well as low-maintenance. The various plants also fit the style of the house and the stone walkway.