The Inviting Colourful 150+ Year Old Converted Barn Home Tour – Virginia Stalker

And we’re back after finally having moved into our new home. And what better way to kick-off a new array of features but with a fabulous house tour from @greathomestaketime winner Virginia (Ginny for short) aka @aupetitsalondesign . Wonderfully unique and beautifully curated this barn conversion is full of inspiration especially if you are considering open plan living. Ready to have a snoop?…

The Inviting Colourful 150+ Year Old Converted Barn Home Tour – Virginia Stalker

About…

This beautiful barn conversion is home to the lovely Ginny, her husband son and pet dog. It’s situated in a town just outside of Manhattan. They also have the pleasure of working from home running an Airbnb in Cold Spring NY. One of Ginny’s passions is hiking and where they live is perfect for their outdoor pursuits. Originally from Canada, Ginny has built up long term friendships online through the decor community. Instagram is one such platform and is a great place to meet like minded interior lovers.

 

The Property

Ginny’s home is wonderfully unique. Originally a horse barn built in the mid-1850s, it’s been part of her husbands’ family for almost 100 years. Renovated in the ’70s by an emerging architect who embraced the architecture of the building incorporating large aluminum windows that allow the interiors to be swathed with lots of natural light. And not to mention the beautiful outdoor views. I also love that he kept the integrity of the building by repurposing natural elements such as the original floorboards from the loft.

Upcycled floorboards from the original loft of the barn were used to create the stairs, kitchen counter, and a whopping ten-foot kitchen table to boot. Now that’s a table I’d love to sit at for sure.

Ginny and her husband have lived here since 2012 renting from her inlaws who live next door in a farmhouse built in 1745.

The layout of the barn is predominantly open plan with the exception of her son’s bedroom, husbands office and of course the bathrooms. Ginny’s expert use of colour and pattern ensures that each zone flows and feels cohesive which is an important factor with any open plan living.

Ginny’s Style

Opting to go with whatever inspires her, Ginny has her own personal style that’s inspiring in itself. I’ve said this numerous times before, but being true to what you love and what makes you happy inevitably creates a home that’s filled with personality and character as well as being unique to you.

I have a collected style.  I really just pick up whatever inspires me.

@aupetitsalondesign

Style Tip: Don’t fall into the trap of shopping from one store when it comes to designing a space. Shop around for one-off pieces to ensure your home doesn’t look like a look book from one main retailer. Think small independent artisans, charity shops, garage sales. You’ll create a unique and personal home that has all the feels and personality of those that live there.

Fabulous Finds!

Throughout Ginny’s family home you’ll find individualistic pieces that add the wow factor. Part of her design journey with her home has been to find one off pieces through her fabulous thrifting skills.

I love whimsical touches and conversation pieces like my life-size wicker motorcycle. 

@aupetitsalondesign

Oversized pieces add the dramatic and help create focus throughout the open play layout. Its a great way to draw the eye to certain areas and of course, adds interest and character.

I love to get treasures through thrifting, estate sales and garage sales. It fulfills the desire to shop while being easier on the environment by not buying new things.  

@aupetitsalondesign

Gallery Wall Perfection

Gallery walls are one of Ginny’s favourite design elements in her home. To her, they are like giant puzzles with each piece of art adding life to her walls. I have to say I agree. Gallery walls are a great way to explore colour and pattern and are easily changed up if you decide that a piece doesn’t quite work.

Ginny has taken full advantage of the architecture of the barn with its high ceilings. Her gallery wall draws the eye upwards and outwards. It’s a fabulous way to accentuate the feeling of height and space. As well as adding focal points to zoned areas such as her bedroom space below.

Colour Matters…

Ginny’s preferred colour palette errs on the warm side with a love of fire reds, soft pinks and burnt oranges with an array of deep purples. They certainly make for a warm and welcoming home and add life to predominantly white/neutral walls. Again, open plan living needs to feel cohesive regardless of how you use it. Colour is predominately the first thing we see when entering any space and is an important design tool to consider and use to ensure each zoned area flows.

Ginny has enlivened her home by adding plants into the equation, which, for me, is the icing on the cake. Plants are a wonderful attribute to any home. Whether real or artificial, every space should embrace them for the benefits to our wellbeing.

Don’t forget you can follow Ginny and her beautiful home over on Instagram here and if you’d like a chance to win a house tour feature, follow @greathomestaketime and all our hosts.

Have a fabulous weekend and thanks, as always, for stopping by!

Maria xx