Bonnie Harris of Bonnie Harris Designs and Linen Clothing
I love Etsy, have I told you that before? Etsy not only affords me the ability to share my OOAK jewelry and vintage wares with people around the world but it also connects me with other like-minded and creative souls. I found my new bff Bonnie when I was searching for OOAK lace and romantic clothing on Etsy. I found Bonnie's shoppes Linen Clothing and Bonnie Harris and ordered some clothes. We've talked and talked and talked through the Etsy convo system ever since then sharing our whimsical ideas and family passtimes never thinking that we'd ever get to meet face-to-face. Afterall, Bonnie lives in Florida and we live here across the border in the snowy north.
Well, guess what, I got to meet Bonnie and her husband Gordon in February. My husband Mitch and I went to Florida with our close friends and Bonnie graciously invited us to come to her home.
Harris Home Great Room, antique sleigh sofa, overstuffed chairs, santos, candles, candles and more candles.........
In her previous life Bonnie was an interior designer with a penchant for shabby chic, victorian and romantic themes. This talent has served her well as their home is a feast for the eyes and a world tour all in 3,000 plus square feet.
The house is actually a barn and is truly the definition of the open concept home. I think I better just show you the pictures I took and save my 1,000 words for another posting.
Greeted at the door by statuary, an angel wearing Bonnie's OOAK jewelry...........
Vignettes everywhere...........
Downstairs powder room complete with faux torn wallpaper and a surprise picture treatment in the picture below....................
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Spacious kitchen area featuring a corrugated tin backsplash and poured cement countertops. Bonnie's deep statement of faith is displayed above the sink and back window area.................
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The Bird Room - a little taxidermy, bird pictures, binoculars, nests......
Bonnie shared with us that the majority of their home is decorated with flea market and thrift shop finds and industrial cast-off materials and all at a fraction of the retail price.
Opposite wall of Bird Room, more birds, alabaster bust, OOAK Bonnie angel statue, french revolution mirror, more candles..........
Dining Area - burlap draperies with bow accents......
Chandelier created from three antique smaller chandeliers
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Depression/pressed glass tablescape confection, did I mention Bonnie was creative?
Unique shell chair, eye candy (zero calories, no sugar).........
Unfortunately, I did not get a picture of the outside of the house but I found this one online (borrowed from the Davis Frame Co.) which provides a similar shape and outside design. Imagine this home painted grey with a couple of weather vanes on top and surrounded by trees and ranch fencing. An added bonus - their property is sidled by two horse ranches. Morning coffee is taken on the screened porch listening to the early morning birds and the waking sounds of ranch life which in Bonnie's case is quickly replaced by the hum of sewing machines and clicking of scissors cutting fabric.
After 3 hours of chatting, sadly, we had to leave. While we said our good-byes, two of the horses in the nearby corral had gotten their "frisky on" and were kicking up there heels and racing from one side of the corral to the other, nipping and nudging at each other. I could have stayed forever..............
We have become instant friends and we are all looking forward to seeing each other again next year. Who knows, maybe I can come up with an excuse to spend a weekend in a barn in Florida? I may even help with the sewing while I'm there............
