A Moody Dramatic ’90s Ranch House Pulls Inspiration from English & French Design

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Name: Tara Carney, husband Sean, and Goldendoodle, Gus
Location: North Florida
Size: 1800 square feet
Type of Home: Single family, Ranch-style built in 1993
Years Lived In: 2.5, owned

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The creative behind @thecarneysbloom, Instagrammer and blogger Tara Carney, has filled her Florida home with pattern and personality. There is no shortage of artwork, bust sculptures, or other one-of-a-kind finds. Read on for a look inside Carney’s French- and English-inspired space, which she shares with her husband and their Goldendoodle, Gus.

Apartment Therapy Survey:

My Style: It’s an eclectic mix of traditional and classic with hints of Parisian/English and Old World elements.

Inspiration: Pinterest, always! Instagram, too! More specifically: English homes, Ralph Lauren, Robert Kime, Jessica Helgerson, Heidi Caillier, and so, so many more talented humans!

Favorite Element: Any kind of molding.

Biggest Challenge: Making an open concept work for this separate space loving girl.

Proudest DIY: All of the molding I’ve added to every square inch of our house. Easy but super impactful!

Biggest Indulgence: The art I have and continue to collect.

Is there something unique about your home or the way you use it? This home was a complete blank canvas with no flow. We’ve created separate spaces in a great room — a library, music room, dining room, entry, and living space all in one large room.

What are your favorite products you have bought for your home and why? Ceiling medallions are such a fun, easy, and unique way to add character and charm. I used them with some pendant lights in our bedroom over our nightstands, which I’ve never seen done before, and I just love that little unique spin. Also, lamps — seriously, overhead lighting is not for me. Oh, and busts! I’m a sucker for a plastered head.

Please describe any helpful, inspiring, brilliant, or just plain useful small space maximizing and/or organizing tips you have: Not exactly brilliant, but when everything has a place, it’s so much easier to stay organized. Also, when you have beautiful pieces scattered about, the mess is less noticeable. Tidy up on Friday nights so you wake up to a fresh house Saturday morning. Display your beautiful, cherished things, and store the ugly put practical stuff away!

Finally, what’s your absolute best home secret or decorating advice? I probably shouldn’t share this, but it’s not like I’m inventing the wheel: GO THRIFTING OFTEN!

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