Farmhouses in Napa Valley

Today, dear readers, we are going to have a look at two farmhouses, both in Napa Valley. The first one was built in the 1890s. Northern California-based architect Howard J. Backen renewed it and the interior design was in charge of Backen Gillam Architects.<br /><br />Photography by Erhard Pfeiffer<br /><img alt="" class="featureimg" src="http://www.architecturaldigest.com/images/architects/2009/10/howard_backen/01_howard_backen.jpg" style="width: 600px; height: 497px;" /><br />Wide openings, screen porches and pocket doors are Backen trademarks.<br /><br /><img alt="" src="http://www.architecturaldigest.com/images/architects/2009/10/howard_backen/02_howard_backen.jpg" style="width: 600px; height: 497px;" /><br />A spacious kitchen and dining area at the rear of the rebuilt farmhouse. It has a screen porch that overlooks the pool area. Hundred-year-old wood from a barn in Eureka was used for the floors. Cabinetry conceals Sub-Zero refrigerator drawers.<br /><br /><img alt="" src="http://www.architecturaldigest.com/images/architects/2009/10/howard_backen/04_howard_backen.jpg" style="width: 600px; height: 496px;" /><br />Bare floors and quilted fabrics give the bedroom a casual feel.<br /><br /><img alt="" src="http://www.architecturaldigest.com/images/architects/2009/10/howard_backen/06_howard_backen.jpg" style="width: 600px; height: 497px;" /><br />View of the rear end of the house.<br /><br />And now we go on to have a look at the architect's own house also located in Napa Valley. This time the interiors were designed by<span class="c"><span> his wife </span>Lori O’Kane Backen</span>.<br /><br /><div class="byline"><div class="contributors"><span class="c"><span>Photography by </span>Erhard Pfeiffer</span> </div> </div><img alt="" src="http://www.architecturaldigest.com/images/architects/2004/09/backen/arsl03_backen.jpg" style="width: 600px; height: 784px;" /><br /><br /><br /><img alt="" src="http://www.architecturaldigest.com/images/architects/2004/09/backen/arsl04_backen.jpg" style="width: 600px; height: 787px;" /><br />Wicker chairs are to be seen in most of the rooms.<br /><br /><img alt="" src="http://www.architecturaldigest.com/images/architects/2004/09/backen/arsl05_backen.jpg" style="width: 600px; height: 490px;" /><br />Open floor plan for the kitchen, dining room and sitting area.<br /><br /><img alt="" src="http://www.architecturaldigest.com/images/architects/2004/09/backen/arsl06_backen.jpg" style="width: 600px; height: 497px;" /><br />A chaise lounge and armchair facing the fireplace add to the comfort of the master bedroom. The rafters were left exposed as a nod to farmhouse architecture. An oversize window provides a stunning view.<br /><br /><img alt="" src="http://www.architecturaldigest.com/images/architects/2004/09/backen/arsl07_backen.jpg" style="width: 600px; height: 497px;" /><br />Pocket doors—which remain open much of the year—separate the living area from the veranda. A set of pocket screens allows the area to be closed off from the outside as the weather dictates.<br /><br /><img alt="" src="http://www.architecturaldigest.com/images/architects/2004/09/backen/arsl08_backen.jpg" style="width: 599px; height: 497px;" /><br />For the covered porch off the poolhouse, the couple paired a zinc table of the architect’s design with wicker chairs. .<br /><br /><img alt="" src="http://www.architecturaldigest.com/images/architects/2004/09/backen/arsl09_backen.jpg" style="width: 600px; height: 497px;" /><br />The poolhouse, which doubles as a guesthouse, “shares the same architectural details as barns,” says Howard Backen. Sited a short distance below the main house, the structure also serves as his home office. “My daughter, Annie, and I draw together there,” he says.<br /><br />I featured this post at the furniture MckLinky party hosted by <a href="http://missmustardseed.blogspot.com/2010/03/furniture-feature-friday-winner-link.html">Miss Mustard Seed</a>. Hop over to see more posts on furniture!<br /><br />All images and information from <a href="http://www.architecturaldigest.com/">Architectural Digest</a>.

Farmhouses in Napa Valley

Today, dear readers, we are going to have a look at two farmhouses, both in Napa Valley. The first one was built in the 1890s. Northern Cali...

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