Carlsbad Home Reflects California History

Studer uses second-hand items to decorate It was a gloomy day when I visited Marie Studer’s California mission-style home in Carlsbad. But from the moment I first entered her vibrantly-decorated, three-bedroom, 2,600 square-foot home, I could feel warmth pouring into my body.

Studer's decor creates a warm, friendly environment

My eyes darted from one unique item of décor to the next. Each had carefully and thoughtfully been placed throughout the home—yet the entire house seemed to give off an air of whimsical spontaneity—making you wonder what delightful surprise would be around the next corner.

“I just love it here. This is the first time I’ve ever felt like I was at home,” Studer said. It’s not hard to see why. She has her own design company that produces one-of-a-kind clothing, pillows, dolls, throw quilts, and even furniture. One room of her home is devoted to Studer’s creative ambitions and her home has benefited from her career.

Each room contains pieces of artwork that Studer has spent hours or days developing, such as the mosaic tile throughout the house, but in particular at the door leading from the front porch into her home. Studer proudly announced that some of the mosaic tiles in her freestyle entryway creation are from the internationally-acclaimed artist, Niki de Saint Phalle, who died in 2002. Several years ago, Saint Phalle selected the city of Escondido to be the home of a sculpture garden, Queen Califa’s Magical Circle, which features her work.

“There were some extra pieces [of mosaic tile] lying around on the ground so I picked them up,” Studer said.

The colorful mosaic tile leads guests into Studer’s work area—a large porcelain-tiled room with intricate décor.

One of the best features about this home is the outdoor living space. Studer hopes to one day build a tiny chapel at the end of a grass path in one corner of her yard. As you wind around the backyard, a cozy, studio cottage sits across from an artfully-decorated back patio. Much of Studer’s home décor comes from re-sale shops.

“You see that piece of wood over there? A friend of mine was going out of business and had that wood for sale. I already had those two pots so I just made them into a table,” Studer said.

“These are from a friend who was closing her shop and she used them as a display,” Studer said. She was referring to the two large Mexican hand-carved wooden posts that frame French doors that lead to the back patio. Studer placed a railroad tie above the posts to complete the look.

Her front porch is equally alluring. Large pepper trees surround the porch and a green, lush fern dangles from a rustic candle chandelier.

As is common with California mission-style homes, there are several arches in this home. Studer has helped further develop the style by replacing gates and doors to match it. “It was just a plain old door here. You could have kicked it in with no effort,” Studer said. So she hired a Mexican man and his uncle to make a more traditional-style door that blends well with her home.

The sign displayed at Studer’s entryway reads: “peace”—after visiting her home, I understand what she means when she says she finally feels at home.

Phoebe Chongchua
		About the author:
		Phoebe Chongchua is an award-winning journalist who appears on TV, in print, and on the Internet. She's a former ABC affiliate News Reporter/Newscaster who founded Live Fit Magazine in 2004, recognizing how the journalism industry is rapidly moving online. The magazine has evolved frrom producing content only for LFM to producing much-needed video feature news stories and documentaries for companies and associations. Phoebe discovered an unfulfilled niche market and expanded LFM in order to meet the needs of a growing marektplace. Her clients are happy she did! Live Fit Magazine produces video news stories that entice viewing audiences to watch the video, spread the message, buy the product or visit the establishment. It's a creative, credible approach to marketing companies, products, and services. Few companies offer what Live Fit Magazine can do for your company in a single feature video story. Phoebe works with clients to seamlessly integrate their newly produced video into their current marketing materials. She offers expert advice on new marketing strategies and call-to-action campaigns. Her innovative efforts keep companies positioned for success and their customers regularly watching new and informative videos.
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