A Sweet Spanish Bungalow

Toni and Bryan Mogensen (@toni_marianna) know how to make the most of every inch of their modest, circa-1920 California bungalow. With two very active young sons, they make a point of styling their home with affordable finds that can stand up to constant use, as well as the hot Salinas sun.

Using a mix of new, thrifted and DIY pieces, they created an exterior that’s not only comfortable, it’s also stylish and memorable. Toni loves to create new looks for each season, yet she never breaks her budget.

“I use my same core pieces again and again, but I change the mood with seasonal flowers and plants, linens, pillows and fresh door décor.” Here, she placed a live plant inside a basket lined with plastic bubble wrap.

WHY WE LOVE IT: Architectural pieces, such as a mantel and window frames, along with a coffee table, comfy chairs and a church pew, extend the home for easy outdoor living. Surrounded by a cottage-style garden, oodles of potted plants in both new and unique vintage containers, it’s a gardener’s dream. The black-framed windows, open-air pergolas and hanging plants frame the composition perfectly, while the coziness of layered door mats, a cheery door basket, brass lanterns, welcoming throws and pillows steals our hearts.