I have always thought I was born on the wrong coast- a true beach bum at heart, I absolutely HATE winter/snow/cold/hideous layers of clothes/runny noses/frozen toes.  So I always thought I’d leave the frosty shores of New England and finally go “home” to California. Cut to me at 30, still living in Boston and still bitching about the cold, yet totally unable to leave.  A true New Englander, I complain a lot about the weather, yet I love this place endlessly for some reason.  Even after a long weekend in LA, I craved the aggressive driving and chip on the shoulder attitude we Bostonian do so well.  I figure I am where I’m meant to be…  and then I saw  the home of California gal Jill Johnson from Waterleaf Interiors in Coastal Living. She embodies that California girl I have always wanted to be perfectly. Adorable home in Manhattan Beach? Check. Thriving design business with best pal? Check. Home store? Check. Adorable hubby and kids all of whom probably surf and then go out for an organic vegan brunch? Check. Check. Check. Kill me now.

Let’s start with her own home- I love the beachy feel, light colors, open kitchen shelving and ample amounts of upholstered seating- specifically in the kitchen.

Here are some other images from Jill’s portfolio:

And here’s her adorable shop:

Maybe I wouldn’t miss Boston all that much…