Butcher Block

Painting the past into the present When Nina Dobrev first walked into her Spanish-style home five years ago, it greeted her with the traditional, heavy yellow-mustard exterior common to the architecture. While the color held historical weight, she envisioned a crisp, white canvas that would better reflect her personal energy. Without the cushion of excuses, she and her boyfriend took on the monumental task of painting the entire exterior themselves. What began as a burst of creative excitement on day one quickly devolved into a grueling month-long marathon. By the fourth week, the sheer scale of the project had her questioning the decision, yet the result validated every brushstroke, proving that some transformations require literal sweat equity to feel like home. Textures that ground the soul Inside, the design philosophy shifts toward a tactile celebration of materials. Nina Dobrev rejects the sterile uniformity often found in modern renovations, opting instead for a rich layering of Terracotta. These reclaimed floors provide a warm, earthy foundation that contrasts beautifully against butcher block counters and heavy stone slabs. For her, these surfaces aren't just for show; she often finds herself laying directly on the cold stone, enjoying a grounding, cryotherapy-like sensation that connects her physically to the space. It is a home designed to be felt as much as it is to be seen. The art of the jumpable sanctuary Moving into the private quarters, the atmosphere transitions into something light and airy. The goal for her bedroom was clear: it had to be "jumpable." This focus on comfort over rigidity defines her approach to styling. By prioritizing a cozy, inviting aesthetic, she creates a sanctuary that encourages rest rather than formal display. The openness of the room serves as a mental reset, stripping away the complexity of the outside world in favor of soft textures and breathable space. Honoring the cracks of history Perhaps the most poignant part of the home is the 1920s bathroom, where Nina Dobrev chose restraint over renovation. Despite the presence of small cracks in the floor and tiles that show their century-long life, she refused to tear them out. These one-of-a-kind relics represent the soul of the house. By leaving the imperfections intact, she preserves a historical narrative that new materials simply cannot replicate. It is a lesson in finding beauty in the aged and understanding that a home’s charm often lies in the stories told by its original, weathered features.