California Couple Transforms 1880s Home Into Dreamy French Farmhouse

After a 5-year renovation, the once-groovy Craftsman is now a light, bright, and mostly white country retreat.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 7:00pm

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A high-contrast silkscreen print in a grid pattern, featuring a single white farmhouse-style chair repeated multiple times in a variety of bright, unnatural colors like neon pink, yellow, and blue, conceptually representing the Carrs' transformation of their 1880s home into a dreamy French-inspired retreat.A vibrant, pop art-inspired celebration of the Carrs' renovation journey, featuring an iconic French farmhouse-style chair repeated in a bold, neon-hued grid.Sutter Creek Today

Maria and Thad Carr purchased a 1970s-era Craftsman home in California five years ago and spent years transforming it into a light, bright, and mostly white French country-inspired farmhouse. Through extensive renovations, including stripping away shag carpet and flocked wallpaper, the couple uncovered original shiplap walls and Douglas fir floors, which they then painted white. The result is a dreamy, French-inspired home filled with vintage finds, marble accents, and plenty of natural light.

Why it matters

This story highlights the growing trend of homeowners taking on ambitious renovation projects to transform dated or neglected properties into their dream homes. The Carrs' journey showcases how a little vision, elbow grease, and a love of the color white can breathe new life into an older home and create a one-of-a-kind living space.

The details

Over the course of five years, Thad Carr, a horse trainer and farrier, spent his Sundays stripping away the 1970s decor, including shag carpet and flocked wallpaper, to uncover the home's original features. He then painted every surface white, installed marble countertops and backsplashes, and added beadboard to the ceilings. Maria Carr, the owner of the Dreamy Whites lifestyle brand, furnished the home with her signature mix of French-inspired pieces like linen slipcovered furniture, farm tables, chandeliers, and ironstone.

  • The Carrs purchased the 1880s Craftsman home in California five years ago.
  • Thad Carr spent about six months renovating each room, working on Sundays since he had a full-time job as a horse trainer and farrier.

The players

Maria Carr

The owner of the Dreamy Whites lifestyle brand, who furnished the home with her signature mix of French-inspired pieces.

Thad Carr

A horse trainer and farrier by trade, who spent his Sundays over the course of five years renovating the home, stripping away the 1970s decor and uncovering original features.

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What they’re saying

“We liked that it was so old but sound. We were drawn to the coffered ceilings and suspected that there were wood floors underneath all that awful carpet. It wasn't falling apart—it was just colorful.”

— Maria Carr

“Because he only worked one day a week, it took a while. About six months per room.”

— Maria Carr

What’s next

The Carrs plan to continue maintaining and enjoying their newly renovated French farmhouse-inspired home, hosting gatherings and barbecues in their outdoor living spaces.

The takeaway

The Carrs' renovation journey shows how a little vision, hard work, and a love of the color white can transform a dated property into a one-of-a-kind dream home. Their story inspires others to see the potential in older, neglected houses and take on ambitious projects to create their own unique living spaces.