Pink, Patterned, Plant Perfection in a Designer’s Eclectic 1940s Bungalow
Name: Kelly Shannon and “a sh*t load of plants”
Location: Costa Mesa, California
Size: 1120-ish… like my SATs
Years lived in: 14 months, owned
When buying this house, the idea was to keep it uniquely quirky. There’s a (very slowly) rotating carousel and a giant vintage street lamp in the garden, and a few hidden nooks around the property. The bones of the house were incredible, but it needed a ton of work and updating.
But between having very talented interior designers and creatives in my family, as well as a seasoned contractor, I was collaboratively able to keep this 1940s bungalow time period-sensitive, but with an updated feel. But the best part about this home is that I feel there are pieces of each of my family members who contributed to it. And nothing makes it feel more like home than that.
What is your favorite room and why? I honestly love them all, but I’d have to say the living area, because it’s the first room you see when you walk in the front door. And it’s where most of my time is spent—from rearranging/redecorating to researching, to watching Seinfeld reruns, to spending time with my friends, to simply reading on the couch. It’s also the room I’ve put the most work into, being that it’s the first impression once you step foot into the home.
What’s the last thing you bought (or found!) for your home? I recently bought an amazing vintage leather hat, head of a woman, and a beautiful boho tray from Jen at CALIFORNIA CASA in Costa Mesa, California. Her showroom is a well-curated, eclectic mix of vintage and unique home/lifestyle goods. She has excellent taste and truly loves all the pieces she sells.
Any advice for creating a home you love? Make your home YOUR home. Of course, use inspiration from designs you love, but give it the twist to make it yours. There is only one of you and your home should simply be uniquely you. You will never feel out of place when you’re surrounded by the things you love.
Thanks, Kelly!
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