A Builder-Grade California House Was Transformed Into a Colorful “Spaceship Chic” Home

Color Month

A Builder-Grade California House Was Transformed Into a Colorful “Spaceship Chic” Home

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Home Type
Location
Bedrooms
N/A
Square feet

2178

Sq ft

2178

Name: Ashley Maeda, husband Scott Maeda, two daughters, and two dogs: Dude and Whitney
Location: The desert of Southern California
Size: 2,178 square feet
Type of Home: House
Years Lived In: 7 months, own

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We moved into our home on Christmas Eve 2021. Our home is a new build located inside of a little lake community in the desert of Southern California. Our home has an open floor plan, which is perfect for us. We are able to all be together while doing our own things. My daughter will be at the dinner table playing, while I’m in the living room taking care of our newborn and my husband Scott is making dinner in the kitchen.

Credit: Ashley Maeda

Apartment Therapy Survey:

My Style: My grandma, Ridge, described it best originally as “futuristic,” and after building on that, we agreed on the name “spaceship chic.”

It’s a cohesive mix of lots of warm tones and mid-century vintage furniture. Truly anything that brings me joy. The more spaces that are saturated with color, the better. My room checklist would be wood furniture, the color orange, and at least one funky mural.

Credit: Ashley Maeda

Favorite Element: The large wall space! I love the bright, natural light.

Biggest Challenge: New builds have a stigma of having no personality, but I think my home is oozing with it thanks to paint. Replacing the lifeless gray walls with colors that bring me joy have really made our home one of a kind.

Credit: Ashley Maeda

Proudest DIY: I love my bedroom mural the best. The warm sunset colors that make me feel relaxed. I’m very pleased with how the space came together.

Biggest Indulgence: We recently splurged and ordered some Emeco navy chairs. Most of our furniture is vintage, but we had a bad experience purchasing vintage dining room chairs so we decided we needed something new. We wanted quality and something that wouldn’t be bad for the earth. We were so happy to find the recycled dining chairs that are made from 111 Coke bottles. I’d say it was definitely worth the price tag.

Credit: Ashley Maeda

Is there something unique about your home or the way you use it? I look at my home as my canvas. There is always a half-finished mural somewhere because I am constantly painting something new.

What are your favorite products you have bought for your home and why? I love my mid-century dressers. I’ve wanted a vintage matching dresser set for years, and I’m so happy with the set I found at the hologram house. It brings me joy every morning when I open the drawers for my clothes.

Credit: Ashley Maeda

What most people get wrong about using color in their home: Having a limited color palette! For instance, people often think you need to stick to one shade of pink, but you can have lots of shades of pink that look good together. Have fun with colors, try different shades and contrasts to create a unique home that speaks to you.

What are the biggest tricks/secrets to using color in decor? Sometimes picking the “right” color takes a few tries. It’s okay to try something out and decide that it is not the right fit. Don’t give up, it is worth finding the right tones for your life. The first color I tried was a hunter green, and it was too serious for my taste.

Credit: Ashley Maeda

What’s your favorite wall paint color of all time: I love “Anime” by Behr. It’s a slime green color that complements some vintage chairs l have.

Finally, what’s your absolute best home secret or decorating advice? Don’t be afraid to experiment! Yes, it can be a complete disaster, but you could totally find your vibe.

Resources

Credit: Ashley Maeda

PAINT & COLORS

  • Living room — Behr “Priceless Coral”
  • Plant cubby — Behr “Deco Shell”
  • Bedroom — Graham and Brown “August,” “Bobbi,” and “Aloha”
  • Hallway hutch — Behr “Sweet and Sour”
  • Play room— Behr “Anime,” “Cheerful Tangerine,” “Sizzling Sunset,” and “Infatuation”
  • Bathroom — Behr  “Deco Shell”
Credit: Ashley Maeda

LIVING ROOM

DINING ROOM

  • Table — Grandmother’s
  • Recycled chairs — Emeco
  • Curtains — Target
Credit: Ashley Maeda

PLAYROOM

Credit: Ashley Maeda

BEDROOM

Credit: Ashley Maeda

BATHROOM

Thanks Ashley!

This submission’s responses and photos were edited for length/size and clarity. Share Your Style: House Tour & House Call Submission Form

Credit: Photo: Alpha Smoot; Prop Styling: Ed Gallagher