Joyce’s Cozy, Textured Bungalow and Outdoor Oasis

published Dec 12, 2015

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About this tour

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Home Type

Bungalow

Location

Mid-City, Los Angeles, California

Style

Bohemian

Scandinavian

Bedrooms

Square feet

670

Sq ft

670

Name: Joyce Pickens and her dog, Mouse
Location: Mid-City — Los Angeles, California
Size: 670 square feet
Years lived in: 1 year; Rented

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When interior designer Joyce of JDP Interiors sent in her House Call, I knew we had to see more of this lovely layered space. The green path to her doorstep is an oasis in the middle of the city, as is the warm, welcoming home that she has created.

(Image credit: Erin Galvin)

Joyce actually had her eye on this place for a while before she moved in; when a friend moved out, Joyce jumped at the chance to get her hands on this quirky little bungalow. The high ceilings and abundant light make it feel larger than the square footage would indicate, and every room has a feature that makes it feel special, from the fireplace and skylights to the French doors she says sold her on the place. As a result, every room presents a unique opportunity—and sometimes a little challenge. The reduced color palette of neutrals with wood and plenty of other natural textures helps to unify and calm the space while embracing these quirks.

(Image credit: Erin Galvin)

Apartment Therapy Survey:

My Style: I would have to say my style could be classified as rustic Scandinavian with a touch of bohemian that adds warmth.

Inspiration: My inspiration for the place was nature, tree houses, and earth tones, but over time it sort of transformed itself into what reminds me of Miss Honey’s house from the movie Matilda. The color scheme is simple and spa-like.

Favorite Element: I love the French doors. It may have been the biggest decision-making factor when deciding to move in. The house was built in the 1920s—they just don’t take the time to build like they used to! The outside creeps in through the many windows and it makes the space feel open and at one with nature.

Biggest Challenge: The most challenging part of my home are the concrete floors and old baseboards. They definitely need some updating and I would love to get my hands on the place for a little facelift—but the bones are great and I wake up happy every day to be here.

What Friends Say: They love it here! It’s an amazing place to entertain and is just as magical at night sitting around the fire pit under the lights as it is during the day with a good book swinging in the hammock.

Biggest Embarrassment: I think my biggest embarrassment would have to be all the rings on my coffee table… I have coasters but I guess I’m not very good at using them because my whitewashed wood-top coffee table looks like it’s been to war and back… I’m hoping it gives it character?

Proudest DIY: My proudest DIY I think would have to be the two little macramé stools on the porch. I bought two camping stools off eBay for nothing, ripped of the old fabric, and bought rope from the local hardware store. After years of lanyard making at camp I sort of figured out the rest! I was shocked when they actually turned out!

Biggest Indulgence: My biggest indulgence would be the Turkish rug in the master bedroom. I looked forever for one I was in love with and found this little gem just as I was about to give up. The graphic pattern really makes the space, I think, and I love looking at it every day.

Best Advice: Keep your staple pieces simple, such as the couch and rugs. Then play around with patterns and textures in the rest of the space. Some people jump to add interest with color but I find that rattan, wood, and leather very often make a space more interesting to the eye.

Dream Sources: My dream sources would have to be nickey • kehoe, Big Daddy’s Antiques, and Nathan Turner for great vintage and antique pieces.