A Small California Bungalow Shows How to Use a Lot of Black But Still Keep it Light
Name: Victor Hoffman and brother
Location: La Mesa, California
Type of home: California Bungalow
Size: 892 square feet
Years lived in: 6 years, owned
Tell us a little (or a lot) about your home and the people who live there: My house is a small two-bedroom California bungalow that was built in 1942. It’s my first home and I’ve really enjoyed putting my stamp on the place. Shortly after I put in new cabinets and appliances and opened up the living areas I was featured on Apartment Therapy, and over the past two years I’ve continued to update.
Though black and white and green are still my main color story, I’ve added pops of warmth via a little leather and lighter wood. It feels more and more like home with each edit. My little brother has been living with me for the past three years which works well with my travel for work.
Describe your home’s style in 5 words or less: Organic, Scandi-industrial meets mid-century.
What is your favorite room and why? I’m most proud of the work I did in the kitchen remodel because it’s almost 100% my blood, sweat, and tears. However, the living room is my favorite area. It’s a great room with a lot of function and I like the story it tells. My love of surfing. A nod to my Midwestern/Southern roots. A green thumb. Someone who appreciates a good cocktail, mezcal or whiskey and, I’d like to think, a guy with decent ability in home design. Most importantly it’s a welcome place to escape after a week on the road or enjoy drinks with friends.
What’s the last thing you bought (or found!) for your home? Two leather couches (Eleanor) from Kardiel Modern and an Apex II Sideboard (used as media center) from Crate and Barrel. Some great decanter and cocktail trays from CB2. A couple of ’70s mod items (glasses and cool looking vase) from this new little vintage store I found via Instagram (Hood Mod Shop).
Any advice for creating a home you love? From an aesthetic standpoint my iPhone has been the most important tool in helping me see the room. Something about taking a snapshot of the room after placing items either confirms or denies that you got it right. At some point you will need to start removing one or two items when you are going to bring home something new. I try to have those items in mind before I ever purchase a new item. I have found it to be one of the most important things to keep your home from looking like a thrift/consignment store unless you’re good at maximalism.
Finally, add things if you like them AND they fit the aesthetic story of your home. Leanne Ford said something to the effect of “If I like something but it doesn’t fit my color story it doesn’t come home.” I tend to agree with that sentiment.
This submission’s responses were edited for length and clarity.