Get the Look Decor: California Modern

Iheartmoustaches

Story by Iheartmoustaches

Published on July 03, 2011 in Shop

Iheartmoustaches

ChristineThis weekend’s Get the Look Decor is inspired by the home of Rena Tom. She shares the top floor of a 1920s apartment building with her husband Derek, son Ivo and dog Mia, where they have a perfect view of the overgrown communal garden below. Visit Rena on Flickr for more inspiring photos of her modern home.

 

How would you describe your home decorating style?
I think of our style as warm California modernist. We love color; the hues tend to be muted yet deep at the same time. There’s a lot of grey-tinged shades in our apartment which we liven up with bright accessories in acid yellow or tomato red. As a former owner of the store Rare Device, I love finding new design but my home is a balance of the new and the old — we find mixing vintage and new together keeps things from looking too matchy-matchy.

 



Clockwise from top left: Modern Sofa and Chair by Rajji; Magic Beans Original Illustration by benconservato; Habitat streamlined ceiling lamp by AustinModern; Modern Dining Table by kapeldesigns; Large adjustable floor lamp by MattDownerDesigns; Modern Candle Holder by gildem; Shipping Crate Storage Box by MrsRekamepip; The Significant Travel by linguine; Modern Cedar Slab Table by TheMango.

 

Where are your favorite places to shop for home items?
I love Etsy, of course, and it’s the source of some of my favorite accessories, like the birch candlestick holder (Gildem), the red mushrooms print (SmallStump) and the animal photos in Ivo’s room (SharonMontrose). I used to source new designers from Etsy for Rare Device all the time!

In general I’m a fan of smaller, independent design companies but we temper it with reality so sometimes we’ll score a great deal on rag rugs at IKEA and other times I’ll get something small from Heath Ceramics that I know I’ll keep forever. In general, I’m shopping less and less (a consequence of having a kid and only wanting to buy things that I truly cherish and need).


Clockwise from top left: Wooden Display Crate Box by OldTimePickers; Mid-Century Modern Inspired Lounger by FlotsamFurniture; Spun White Lucite Spaghetti Swag Light by diantiques; All by all archival print by swallowfield; Join Me In The Parlor 8 X 10 Print by Winterberrycottage; Abstract Outsider Style Brut Emo Art Painting by alteredimage.

 

What is your favorite part about your home?
It’s a tie between our tiny kitchen and the natural light. The kitchen is where we spend most of our time, and the baby is usually playing with pots and pans or getting into the dog food while we prepare dinner. I put up a strip of Julia Rothman wallpaper and it really changed the whole space. Our apartment has a great, compact layout. It’s only a 1-bedroom with office (now nursery) but there are glass-pane doors and French doors throughout, so the sunlight really reaches every room, unlike the Victorians.


 

What inspires you when it comes to decorating?
I love texture so I’m always on the hunt for objects I can’t seem to put down. Simplicity of design, evidence of craft and great fine details always get me. My husband trained as an architect so that’s his focus, too. We are both very forward-looking but our home is a safe haven for us so we invest in great vintage, like the Gio Ponti superleggera chairs in the dining room.

Clockwise from top left: Pair of Modern Teak Side Tables by dejavulongbeach; Parallel 4 – 24×48 Inch Painting by hwinfield; Adjustable Arm Desk Lamp by ilikemikes; White tufted fabric headboard by whatmorecouldyouwant; Purple Gradient Pillow Cover by bstudio; Typographic Desk Calendar by RubyRedDesignStudio.

 

Does your home hold any strong memories?
When we moved back to the Bay Area after a three-year stint in New York, we bought this apartment. It signifies a commitment to staying in California. Soon after, I got pregnant and now it is special because it is Ivo’s first home! We’re starting to outgrow it but even if/when we move, it will be one of my most favorite places to have lived.


Clockwise from top left: Happy giraffe, 8×10 by dreadsky; Leaping Rabbits Mobile by ARTISANIEeurope; 11×14 Horse and Halter by TailedBluePhotos; Owl original fine art photograph by InmostLight; PAIR OF CHESTS by SelectModern; Circle wool felt rug by moufelt.

 

With a background in web and graphic design, experience making and selling her own line of jewelry and custom wedding invitations and the founder of Rare Device, Rena is kind of a big deal in the craft world. She recently sold Rare Device back in February and has started a retail strategy company that aims to help creative small businesses.


Looking for more styles and interiors? Check out our video series, There’s No Place Like Here, where creative types show us their unique spaces — infused with their aesthetic and filled with the treasures they collect. Get involved and show us your amazing space in this Flickr pool.

More Get the Look: Home Decor Editions.

Housewares Category | Vintage Housewares

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