Homes inspire, as much as they protect. Even if it’s the mere wingspan of a four-feet box, they defend our sense of space and belonging, whilst also lending themselves to spurs of creativity. This may look like shelves stacked with one’s favourite mementos, a splashy wall plastered with funky memorabilia or an entire segment of the home dedicated to a hobby you love. They become personal, and a visual window into the most private and unseen sides of our lives.
For some, the abode thus becomes the utmost form of personal expression. Thought of like a mini gallery of one’s experiences, preferences and priorities in life, there’s free agency to build, design and adorn their homes in a way that teems with idiosyncratic flair—one that is uniquely their own. If TikTok had a name for it, it would be ‘dopamine decor’. Where many mould their homes into a cornucopia of visual elements that give them a serotonin boost and reflect their personality. Home goods line owner Michelle Pham, for one, thought to bring a slice of seaside living after her travels into her city loft, via a seashell mirror she crafted entirely out of hand. Whilst visual artist and designer Hanna KL has given a new lease of life to nearly everything in her abode by repainting or woodworking them into elements that fit into her eclectic home. Each of them, demonstrating a knack for hands-on decor that brings an unrivalled sense of joy.
The act of DIY-ing or up-cycling something then, is perhaps what truly makes some of these audacious interior lovers stand out amongst the lot. The test of time, an eye for detail and an undulating desire to leave a physical mark on their lived spaces ultimately paid off—and at the end of the rainbow, these five interior enthusiasts have emerged with places they can beam about and call home. Read on as they muse on about their sources of inspiration, what it took to get there and their all-time interior tips for the aspiring or present homeowner within you—just so your homes can truly become your happy place.
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Michelle Pham, New York City
How would you describe your home interior aesthetic?
Our home is a world of whimsy and colour. It brings out the inner child in me, being playful and unpretentious. The space is a joyful symphony of trinkets brought home from travels, vintage finds and many handmade pieces created by talented artisans. I grew up in a home where nothing was too precious. I believe in having pieces that are elevated but low maintenance, because a home is not a museum. Things should be touched, used and enjoyed. I am working on the launch of my home goods line, Inner Child, where all of these elements will come into play.
What gave you the inspiration for your home interior space?
My parents are Vietnamese refugees who have a flair for the unusual and an aptitude for DIY work. I lived in a home full of personalities where all were welcome to gather. This made me unafraid of being different. I have no problem buying things that people may view as kitschy or overly quirky. It is your home and your money—the ultimate luxury in life is coming as you are.
Growing up, in the early days of Tumblr, Pinterest and Apartment Therapy, I was enamoured with European design; in particular, British design. There is a certain brand of British maximalism that I identify with: it is unabashedly eccentric with a penchant for colour and prints. With a maximalist home, you can rearrange and make everything work on an ever-evolving canvas. I want rooms that have depth of detail and collections of things that tell you where we’ve been and where our passions lie. A home should be multi-dimensional, like a layered person who is full of interesting and illuminating stories. Recently, I have been very drawn to Indian textiles and Italian lighting designers as I work on designing my new home. I love the Iranian-French designer India Mahdavi, the artist Annie Morris and I’ve been enjoying the journey of growing ateliers like Mestiz.
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Michelle Pham, New York City
Is there anything you’ve DIY-ed or up-cycled in your home space? Tell us more about it.
Many years ago, I visited the Faena Hotel in Miami and became instantly taken by the seashell paradise designed by Christa Wilm of Christa’s South Seashells. There was an otherworldly quality to the towering shell-encrusted columns that she installed by the bar.
I wanted a whisper of the seaside in my tiny slice of Manhattan. I bought a $50 Ikea mirror from Facebook Marketplace. A woman in Rhode Island sold me her late Grandpa’s seashell collection built during his time deployed overseas with the U.S. Navy. My aunt brought me a few bags of seashells from Florida when she came to visit. I got to work every evening and completed the whole seashell mirror project by hand in two weeks. It adorns our bedroom now.
One interior tip you’ll recommend to those who are hoping to rework their home interiors?
Spend a considerable amount of time thinking about how you live and how your home can help you live better. Choose materials and objects that fit seamlessly in with your routines and likes. Have fun and don’t rush the process.
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Hanna KL, Gothenburg
How would you describe your home interior aesthetic?
I get this question so often and I always say eclectic, because it’s just a mixture of different styles. I like maximalism but I also appreciate a minimal feel. I do love the Scandinavian interiors which I grew up around but I also love the influence of other cultures.
What gave you the inspiration for your home interior space?
I adore interiors and design from the ’60s and ’70s which I try to incorporate a lot of into my home. It also sort of happens naturally due to my love for vintage and shopping secondhand. I also get a lot of inspiration from Pinterest and other people’s homes. But I never strive for what others have, I always do it in my own way. I try to create a similar mood rather than copying somebody’s stuff.
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Hanna KL, Gothenburg
Is there anything you’ve DIY-ed or up-cycled in your home space? Tell us more about it.
Almost everything in my place is up-cycled. I often paint things, which is the easiest way to up-cycle, like my Ikea Malm bed frame or Ikea Enetri shelf. But sometimes my dad, who is a very talented wood worker, also helps me to make other changes like put legs on my mid century credenza or change the size of my red door, which I purchased secondhand, to fit the door frame. I don’t like to consume for environmental reasons and I love the concept of getting my hands on something that already exists, giving it new life and putting my own twist to it.
One interior tip you’ll recommend to those who are hoping to rework their home interiors?
Following trends and copying somebody else is easy, but it may not reflect your true personality. Instead of falling for trends over and over again, try to think of what would make you feel happy and inspired in your home. Find things that you want to keep for the rest of your life, not just until the end of the season.
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Celena Browning, Los Angeles
How would you describe your home interior aesthetic?
My home interior aesthetic is a vibrant blend of maximalism, characterised by an explosion of colours and quirky elements. I love to fill my space with a kaleidoscope of patterns, bold hues, and unique decor pieces that catch the eye and spark conversations. Every corner of my home is a collection of eclectic finds and playful design choices, creating a dynamic and lively atmosphere that reflects my love for self-expression and creativity.
What gave you the inspiration for your home interior space?
Ever since I was a child I knew I wanted a colourful house. I never liked neutral-coloured home decor. So my inspiration is my inner child. Everything I do is to make my inner child happy.
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Celena Browning, Los Angeles
Is there anything you’ve DIY-ed or up-cycled in your home space? Tell us more about it.
I don’t always follow the conventional path of up-cycling. Instead, I have a knack for discovering slightly neglected decor and giving them a makeover. I once found a lamp on the side of a road, adorned it with a fresh coat of paint and added a whimsical touch with a new shade. I love searching for furniture that’s just begging for a dash of my creative magic. Lately, I’ve been daydreaming about diving into upholstery projects, inspired by all the sweet compliments I’ve received on my beloved couch.
One interior tip you’ll recommend to those who are hoping to rework their home interiors?
If you’re looking to rework your home, first I’d suggest seeking inspiration. Start by creating a moodboard of furniture you like, jot down the colours you want to see in your home, and describe the overall vibe you’re going for. Most people begin decorating their home and don’t have a clear direction—leading them to buy furniture that does not look good together. You can always consult an interior decorator if you want professional help. A decorator can help you find your home decor style and bring that vision to life.
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Steph Kaluza, London
How would you describe your home interior aesthetic?
Dreamy eclectic with a touch of mid-century and retro.
What gave you the inspiration for your home interior space?
I’ve always loved incorporating a soft pastel colour palette into my fashion style and I wanted to reflect this in my home. Colour brings me joy and I love to be surrounded by joyful things in my home. I love Wes Anderson films and the dream-like style captured. I try to replicate this kind of mood in my interiors. I don’t want the safe and mundane look, I want my home to be memorable and fun, with every detail playing a part in the overall character—like my sage green kitchen appliances and pastel pink vegetable peeler.
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Steph Kaluza, London
Is there anything you’ve DIY-ed or up-cycled in your home space? Tell us more about it.
My radiator cover. I started by finding a basic radiator cover from B&Q that was the right size for the space and radiator. After assembly, I took out the original centre inserts as I thought they were a bit boring and lacking character. To replace them and cover up the arch openings, I bought a large role of cane webbing, cut it to size and secured it on the inside of the radiator cover with a staple gun. Many staples later…voila! I used command strips along the edges to secure the cover against the wall for extra stability and it was now ready as a top shelf display for loads of pretty items.
One interior tip you’ll recommend to those who are hoping to rework their home interiors?
The home is for expressing yourself and creating a space that makes you feel at ease. Choose furniture, decor and colours that bring you joy. Don’t worry too much about what’s ‘trending’ at the moment. We spend a lot of time in our homes so it’s important to really love and have a connection with the items that you’ll see in your home every day.
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Loi Doan, Dallas
How would you describe your home interior aesthetic?
In my apartment, there’s a unique and captivating style that combines elements from different design eras. The space is colourful and lively, creating a welcoming atmosphere that stands out. It carries with it a Space Age vibe, giving it a futuristic charm, along with elements that take you on a nostalgic trip to the past. The infusion of Danish pastel colours add sophistication and warmth. I’ve adopted a semi-maximalist approach, ensuring that every corner of my apartment is filled with personality and character, making it a delightful and visually engaging place to call home.
What gave you the inspiration for your home interior space?
My 900 square foot space draws inspiration from the vintage Ikea catalog, infusing it with a combination of vintage, Space Age, and modern design elements. This fusion creates a unique ambience that balances nostalgia with contemporary style, resulting in a space that is both classic and forward-thinking. This is my third apartment, and over the course of nearly three years, I’ve refined its aesthetic from a cottagecore apartment vibe to a fusion of space age modernism and vintage Ikea catalog inspiration. I also have a passion for thrifting, and most of the time, I find myself on the lookout for vintage magazines, especially those from Architectural Digest. These timeless publications not only provide a glimpse into the past but also serve as a wellspring of design inspiration for me.
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Loi Doan, Dallas
Is there anything you’ve DIY-ed or up-cycled in your home space? Tell us more about it.
I’ve adopted a habit of not easily discarding items because I firmly believe that there’s almost always a way to breathe new life into them. I’ve become quite adept at repurposing and up-cycling, finding joy in the process of giving ordinary objects a second chance. To minimise waste and maximise available resources, I frequently scour platforms like Facebook Marketplace for free or low-cost materials that might otherwise end up in landfills. It’s a fulfilling endeavour as it allows me to craft unique, handmade creations while also contributing to a more sustainable and eco-friendly lifestyle.
One interior tip you’ll recommend to those who are hoping to rework their home interiors?
Stay true to yourself. Whether you’re drawn to the latest Pinterest trends or you’re itching to create something entirely new and original, it’s essential to honour your personal style and preferences. Embrace your unique vision, and don’t feel confined to the conventions of design. Your living space should be a reflection of your personality and make you feel truly at home, so there’s no better way to achieve that than by letting your authentic self shine through in your decor. This approach not only ensures that your space is a genuine expression of who you are but also makes the decorating process more enjoyable and fulfilling. So, whether you’re following the latest fads or charting your creative course, remember to be yourself, and your home will be a testament to your individuality.
