We love a good home tour here on GWS! It’s one thing to feature couple style on their wedding day, it’s another to see how that style truly inhabits a space + design once the day is done. Or, in today’s case, before it’s begun! Layne Kula of Penny Layne worked with new homeowners Kelly + John to bring a fun, colorful, retro-inspired vibe into their home—and she’s ALSO helping them plan an epic wedding day! If the wedding is anything like their home, we have a feeling it is going to be GOOD. Here’s Layne:
When Kelly + John approached me about designing their space, I couldn’t have been more excited. Their rich history and epic story infused with their deep love of music, color, and genuine love of just “hanging out” is any designer’s dream. They had purchased their very first home and they knew if they were gonna be all in, they had to do it right. Having an outside eye on the project brings a whole new perspective and a fresh approach to the space. I wanted to really make their house a home and cultivate a safe space where they never wanted to leave!
Jessica Alexander snapped some dreamy photos of the North Hollywood bungalow that’s FULLY inspiring us to relax + refresh. Let’s have a look!
A Welcoming Entry
A home you’d never want to leave? That was the goal!
Layne leaned on cues from California’s naturally relaxed vibe, natural landscape, and rich culture to create a warm + welcoming environment.
Modern Meets Vintage Meets Cozy
How gorgeous is that wallpaper?!
Carousel
Carousel
Wood and matte gold accents lend themselves beautifully to modern fixtures and finishes, and elements such as unexpected wallpaper, ceramics, and brushed gold give the space a soft masculine feel that is approachable and accessible while remaining true to the couple — as well as the space.
Sit + Savor
Loving this dining space!
What’s your advice for couples currently designing their home?
Layne: The best thing you can do for yourself, your home, or your clients is to embrace the quirks and nuances that make them unique and really tell their story. That’s how you can bring personality to any space and give it that comfortable, personal feeling. It’s so easy to get caught up in the biggest home decor trends — but don’t lose sight of who you are in the process. That’s what will give your space that classic feel that will stand the test of time. The word “classic” is whatever we want it to be.
Casual California Kitchen
Such a classic California space. Just goes to show that the right touch can completely transform a space without turning to renovations.
How did you collect/manage the inspiration for the design?
Layne: We scour every corner of the web, interior design magazines, fine art, flea markets, and editorial campaigns for design inspiration. I think it’s so limiting to simply gather home and interior inspiration. I like to push my clients to think outside the box and start trends rather than follow them.
The inspiration that my clients received at the very start of our process can definitely be felt in the end result, but it simply acts as a springboard or jumping-off point for what they see in real life. After all, their designs should be original, fresh, and unique! It should never be a carbon copy of something else — what’s the fun in that?
Coffee here, please!!
The Magical Outdoor Space
It doesn’t get more classically California than this!
When do you know if it’s time to bring in a professional?
Layne: I have so many clients with exceptional taste, but I think sometimes you just end up sourcing and collecting a lot of “stuff”. It’s not bad stuff, it’s all amazing, but without a real design eye, it all starts to look like a circus. A designer can help streamline the project and really tell a story. I think that is most important when you’re dealing with the place you spend all of your time!
Well, we certainly would never want to leave. So totally cozy, welcoming, and inspiring! (Who else is excited to see the sure-to-be epic wedding to come?!) Thanks to Layne for sharing and to Kelly + Jon for opening your home to us!
photography: Jessica Alexander // interior designer: Layne Kula of Penny Layne
Incredible design!! Such a beautiful job with the space! I wish I could hire her! :)