Photos by Leela Cyd.
Tina Tuason and her spouse, Jeffrey, have always had a whimsical flair for style. “We adore graphic art and toys,” she explains. Three years ago, they purchased Jeffrey’s childhood residence in Lakewood, California, from his parents — and set to work crafting the vibrant home they’ve always envisioned. Here, Tina takes us on a tour…
LIVING ROOM
Sofa: Hay. Throw pillow: Verloop, similar. Rug: Ikea. Coffee table: Ikea. Lounge chair: Valyou. Blanket on chair: Slowdown Studio, similar. Rocker: Downtown Modernism, similar. Side table: Heller. Red stool: MoMA Design Store. Table lamp: MoMA Design Store.
On a multicolor sofa: This couch is available in several color combinations. I had intended to choose the beige option, thinking a neutral couch would offer more versatility — but it was out of stock. My husband suggested the blue and green, and I wondered, ‘Isn’t that a bit much?’ However, once we got it home, I instantly fell for it.
TV stand: Pedestal. Floor shelves: Ikea, similar. Lamp: MoMa Design Store.
On an informal formal living room: We have two living spaces, and this is the one we use when hosting friends and family. This room is the first thing you see upon entering the house, so I wanted it to exude a warm, relaxing atmosphere.
On a moveable TV: Our portable TV stand has been a lifesaver. When my nephews visit, we can create a special area for them to enjoy TV. If we want it out of the way, we simply roll it into the garage!
Mirror: Ikea (“I painted it blue”). Console table: Ikea. Lamp: Ikea. Candleholder: Ikea. Candles: Hay, similar. Calendar: Karst Goods, similar.
On concealing shoes: Our entryway posed the biggest challenge. I needed storage for my shoes, but I aimed for this area to feel more inviting than merely a storage nook. Eventually, I found this console table from Ikea — which wasn’t specifically designed as a shoe cabinet, but it fits perfectly!
OFFICE
Desk chair: Ikea, similar. Print: Tate Modern Museum. Wall organizer: Aescraft. Lamp: Buddy.
On division of labor: My husband and I remodeled the house together, with me handling all the design and him managing the labor. He’s handy, while I’m meticulous. So, while he worked, I’d tidy up as we went, preventing piles of debris from accumulating. We make a great team!
Bench: Heller. Throw pillow: Verloop, similar. Golf set: Amazon. Stool: Aescraft. Framed print: Tate Modern Museum.
On work and play: Oh my goodness, the golf game. Jeffrey works from home two days a week, and he’s an avid golfer, so during breaks, he enjoys practicing his putt. Initially, I thought it looked a bit cluttered, but then I decided, you know what? Just leave it!
Bookshelf: Ikea. Sconce: Poplight. Smiley vases: Ikea. Cabinets: Ikea. Green vase: Aescraft.
On transforming an old home into a new one: This is the first house Jeffrey lived in as a boy. They moved away when he was seven; afterward, his parents rented it out until we bought it in 2022. They’re old-school and had many inquiries when we began renovations. Why are you altering this? Why are you making that change? But when it was all finished, they stepped inside and exclaimed, ‘Oh, wow, this is amazing.’
KITCHEN
Bar stools: vintage, similar. Fruit plate: Gustaf Westman. Pink lamp: Oblique Method. Yellow lamp: Aleo. Countertop shelf: MoMA Design Store. Mug set: Heller.
On balance: In decorating with color, I believe the secret lies in beginning with a neutral backdrop. If I want to use, say, multicolored mugs, I know the shelf they sit on needs to be neutral. We designed our entire kitchen with a white and beige color scheme, allowing for vibrant decor to be added easily.
On loving IKEA: We aimed for a simple aesthetic for the kitchen — plain flat cabinets without handles. However, it proved challenging to find that style, and everything we discovered was prohibitively expensive. The only option we could think of was IKEA — and it turned out to be ideal! Sure, it involved plenty of assembly, but it was worth it.
Scallion plug-in light: Soft Surprise.
On toys: People might glance at our home and assume children reside here — I understand! When we first had family over, I fretted about how our grandmas and aunties would perceive the place. Will they appreciate it? Or will they view it as just a silly toy house? But you know what? They adored it.
DINING ROOM
Hanging light fixture: Ikea. Table: Castlery. Chairs: Castlery, similar. Mirror: Urban Outfitters. Vase: &Klevering.
On strategic mirrors: For the dining area, I thought a large mirror would help brighten and enlarge the space. Yet, I also wanted a mirror that didn’t appear like a mirror — something a bit unique, you know? I actually stumbled upon this one at Urban Outfitters. It was significantly smaller than what I had envisioned, but it turned out to be just right. It imbues the entire room with sunset vibes.
DEN
Sofa: Ikea. Coffee table: Ikea. Stool: Target. Console: Homary, similar.
On a space to relax: This ‘lower’ room serves as the relaxation space. When it’s just the two of us, this is where we spend most of our time. The couch is large and comfortable, perfect for curling up during movie nights or watching football.
Calendar: Tate Modern Museum. Purple cat: Donkey. Stool: Arnold Circus. Pepper plug-in light: Soft Surprise.
On an enjoyable pastime: We dedicate an entire drawer to card games, and we play chess frequently. When friends visit, we enjoy games like Monopoly Deal, Bananagrams, or Rummikub — that one’s a blast.
On illuminated spaces: I have a fondness for small portable lamps. We rarely utilize our ceiling lights, except in the kitchen. In every other space, we go around switching on every tiny lamp.
Green stool: World Market. Tabletop lamp: Hay. Print: LACMA.
On a challenging wall: Hanging art took us ages. This wall was especially daunting due to its size. Eventually, we realized that a large wall needs a sizable print. We discovered this one at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art and were enamored. Once we hung that piece, it became easier to arrange other items around it.
BEDROOM
Bed: Ikea. Linens: Bed Threads.
On reducing the noise: Our bedroom contrasts with the rest of the home — and that was a deliberate decision. I desired our room to exude tranquility, as it serves as a space for rest. The muted tones make it simpler to relax.
BACKYARD
Sofa: Heller. Chair: Heller. Stools: Heller.
On fun functionality: I’m a fan of Heller furniture, and we have a few pieces in the house. The outdoor set creates an inviting transition from indoors to the backyard. Additionally, it’s convenient — we didn’t want anything that needed to be covered or reassembled each time we used it. It resembles a large LEGO set.
On discovering your true colors: As a makeup artist, I constantly work with color and think about color theory. My playful side has always been present, but moving here — into our own home — truly brought it to the forefront for me.
Thank you, Tina!
P.S. More home tours await, including a Minneapolis residence featuring the cutest dog and a farmhouse designed for Black joy.
(Photos by Leela Cyd.)
Title: A Lively and Playful Home Showcasing Ikea Furnishings and Vegetable-Themed Lamps
In the realm of interior design, crafting a vibrant and fun environment presents an enjoyable challenge. One clever method is to merge the functionality and aesthetic appeal of Ikea furnishings with the whimsical allure of vegetable-themed lamps. This distinctive pairing not only injects color and energy into a home but also incorporates a dash of humor and creativity.
**Ikea Furnishings: The Foundation of Contemporary Living**
Ikea has been a go-to for those desiring affordable, stylish, and practical furniture. Renowned for its minimalist Scandinavian design, Ikea offers a diverse selection of products to fit various tastes and needs. From sleek sofas and adaptable storage options to elegant dining sets and snug bedroom furnishings, Ikea lays the groundwork for a vibrant living space.
The secret to effectively utilizing Ikea furnishings lies in mixing and matching pieces that reflect your unique style while preserving a harmonious appearance. Choose bold colors and patterns to foster a lively ambiance. For example, a bright yellow EKTORP sofa can become a centerpiece in the living room, while a playful LACK side table contributes a cheerful element.
**Vegetable-Themed Lamps: A Whimsical Touch**
To add a sense of playfulness and charm to your home, think about integrating vegetable-themed lamps. These quirky lighting fixtures come in various forms and sizes, resembling everything from carrots and cabbages to pumpkins and peppers. They not only function as light sources but also serve as conversation pieces and distinctive decor elements.
Vegetable-themed lamps can be strategically dispersed throughout the home to heighten its vibrancy. A carrot-shaped lamp on a kitchen countertop introduces a fun element, while a pumpkin lamp in the living room creates a cozy and inviting warmth. These lamps can also find a place in children’s bedrooms, igniting imagination and creativity.
**Achieving a Cohesive Look**
To ensure that the fusion of Ikea furnishings and vegetable-themed lamps produces a harmonious and unified aesthetic, consider these tips:
1. **Color Coordination**: Select a color scheme that complements both the furniture and the lamps. For instance, if your vegetable lamps showcase earthy tones, choose Ikea furnishings in matching shades to establish a well-balanced look.
2. **Theme Consistency**: While mixing and matching styles can be enjoyable, maintaining a consistent theme throughout your home binds everything together. Whether it’s a modern farmhouse vibe or a playful eclectic flair, ensure every element contributes to the overall visual experience.
3. **Balance and Proportion**: Avoid cramming spaces with too many bold components. Achieving balance is crucial; pair vibrant furniture with more understated lamps or vice versa to maintain visual harmony.
4. **Personal Touches**: Integrate personal elements such as artwork, plants, and textiles to enrich the depth and character of the space. These components can bridge the divide between structured Ikea pieces and whimsical lamps.
**Conclusion**
A lively and playful home is attainable by merging the practicality of Ikea furnishings with the charming appeal of vegetable-themed lamps. This inventive approach not only enhances the visual allure of your space but also mirrors your unique personality and style. Embrace the unexpected, allowing your home to showcase the joy of imaginative design.
