Art director Camille has a passion for crafting at home — from designing jewelry to creating prints and airbrushing her nails. “I have this habit where if I see something interesting, I think, I can recreate that…” she chuckles. Camille resides with her husband, Josh, an environmental scientist who enjoys woodworking as a hobby. Let’s explore their space…
LIVING ROOM
Sofa: EQ3. Leather chair: ’70s Bionic Chair inherited from family. Lamp: World Market, similar style. Rug: Alameda Flea Market. Curtains: Amazon.
On family traditions: I’m Filipino American, and every household in my extended family owns a karaoke machine. Mine has a scoring feature, and I’m always aiming for the top score. Occasionally, Josh will ask, ‘Why do you try so hard?’ while I sing solo in our living room. But I explain that practice makes perfect! A great warm-up tune is Ain’t No Mountain High Enough because it allows for duet singing and helps everyone get comfortable.
Joni Mitchell photograph: Tom Gundelfinger O’Neal. Speakers: “Josh created the casing and utilized a CSS 1TD Kit for the interior.” Elephant side table: World Market.
On the home’s history: The previous homeowners lived here for 25 years and restored this house to its 1920s charm. There were seven layers of paint on the fireplace, and they carefully stripped each layer to reveal Batchelder tiles, a notable Los Angeles tile made by the artist Ernest Allan Batchelder.
Shelf: “Custom plant/shoe shelf crafted by Josh with adjustable shelves!” B.B King print: Tom Gundelfinger O’Neal.
On exploring new instruments: Both Josh and I are piano players and decided to branch out to different instruments. He opted for the bass, while I picked up the guitar. So far, I’ve learned a few songs; I enjoy playing Fake Plastic Trees by Radiohead.
DINING ROOM
Table and chairs: vintage ’50s American of Chicago Dining Set. Pendant: Amazon.
On knowing the neighbors: We reside in Silver Lake, which has a wonderfully friendly vibe. Our veterinarian is a quick five-minute stroll, and there are six coffee shops we frequent. Everyone on our street is familiar with one another — we exchange baked goods during the holidays and catch up while walking our dogs. I absolutely love it.
Shelf: by Josh. Canon illustrations: by Josh’s grandmother; “She lived in Lone Pine and created watercolors of the Eastern Sierras.”
On creating a music corner: Josh possesses an extensive CD collection; he often remarks, everyone enjoys CDs! When friends visit, he’ll play Lawrence’s Living Room, Bob Schneider’s A Perfect Day, and Elliot Smith’s Figure 8.
Hanging shelves, side table, and stool: by Josh.
On a fortuitous encounter: When Josh and I first met at a friend’s gathering, he mentioned his passion for woodworking. Just days before, I had sketched designs for hanging shelves, so I inquired if he would be interested in assisting me in building them. We visited the lumberyard for the wood — then ventured to a museum and out for drinks.
Alpacas: World Market.
On relationship traditions: For our first anniversary, we purchased a fuzzy alpaca, leading to an annual tradition. The quantity of alpacas on this shelf corresponds to the number of years we’ve been together. Recently, Josh asked, ‘What will we do for our 50th anniversary?’ I answered, ‘I expect to have 50 alpacas!’
KITCHEN
On discovering the home: We began searching for a home in 2021, and it was challenging. Many bidders were over-offering, and we faced several disappointing bids. One morning I stumbled upon a listing for this house and forwarded it to our agent. It wasn’t listed yet, but the seller’s agent consented to show it. At the entrance, he mentioned a superstition that whoever opens the door to the open house will have good fortune, and I said, ‘Let’s open the door!’ After exploring, I turned to Josh, who declared, ‘I love it.’ The kitchen was a major selling point for him — he was raving about the craftsmanship.
On that teal color: The previous occupants were fans of the ‘50s, aspiring for a retro kitchen — they even removed the dishwasher and garbage disposal! Some buyers desired a more contemporary feel, but we simply added a dishwasher; Josh crafted a cover for it to maintain the aesthetic.
OFFICE
Shelves and flat file: by Josh. Chair: Icons of Manhattan. Calendar: Amazon.
On printmaking: My main hobby that evolved into a side job is printing. I used to teach it when I was a high school art instructor, and I picked it up again during a rolling art challenge last October, where I learned something new each day. I shared progress videos on TikTok, and I now operate an online shop, where I sell prints reflecting my experiences growing up Filipino-American.
On nail art: Early last year, I had my nails done at a salon and thought, Wow, that’s really pricey. I decided to master doing them myself. I love the peel-off base Jello, which preserves my nails. I also enjoy chrome designs, airbrushing, and adding gems.
Peg board: Amazon. Pin board: Amazon.
On beginning a new pursuit: Many believe completing a project is challenging, but I actually find starting to be the toughest part. Overcoming the mental block of doubting your ability to accomplish it is quite a feat. Additionally, trust the process. The journey is rarely what you envision, but you’ll discover your way through.
BEDROOM
On nighttime routines: After dinner, Josh and I take our dog for a walk. Then Josh will read or write science fiction on the couch, while I head to my office to work on my art. We each immerse ourselves in our projects. As a night owl, Josh will bring me coffee in the morning if I’ve spent the night working on a print. It’s so lovely to support and encourage each other.
Thank you, Camille!
P.S. Stay tuned for many more home tours, including a book lover’s ideal haven and a family getaway in the Japanese countryside.
(Photos by Leela Cyd for Cup of Jo.)
**L.A. Residence Showcases an Exciting Array of Crafts and Interests**
In the vast city of Los Angeles, where creativity flourishes and individual expression is embraced, one home differentiates itself as a testament to the limitless potential of self-expression. Tucked away in a peaceful neighborhood, this exceptional abode is more than merely a living space—it’s a lively exhibition of crafts, hobbies, and artistic passions that embody the unique personality of its owners.
### A Home That Narrates A Story
From the instant you step through the entrance, it becomes evident that this is not your typical home. The walls are adorned with handcrafted tapestries, elaborate macramé hangings, and framed watercolor artworks. Each piece narrates a story, granting insight into the lives of the homeowners—a duo that has spent years nurturing their fascination with various crafts and hobbies.
“We aimed for our home to reflect our identities,” expresses Sarah, one of the homeowners. “Every corner of this house features a fragment of ourselves, whether it’s something we crafted or something we collected during our adventures.”
### A Room For Every Passion
The residence has been meticulously designed to accommodate the couple’s numerous interests. Every room functions as a dedicated area for a particular craft or hobby, fostering a seamless fusion of practicality and creativity.
– **The Art Studio:** A brightly lit room with expansive windows serves as the couple’s art studio. Easels, paintbrushes, and palettes are organized with precision, while shelves display jars filled with vibrant acrylics, oils, and watercolors. The walls host a rotating exhibition of their recent works, showcasing everything from abstract creations to coastal landscapes inspired by California.
– **The Craft Room:** Another space is entirely devoted to crafting. Here, you’ll encounter sewing machines, fabric swatches, and bins filled with beads, buttons, and ribbons. A large worktable at the heart of the room embodies the spirit of creativity, where quilting, embroidery, and jewelry-making come to fruition.
– **The Woodworking Workshop:** Out in the backyard, a repurposed garage has become a woodworking sanctuary. Tools are neatly arranged on pegboards, and the fresh aroma of cut timber fills the air. This is where the couple crafts custom furnishings, picture frames, and other wooden creations.
– **The Music Corner:** A snug nook within the living room is designated for music. Guitars, a keyboard, and a collection of vinyl records are displayed adjacent to a classic record player. This area symbolizes the couple’s shared passion for music and the happiness it brings into their lives.
### A Garden of Imagination
The creativity extends beyond the indoors. The backyard is a flourishing garden adorned with vibrant flowers, succulents, and herbs. Raised garden beds nurture vegetables and fruits, while a small greenhouse provides sanctuary for delicate plants. The garden serves not only as a source of inspiration but also as a space where the couple embraces sustainable living by cultivating their own food.
“We spend a great deal of time out here,” remarks Sarah. “Gardening is soothing for us, and witnessing something develop from a minuscule seed into something stunning and functional is astonishing.”
### A Center for Community and Connection
The home is not just a personal retreat; it also serves as a center for community and connection. The couple frequently hosts workshops and gatherings, encouraging friends and neighbors to join in discovering new crafts and hobbies. From pottery sessions to knitting gatherings, these events create a sense of togetherness and shared creativity.
“We feel that creativity should be communal,” shares Sarah’s partner, James. “It’s remarkable to see how much joy and inspiration people derive from trying out something new.”
### A Source of Inspiration
This Los Angeles residence transcends being just a living space—it is a dynamic, living piece of art that inspires all who enter. It serves as a reminder that our homes can be more than mere functional areas; they can reflect our passions, creativity, and distinct identities.
For anyone looking to infuse their own spaces with a similar vibe, Sarah and James offer this wisdom: “Begin modestly. Identify one thing you adore and cultivate a space for it. Over time, you’ll witness how your home transforms into a true reflection of your essence.”
In a city celebrated for its innovation and artistic spirit, this home stands as a prime example of how creativity can enhance not only a space, but also a lifestyle. Whether you’re an artist, a gardener, a musician, or simply someone with a thirst for knowledge, this L.A. home demonstrates that there are no bounds to what you can create when you allow your imagination to flourish.
