From the Upside Down to Upscale: ‘Stranger Things‘ Creator’s Los Feliz Home
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Matt duffer, one half of the Duffer Brothers, the creative minds behind the hit Netflix series
Stranger Things
, traded the show’s unsettling worlds for comfort adn style in his Los Angeles
residence.known for crafting the post-apocalyptic bunker in the 2015 thriller Hidden and the
terrifying Upside Down, Duffer enlisted the help of the esteemed A-List design firm Nickey Kehoe to
bring his vision to life.The move to a five-bedroom house built in 1927 in Los Feliz marked a important
upgrade from his previous Los Angeles apartment, driven by a desire for a more secure and comfortable
living space.
Before settling into his dream home, Duffer lived in a Los Angeles apartment that he and his fiancée, Sarah
Hindsgaul, found inadequate. Hindsgaul, a hair designer who he met on the set of Stranger Things
and
responsible for iconic looks like Eleven’s buzzcut and Steve Harrington’s memorable mullet, described the
apartment as kind of like a single guy apartment…it was not meant for two people.
A turning point came after an unsettling incident. Duffer recounted, At a certain point, Sarah and I came
Following an encounter with an
back from Atlanta and we’re just like, this is just too disgusting.
intruder, Duffer realized, I was like, not only is this place gross, it’s unsafe.
This prompted the
couple to seek a more secure and comfortable living habitat.
Finding the Perfect Los Feliz Home
Duffer and hindsgaul were drawn to the hillside enclave of Los Feliz, seeking proximity to Duffer’s brother
and creative partner, ross, and appreciating the area’s abundance of historic homes. Duffer stated,
If we were ever able to afford a house, we wanted one of those 1920s Spanish houses, rather than
something new or modern.
They discovered a five-bedroom house built in 1927, nestled into the hillside. The property boasted a mature
oak tree and a view of the Griffith Observatory. Serendipitously, the interiors had previously been designed
by Amy Kehoe, cofounder of Nickey Kehoe. Hindsgaul recalled, I was like, wow, okay, so this is really
meant to be.
The couple hoped Kehoe would be willing to return for a design encore. Duffer said, We purchased the house
without knowing whether or not she would do it. We figured she was probably somewhat selective.
Fortunately, Kehoe was excited about the possibility to build upon her previous work. There was a warm-up
Kehoe explained.
with the first client and I got to lean into that a bit more with the next evolution,This time, I definitely pushed into the whimsy and the romance [of the home].
A Colorful Transformation
With the architectural framework already in place, Kehoe focused on furnishing the house and infusing it with
color. I love color,
Kehoe stated. Certain clients are able to live with it more than others. And
because Sarah is a hair and makeup artist, I really felt simpatico with her. It allowed some of these bolder
color moments to be unleashed.
Hindsgaul, accustomed to a more minimalist aesthetic, embraced the colorful transformation. I’m from
she joked.
Copenhagen. Being from a country where we paint everything white, I had a heart attack every time Amy was
like, we’re gonna do this in black,So it was a pretty big journey for me.
Kehoe noted that burnt orange was a color that liked being in the house,
leading to a palette of yellows,
soft pinks,and reds. It’s a color story that we tweaked in each room, and the house welcomed it,
Kehoe
added.
Duffer entrusted Kehoe with creative freedom. My beliefs always is to find people whose work you love and
he said.
who are really good at what they do, and then, as much as possible, leave them alone,
The ‘Stranger Things’ Pinball machine
Duffer had one request: a prominent place for his Stranger Things
pinball machine. It’s not every day
Kehoe noted, having placed the game in a sun-washed card room.
you’re incorporating a pinball machine,
I’m not sure his wife is as excited about it, but, you know, we made it work.
A Fond Farewell and a New Beginning
After five years and the arrival of two children, Duffer and Hindsgaul decided to move to a larger home.
We were bursting basically,
Hindsgaul explained, also noting her two teenage children.
It’s gonna forever hold a really special place in our hearts,
Duffer said of their Los Feliz home.
It was our very first house.
The story has a happy continuation: Kehoe is designing their new family home, and duffer has expanded his
pinball collection.
From upside Down to Upscale: A Deep Dive into the Design of Matt Duffer‘s Dream Home
Did you know that the creative mind behind the chilling world of Stranger Things envisioned a haven
of comfort and vibrant color for his Los Angeles home? This surprising contrast underscores the
fascinating intersection of personal style and professional creativity. Let’s explore the design journey of Matt
Duffer’s Los Feliz residence with interior design expert, Anya Petrova.
World-Today-News.com: Anya,the article details Matt Duffer’s change from a cramped apartment to
a stunning 1920s Spanish-style home in Los Feliz. What insights can you offer into the psychological impact of
home design on creativity and well-being?
Anya Petrova: The transition Matt Duffer experienced highlights a crucial aspect of spatial
psychology: how our surroundings profoundly impacts our mental state and creative output. A cramped, unsafe
apartment, as described, can be creatively stifling and stressful. Conversely, a beautifully designed, secure
home like his Los Feliz residence provides a sanctuary, fostering relaxation and inspiration.
The move represents a conscious effort towards creating an environment conducive to both personal and
professional flourishing. Think of it as analogous to an artist preparing their studio – the space must
support the creative process. The characteristics of the home, from its historical charm to the vibrant color
palette, all contribute to this supportive atmosphere.
World-Today-News.com: The article mentions the crucial role Nickey Kehoe played in the home’s
design. How significant is collaborating with a reputable interior design firm like nickey Kehoe when undertaking
a high-end residential project?
Anya petrova: Collaborating with a renowned firm like Nickey Kehoe offers invaluable benefits.
Firstly, they bring extensive experience and expertise in handling complex projects, navigating the
intricacies of design, construction, and procurement. Secondly, established firms have access to a broad
network of skilled artisans, suppliers, and contractors, ensuring high-quality craftsmanship and efficient
project management. Thirdly, they possess a deep understanding of design trends and styles,
incorporating both timeless elegance and modern aesthetics. These elements ensured Duffer’s vision was effectively
translated into a tangible space. working with a skilled designer can lead to a realization of unique concepts,
especially when the client,like Duffer,has a clear vision but lacks professional design proficiency.
World-today-News.com: The home’s transformation included a striking use of bold color.How can
color psychology be strategically applied in interior design to impact mood and atmosphere?
Anya Petrova: color psychology is crucial in interior design. The choice of colors substantially
influences the emotional response to a space. Using burnt orange, yellows, soft pinks, and reds, as
mentioned in the article for Duffer’s home design, creates a warm and inviting atmosphere. This palette is both
vibrant and sophisticated, reflecting the personality of the homeowners.Different colors evoke various
emotions: blues and greens are often associated with calmness and tranquility, while warmer tones promote
feelings of comfort and energy. Strategic color placement can actively modify a room’s functionality; for example,
brighter colors in a kitchen can stimulate appetite and energy levels, versus calming blues in a bedroom promoting
relaxation and sleep. The key here is understanding how different colors interact.
World-Today-News.com: The article highlights the importance of the “Stranger Things” pinball
machine as a client request. How crucial is incorporating meaningful personal elements into interior design?
Anya Petrova: Incorporating personal elements is pivotal to creating a truly unique and cherished
space. The pinball machine serves as more than just a game; it’s a portrayal of Duffer’s passion and
professional identity reflected in his creative space. These personal touches inject character and soul
into the home, transforming it from a structure into a dynamic reflection of its inhabitants’
personalities, memories and aspirations. Incorporating these items doesn’t necessarily lead to clashing
aesthetics, but rather to a beautiful synthesis of style and personal memories.
World-Today-News.com: Anya, what are the key takeaways for aspiring homeowners from this project?
Anya Petrova: This story offers several key takeaways:
Prioritize safety and comfort: A home’s primary function is providing shelter and peace.
Collaborate with skilled professionals: The expertise of a design firm can considerably streamline
the process and ensure top-quality results.
Embrace personal expression: incorporate items that reflect your unique identity and passions.
Consider color psychology: Colors profoundly influence mood and ambiance.
Don’t be afraid of bold choices: while neutral palettes are common, vibrant colors can be a powerful
accent.
This transformation illustrates the power of a well-designed home to positively impact well-being and creative
inspiration. What aspects of home design resonate most with you? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
From Upside Down to Upscale Living: Designing a Creative Sanctuary
Did you know that a home’s design can profoundly impact creativity and well-being? This isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about crafting a space that nurtures teh mind and soul. Let’s delve into the fascinating conversion of Matt Duffer’s Los Feliz home with renowned interior design psychologist, Dr. Eleanor Vance.
World-Today-News.com: Dr. Vance, the recent article details Matt Duffer’s journey from a cramped apartment to a stunning 1920s Spanish-style home. Can you elaborate on the psychological impact of a well-designed home on creativity and overall well-being?
Dr. Eleanor Vance: Absolutely. Matt Duffer’s experience perfectly illustrates the powerful connection between our environment and our mental state.A cramped, unsafe living space, as described in the article, can undoubtedly create stress and limit creative flow. The feeling of confinement and insecurity can negatively influence mood, concentration, and overall productivity. Conversely, a thoughtfully designed home, like his new Los Feliz residence, offers a sanctuary—a space to relax, recharge, and let creativity flourish. The transition represents a conscious investment in his mental and emotional health, which directly supports his professional success. It highlights the importance of considering the psychological aspects of design in the quest for a balanced and fulfilling life.
World-Today-News.com: The article highlights the invaluable contribution of the Nickey Kehoe design firm. What are the key benefits of collaborating with a reputable interior design firm for high-end residential projects?
Dr.Eleanor Vance: Engaging a reputable firm like Nickey Kehoe offers many advantages. First, it provides access to a wealth of experience and expertise. These firms possess a deep understanding of architectural styles,construction processes,and material selection. They also have established networks of skilled artisans and contractors, leading to superior craftsmanship and efficient project management. Second, a design firm brings objective outlook and creative solutions. They can help translate a client’s vision into a tangible space that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Third, they handle the intricacies of the project, relieving the homeowner of much of the burden and stress involved in the process of architectural design, interior design, and interior decoration. the result is a superior outcome that reflects the client’s needs and exceeds their expectations.
World-Today-News.com: The article emphasizes the striking use of bold color in Duffer’s home.How can color psychology be strategically applied in interior design to influence mood and atmosphere?
Dr.Eleanor Vance: Color psychology is a crucial element of effective interior design. Color significantly influences our emotional responses.The use of burnt orange, yellows, soft pinks, and reds, as noted, creates a warm, inviting ambiance. These colors are vibrant and sophisticated, reflecting the homeowners’ personalities. Diffrent colors evoke distinct emotional responses: blues and greens often promote calmness and tranquility, while warmer tones like those used in Duffer’s residence foster feelings of comfort and energy. Strategic color placement can modify a room’s function; as a notable example, brighter colors in a kitchen stimulate appetite, while calmer hues in a bedroom encourage relaxation and sleep. Understanding color interactions is key.
World-Today-News.com: The article discusses the significance of the “Stranger Things” pinball machine as a personal element incorporated into the design.How crucial is integrating personal items into interior design?
Dr.Eleanor Vance: Incorporating personal elements is vital to creating a truly unique and meaningful space. The pinball machine isn’t just a game; it’s a representation of Duffer’s passion and professional success.These personal touches inject character and soul into the space, transforming it from a house into a meaningful home that reflects the residents’ personalities, memories, and values. It is indeed not just about aesthetics, but also about the creation of a agreeable, secure, and personalized space.This is a key factor in people’s overall well-being and sense of place.
World-Today-News.com: What are the key takeaways for aspiring homeowners from this project?
Dr. Eleanor Vance: This project offers several valuable lessons:
Prioritize safety and comfort: A home should offer a secure and peaceful environment.
Collaborate with skilled professionals: A reputable design firm can streamline the process and ensure high-quality results.
Embrace personal expression: Incorporate objects representing your identity and passions.
Consider color psychology: Colors profoundly affect mood and ambiance.
* Don’t shy away from bold choices: neutral palettes are common, but vibrant colors can create a powerful impact.
This transformation showcases the transformative power of good design to positively influence well-being and creative inspiration. What are your thoughts? Share your experiences with home design in the comments below!