Ting Ting has filled her California home with colour, playful patterns and handmade touches that make everyday life feel joyful. Even more special, the house was once her husband’s childhood home!
Hi Ting Ting - it's so lovely to meet you. Tell us a little about yourself.
Hi! Thank you so much for having me. I’m a longtime makeup artist and permanent makeup artist, and over the past year I’ve shifted into home content creation, photography and now sewing (a new hobby I picked up) and honestly, I love it so much. :) I’ve always been drawn to colour, it truly makes me happy, so it feels really special to create spaces that bring that same happiness into my everyday life.
Your house feels incredibly fun and playful. How did you end up living here?
This home actually has a lot of history for us. It was my husband’s childhood home until he was about seven. When we moved in a few years ago, we cleaned it up and remodeled it together, which made the space feel even more special. It’s been really meaningful turning a place with so much history into a home that reflects us now.
When you first saw the house, what made you think, yes - this could be the one?
Knowing it was my husband’s childhood home made it feel special from the start. It already carried so many memories. Being able to reclaim it, clean it up, and make it our own felt like we were building on that foundation rather than starting from scratch. That history, along with the potential we saw in the space, made it an easy decision.
Did you have to do much work to it, or was it already quietly waiting for you?
It definitely needed some love. To be honest, it needed a lot of work since it’s an older home, we really had to freshen it up- from redoing the bathrooms to opening up the kitchen and making the space feel more airy and bright. We also spent months cleaning and resetting, so it could truly feel like a fresh start.
Do you have a guiding philosophy when it comes to interiors. Or do you trust your instincts as you go?
I’d say I have a loose philosophy, but mostly I trust my instincts. I love spaces that feel warm, lived-in, and colourful, so that guides a lot of my choices. Beyond that, I really go with what feels right in the moment. If a piece, colour, or layout sparks joy, I’ll find a way to make it work.
Is there a colour, material or pattern you're especially drawn to - almost without realising?
Haha yes, I’m really drawn to checkers and faces. I didn’t even realise it until I noticed that our kitchen and bathroom tiles are all grids!There’s something about that simple geometry that feels balanced and fun in a space. And when it comes to faces, I love anything with smiley faces, animal faces, or even googly eyes, it just adds personality and joy.
What's the story behind your favourite object or room in the house?
My favourite objects are the ones I’ve made myself. Creating pieces for my home, like my handmade coasters, allows me to blend creativity with everyday function, and seeing them used daily makes the space feel more special.
Which corner of the house has the most underrated magic?
The office has the most underrated magic. It’s such a cozy, inviting space, and where we work and create. But, guests rarely get to see it.
What's the most surprising thing guests comment on - even though it feels completely normal to you?
Guests are always surprised by how clean my home is. I enjoy keeping things organised and cozy, so it’s just how I like it, but people always comment! Haha!
Which item would you rescue first in a fire. and which would you sadly leave behind?
I’d grab our laptops, hard drives, and family photos first. The rest, as much as I love it, would have to stay behind.
If you could add one completely impractical feature - a slide, a swing, a secret door - what would it be and where would it go?
A secret door to all our favourite things: a climbing wall, pickleball court, golf simulator (mainly for my husband 😄), and a cozy coffee/matcha café reading corner. Basically, my dream at-home adventure zone and chill space. Why not combine fun and cozy all in one?
What does an ordinary, happy day at home look like for you?
Definitely slow mornings with coffee or matcha, reading in my office nook, creating little things, tidying up, and just enjoying the cozy corners of the house.
What's your happiest memory that's ever happened inside these walls?
Honestly, my happiest memories are the simple ones: game nights, movie nights, and cooking dinner with my husband. Being with family and friends is what makes this home feel truly special.
If your home could whisper one secret about you, what would it say?
My home would whisper that I’m happiest at home and secretly love when plans get canceled, because then I get to enjoy being at home. Haha!
And finally - does this feel like your forever home or more a beautiful chapter?
We like to call it our “forever home” for now! My husband and I love this chapter here, and it feels just right for us. :)
Thank you so much, Ting Ting!
