In early 2020, as the world plunged into an unexpected pandemic, many families faced the challenge of adapting their living spaces to meet new lifestyles. Among those navigating these changes were Julie Chung and Kent Yu, founders of the acclaimed hair-tool brand T3. Living in their Spanish-style home in Pacific Palisades with their three children, the couple initially had no intention of moving. However, as the stay-at-home era unfolded, their 4,000-square-foot home began to feel stiflingly cramped.
A Bold Leap into Space
For two years, Julie and Kent had watched a massive house being built just up the street. It was a stylish new construction that boasted 11,000 square feet and panoramic views of the ocean, yet their initial reaction was that it was simply too expansive for their family. But as time went on, the prospect of more space became exponentially appealing. They made the audacious decision to purchase the newly finished property, prompting a timely partnership with interior designer Sierra Fox, founder of Studio Mtn.
Personalization: A New Home’s Identity
Upon moving in, one of the first challenges faced by Julie and Kent was to imbue the new space with personality—a common dilemma for buyers of spec homes, which often come in a sterile, cookie-cutter state. “All spec homes are painted white-white,” Julie reflects. “We needed to warm it up and make it feel like us.” Together with Sierra, the couple embarked on a journey to “de-spec” their home, finding ways to make even the expansive areas feel inviting rather than cavernous.
Sierra’s focus wasn’t merely on aesthetics but on ensuring every corner of the home was functional and welcoming. “Anytime we work with a home that is not custom, there are spaces that the client feels like they will never use,” she emphasizes. Thus, the goal became creating an environment where the family could comfortably coexist and entertain.
Design Decisions: Form Meets Function
The design process was not without grit and sometimes painful decisions. In a striking move, the couple opted to remove a visually appealing bar that divided the living spaces. “People thought we were crazy when we took out that bar, because it was at the center of our home,” Kent recalls. “But that’s just not how we live.” The vacant space was transformed into a piano nook, a choice that resonated with their family life, as all three children play.
Nature-Inspired Aesthetic: A Refined Touch
As they began to curate their interior’s design choices, Julie expressed a desire for nature-inspired elements but with an element of refinement. “We didn’t want it to be too earthy. I wanted there to be a bit of a refined, old-world element,” she explains, acknowledging the need for a home that exudes warmth without sacrificing elegance or practicality.
An extraordinary centerpiece became the stunning 18-foot oak-leaf chandelier, a collaboration with artisans at Cox London. “When you think of the foyer chandelier, you think of crystals,” Julie notes, “but Sierra suggested doing something more natural, and I said, ‘How about a giant upside-down tree?’” The meticulous design and installation process for this chandelier took nearly nine months.
Attention to Detail: The Subtle Touches
The couple’s devotion to detail is evident in both large and small design decisions. The dining room walls, which were initially set to feature floral wallpaper, transformed into a subtle hand-painted mural that took three weeks to complete. “Sometimes people don’t even notice a mural until they step into a room,” Julie muses, highlighting how intricate details can reveal themselves in unexpected ways.
In the realm of bathrooms, the couple sought to transition away from the ubiquitous stark whites. They infused warmth with brass fixtures, vintage mirrors, and rose marble vanities—a nod to their commitment to making each room especially inviting. Their passion for aesthetics extended to their office space as well, where Kent now spends considerable time working. “So we wanted it to be more than just a giant computer on a desk,” he remarks.
The Comfort of Family Rooms
Perhaps the most endearing part of their home is the basement—a cozy refuge that underwent a remarkable transformation. Originally a bland white shell, it now serves as a library, wine cellar, and movie room. “When we started, the basement was an empty white shell,” recalls Sierra. The inspiration stemmed from a black bookcase that Julie had shared, and from there, the space grew into a warm ambiance enveloped in chocolate tones and inviting textures.
Conclusion: Resilience and Rebirth
Julie Chung and Kent Yu’s Pacific Palisades home illustrates how the pandemic prompted families to rethink their living spaces. Through thoughtful design and personal touches, they successfully transformed their sizeable, spec-built house into a nurturing home that reflects their personalities, family dynamics, and the beauty of shared spaces. Their journey serves as a reminder that a home is not simply defined by its appearance but rather by the warmth, love, and life that it holds.
