A Scandifornian LA Home With Lots Of Artsy Details

Want to know what a Scandifornian home looks like? Look no further than Sophie Carpenter’s LA home. Built in 1928, the clean and tidy, yet super-comfortable home has so much character. From the butler door leading to the kitchen to the dreamy arch that separates the living room from the dining room, we are swooning over this beautiful home. Check it out for yourself, and find out more about Sophie below.

Tell us a bit about yourself!

My name is Sophie. I love interior design, coffee and my dog Rascal. I moved to Los Angeles almost 15 years ago after getting married when I was 19. My husband and I bought a house a few years ago and settled in a neighborhood called Glassell Park.

For work, I do production accounting on television shows. I currently work on the show “The Good Place.” I love my job because I am freelance, and the show, location and people are always changing.

When I am not working, I love to explore different parts of LA and squeeze in short weekend trips around Southern California. I love trying new restaurants with my husband and taking photos and sharing on Instagram.

How would you describe your home’s style?

I learned a new term recently that Natalie Myers (a great designer in LA) came up with called Scandifornian and I love that. A little Scandinavian mixed with a little California vibes. I like to think my house is cozy, bright and comfortable. I have started to decorate with bolder colors lately, after a phase of loving only neutrals. I have a big, wild dog so nothing is too precious or delicate. He owns the couch.

What are some of your go-to décor resources?

I love Urban Outfitters Home, Zara Home and of course CB2 and West Elm. Over the years, I have picked up unique items from estate sales, thrift stores and on vacations. I like Etsy for pillows and art.

Around LA, I like to pop into Amber Interiors and Lawson-Fenning for inspiration. For more special décor and gifts, I love Individual Medley and Midland.

What’s your favorite room in your home? Why?

When we bought our house, the bathroom was windowless and dark and I believe the vanity was a repurposed kitchen cabinet. Luckily, some of our best friends are contractors and that was the first and only room we have truly renovated. We added a window so now it gets nice bright light. I love being in there. We always joke that it’s the nicest room in the house.

What elements in your home help to promote creativity?

Lack of clutter! I feel happiest and most inspired when our house is tidy and clean. This doesn’t mean I don’t have a few of those cabinets with a bunch of stuff shoved in them, but I do try to keep most areas clean and organized so that when I wake up on the weekends, I don’t feel like I need to clean the whole house.

We love all of the art pieces in your home! What does art mean to you?

I consider all of the ceramics and handmade things in our house art. Our Heather Levine wall hanging and light were both gifts from my husband and I will have them forever. The dreamcatcher in my hallway was made by my close friend. Even our Kat & Roger coffee mug collection (some of my favorite ceramicists, whose studio is just around the corner) is our version of functional “art.” I don’t believe that art has to be expensive to be special. I framed a hand-painted tea towel that I got from Kat & Roger and I love it.

What elements of your home are you most proud of?

I feel extremely lucky that we have a house in LA. My favorite elements are the older details of the house that make it unique. The butler door that leads to the kitchen, the old windows, and of course, the arch that leads from the dining room to the living room are just a few. However, maintaining a house that was built in 1928 also has its challenges.

What is the best advice you have ever received?

One of my favorite yoga teachers used to always say, “Don’t dim your light to make other people feel comfortable!”

What’s your morning routine like?

For the last decade, I have been waking up at least a half hour early each day so that I can drink my coffee in my bed. It sets the tone for my day and I never feel as good if I have to skip this step. I recently started ice rolling my face while I drink my coffee and I love that. It’s soothing and depuffs my face (I hope). I usually take my dog for a walk, just the two of us. On the weekends, my husband and I take him on huge walks all over our neighborhood together. It’s probably my favorite part of the weekends and mornings in general. Other than that, my weekday morning routine isn’t that exciting. I eat breakfast at work and on weekends we usually have eggs at home or go out for brunch with friends.

What are some of your must-have daily items?

Honestly, my iPhone. I need Waze to navigate traffic on my commute, I listen to music on my phone and I am always snapping photos for Instagram. Other than that, I would say coffee, my Swell bottle to drink water all day, and of course, wine (in that order).

What beauty products can’t you live without?

OK, I love beauty so I will try not to write a novel and just share what I am currently using as it is always changing.

An ice roller, tongue scraper and a shampoo brush are essential beauty tools as far as I am considered. I use mine every day.

As far as products, I am a loyal TheraBreath user. It is the best mouthwash I have ever used. I have used it for over 10 years and I have an Amazon subscription. It is alcohol-free, which I like because alcohol can cause dryness, which creates bacteria. Yuck.

On my face, I have been using Ursa Major Vitamin C Serum, Youth to the People Superberry Face Oil, Peet Rivko cleansers and I always use Glossier Skin shield as my SPF.

In the evenings, I have been using the Sunday Riley Luna facial oil and I am obsessed. I do masks a few times a week and love the Ursa Major 3-Minute Mask, Youth to The People Superfood and Summer Fridays.

For scent, I use a combination of Le Labo scents to make my “signature scent.” I use the Patchouli 24 and Santal 33 oils on my body and spritz the Vetiver 46 on my clothes.

On my body, I like to use Everyday Oil, Nucifera and Mountain Ocean Coconut moisturizer.