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Fashion designer Dalia MacPhee transformed a 1939 Toluca Lake ranch-style home into a personalized sanctuary that fuels her creativity and serves as a functional showroom. By trusting her design instincts and focusing on lighting, texture, and personal artifacts, she created a space that balances professional needs with profound personal comfort. Her experience highlights key strategies for homeowners looking to infuse their properties with character and intention.
Why did Dalia MacPhee choose Toluca Lake for her home?
MacPhee purchased her home in the Toluca Lake neighborhood of Los Angeles in 2023, drawn to its unique combination of convenience and community. She describes the area as a "hidden gem" with a warm, small-town energy that feels both welcoming and private. The location is strategically beneficial for her career, as it is populated by many celebrities who are her clients, making it convenient for them to visit for fittings and styling sessions. The neighborhood’s village-like atmosphere was a decisive factor, proving that location is about more than just geography—it's about finding a community that aligns with your lifestyle.
What were the key design challenges and solutions in the renovation?
The home required significant updates to align with MacPhee’s vision. The primary challenge was the initial lack of light. "I almost didn’t buy the house because it felt too dark," she admits. The solution involved a strategic layering of lighting through new fixtures and lamps, which completely transformed the ambiance. Another challenge was an asymmetrical living room. MacPhee solved this by installing textured 3D wallpaper on two walls, which created visual balance and added a natural, tree-bark-like texture. Her approach underscores the importance of addressing fundamental spatial and lighting issues before decorative elements.
How did MacPhee approach the interior design without a professional designer?
MacPhee acted as her own interior designer, relying on intuition and a clear vision. She focused on essentials: paint, wallpaper, lighting, and decor. Her style is a mix of midcentury modern with an eclectic twist, where each room has a distinct mood yet feels connected to the whole. "For me, design isn’t just about a look, it’s about a feeling," she states. This hands-on method demonstrates that a successful home design is achievable by trusting your personal aesthetic and making intentional choices rooted in how you want the space to feel.
What makes the 'castle room' the home's central sanctuary?
The standout space is a hybrid dining room and library that MacPhee calls the "castle room." This room serves multiple purposes: a place for hosting large dinner parties, quiet reflection, and creative work. Its design features dark, moody colors, a wood-beamed ceiling, an ornate fireplace, and a long dining table that seats 14. The room is personalized with deeply sentimental items, including a chandelier from the previous owner's family, a framed poem for a departed horse, and a velvet garnet sofa. This space exemplifies how a room can be both functional and soulful, becoming the true heart of a home.
What practical advice can homeowners take from this project?
Based on this project assessment, several key principles emerge for creating a personalized home sanctuary:
A home is a living project that should evolve with you. The ultimate goal is to create an environment that, like MacPhee's, reminds you of who you are and provides a backdrop for both creativity and connection.
