A Nondescript Bungalow Becomes a Sleek Modern Farmhouse

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Image Credit: Paul Anderson / Hunker

Who: Mike Palermo, CCO of Junk Food Clothing
Where: Culver City, CA
Style: Modern Farmhouse
Renovation: Ground-up

For Mike Palermo, creating a home that felt simple and natural was key, which comes as something of a contrast to the rest of his life. As chief creative officer of Junk Food Clothing, he's immersed in a multi-colored — and sometimes chaotic — world of patterns and images. (The Venice, CA-based company creates T-shirts inspired by pop culture and vintage designs.) When he and his wife found a ho-hum bungalow in Culver City, they decided to renovate it with a clean, modern farmhouse concept in mind. The result: A home that kills it in the natural light department and also manages to do minimalism without feeling cold.

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An Open Floor Plan

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"The main space (living room/kitchen) is my favorite. It's open, warm, clean, and most importantly, a comfortable place for my family and friends to relax," Palermo told us.

Image Credit: Paul Anderson / Hunker

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House History

"The original house was this amazing little bungalow. We are right down the street from Sony and Culver Studios, and we think our house was part of the old actor bungalows that popped up around the studios."

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Neighborhood: Culver City

"We moved here 15 years ago. For us it was the last 'little' neighborhood left in L.A.: close to everything but away from everything. The perfect combo," said Palermo.

Image Credit: Paul Anderson / Hunker

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Mixed Materials

The home's exterior combines textures and materials — brick, wood, and concrete.

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Bringing in Light

On non-negotiables for the renovation, Palermo said: "Lighting/natural lighting which feeds into a feeling of openness. I'm 6'5", so lots of head room is ideal."

Image Credit: Paul Anderson / Hunker

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On Decorating:

"We really wanted to and still want to take our time decorating. With this clean slate, we wanted to be purposeful and passionate about what's included in our space. That makes for an incomplete look, but we're cool with that."

Image Credit: Paul Anderson / Hunker

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A Cozy Kitchen Nook

A sloped ceiling gives the impression of coziness without boxing people in.

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Textures & Patterns

Subtle southwestern-inspired accents pop up in some rooms.

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Dreams Do Come True

"Kali and I had designed and rebuilt our house a hundred times — both in our heads and on paper — over the last 10 years."

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Defining Home

Palermo says the house is a reflection of who his family is: Genuine, friendly, sophisticated, approachable, and authentic.

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Family Ties

"I think because we designed our house from the ground up, it has really become a part of our family."

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Work/Life: Mike's Office at Junk Food

Mike's office at Junk Food Clothing is a stark contrast to his at-home style, which he describes as "simple, grounded, and comfortable."

Image Credit: Paul Anderson / Hunker