How Jeana Sohn Edited Her Way to a Timeless Los Angeles Home

Rip & Tan: How did Jeana Sohn Studio come to be? What is the driving force behind your design ethos?

Jeana Sohn: I used to be a photographer and shot my designer friends’ lookbooks. I saw how they worked and it looked very fun to me. One day I realized that It was too hard to find the clothes I wanted to wear so I started designing my own. In my designs, I strive for simplicity with a twist. I want to design elevated everyday wear.

Rip & Tan: There seems to be this authentic sense of ease to both your home design and that of the garments you create. How would you describe your personal aesthetic?

Jeana Sohn: It’s important to me to find design elements that are timeless so that I don’t get tired of them. I think this is economical and sustainable. I avoid clutter in both my home design and my garments.

Rip & Tan: Your home embodies a minimalist sensibility but maintains a distinct warmth. Tell us a bit about the design process. What were your hopes for the space?

Jeana Sohn: We purchased our home 9 years ago and the design process has been a slow evolution and a few stages of drastic remodel. When we purchased the home, we gutted it and totally changed the floor plan. We wanted to have a big open floor plan. At that time we didn’t have enough money to finish the details. It wasn’t until last year that we were able to remodel the kitchen and living room to our original intention.

Because we lived in the house for many years, we had lots of time to imagine how we’d like to finish the interior. Throughout the process and evolution of the house our intention has been to create a soothing and calm space. We like natural materials—lots of wood and stone.

Rip & Tan: You’ve mentioned being drawn to both Seoul’s minimalistic style as well as that of LA’s creative community. What do you find most intriguing about each? Did they inspire your own home in any particular way?

Jeana Sohn: Seoul is my home so I find a deep connection and nostalgia to that style. I think minimalism is inherent to the Korean aesthetic and that is deeply part of me.

I think that aesthetic definitely manifests in our home design, however Korean minimalism can be a bit cold and urban and we wanted to infuse our home with some California warmth.

Rip & Tan: From pops of color to delicate light fixtures, there are eye-catching subtleties around every corner—do you have any tips for creating these intentional moments of details?

Jeana Sohn: I think these moments occur slowly and organically over time as we find items that are drawn to. We edit and rearrange constantly. We’ve had big empty walls and spaces for long periods of time waiting to find the right piece to fill those spaces. We try not to force things and strive for balance.

Rip & Tan: Do you have a favorite room? Is there a specific place where you feel most creative?

Jeana Sohn: The kitchen. Being in there cooking for my family and friends gives me joy and purpose.

My breakfast nook is my creative space. It’s where I do my morning meditation, enjoy coffee, and do most of my design work. I spend most of my time in that spot.

Rip & Tan: What are some of your favorite ways to incorporate organic textures and tactile elements in a space?

Jeana Sohn: We have tried to let the space itself dictate the type of textures and elements. The house has always seemed well suited to lots of wood textures. We chose slate for our fireplace because we felt it complemented the white oak we used for our floors, walls, and furniture. We just love to be surrounded by wood.

Rip & Tan: What advice do you have for those who are looking for timelessness or effortlessness—from the spaces they call home to the pieces they wear every day?

Jeana Sohn: I think it’s important to take your time and not rush to fill your space. Finding places to hide clutter is very important to us. It feels great when everything has a place.

When it comes to clothes, I think effortlessness is an inherent quality and it’s something I am still striving for. Instead of following trends, I think it’s good to focus on the quality and design of pieces.

Rip & Tan: What does living well mean to you?

Jeana Sohn: Living well to me means being content with what you have. Always reaching for more doesn’t lead to contentment.

I also find contentment and pleasure in expressing creativity in every aspect of my life—from arranging a space, to selecting flowers, and cooking…creativity and expression through living.