Kim Wheeler of Northern California Style Home Tour

I’ve been friends with Kim of the blog Northern California Style for years, and if there’s one thing I’ve always admired, it’s her eye — that rare ability to make a space feel both curated and completely lived-in. So when she and her husband completely renovated their Los Gatos home, inside and out, back in 2019, I knew it was only a matter of time before I brought you along for the tour.

One of my favorite parts of the story is what they did outside: Kim swapped out much of the yard for native, drought-tolerant plantings that now hum with bees and flutter with birds. A garden that’s as generous to the planet as it is beautiful to look at. It’s the kind of DIY that takes real vision, and it sets the tone for everything else you’ll see here.

Because that same instinct carries all the way through the house. Kim has this gift for pulling together textures and materials that shouldn’t necessarily work — a cool marble bowl, a seagrass basket cinched with a silk ribbon — but somehow do, beautifully, on every tabletop, shelf, and gallery wall. You don’t clock exactly why a vignette works until you see it, and then it’s obvious: of course that’s what the room needed. Layer in her collection of art, and every corner of this home reflects a person with thoughtful, creative, deeply intentional style. Let’s take a look inside, and then the interview!

Let’s start when you walk in the door…

The beautiful open kitchen

The pool bath

The pool and patio area with plenty of shade

Living room with gallery wall

And now for my interview with Kim Wheeler of the inspiring blog; Northern California Style

A: Kim, have you always worked in a creative field?

K: I have always been crazy about fashion and style. I started working in retail while going to college. I studied theatre, and there was a heavy emphasis on costume, stage design, and graphics that went with the degree. Maybe that and working retail for years helped develop my tastes?

A: If you had to sum up your style in three words, what would they be?

K: Gosh, it’s really a mix. Perhaps it’s happy, natural, California casual.

A: Does your personal style show up in your home, or do you feel they are pretty different from each other?

K:  I live in jeans and button-ups. I like natural linens and fabrics in my clothes and home. I also love a cool necklace -or a sculptural piece at home. I adore silver – and also natural stones and wood. It feels like my home and clothes have similar elements.

A: How long have you lived in your current home and where is it located?

K: I have been in my current home since 2010. We remodeled it in 2019. We live in the small town of Los Gatos, in Northern California. I’m a fourth-generation Californian!

A: What do you love most about your home — and what’s been challenging?

K: I love that my home is small, but it lives like a bigger home since we remodeled and made the spaces more open.

A: Is there one element in your home you’re especially fond of?      

K: The light in this house is my favorite thing. I added seven skylights, lots of French doors, and a glass front door when we remodeled. It made a big change, as the house was built in the 60s and dark in places. I love natural light.  

A: Where do you usually turn for inspiration when it comes to your space?

K:  I love Homeworthy as they feature many homes that would never make it in a magazine, but have so much heart and style. Homes that are personal and filled with things that have meaning are so cool and inspire me.  

A: Do you collect anything? We’d love to hear about a favorite piece or collection.

K: I have a thing for pottery pieces and dishes! I am also into beautiful throws and textiles.. I adore old print fabrics and have some vintage remnants from my grandmother that I use for table throws. I will use one to protect the bottom of a handbag, or wrap a gift with one, or tie it in my hair if it’s small.

A: Every well-loved home has a bit of DIY in it — what’s a project you’re proud of? 

K: Well, when we remodeled, I knew I wanted to remove the grass and do a yard that was better for the planet- and attracted butterflies and birds. (My husband is a bird nerd.) So I found photos of low-water yards I liked, and we sort of planned it and added a front patio with the help of a garden company and a wonderful garden planner who helped me. I’m so proud of it, and it is always evolving as we figure out what thrives and add new plants. We take care of it ourselves and never use any pesticides or weed killers. It’s been a learning experience, but we love it, and so do the birds and butterflies.

A: Do you have a go-to spot for finding unique, one-of-a-kind pieces? We’d love it if you’re open to sharing!   

K: I just visit my local small charity shops often – and follow estate sales listings. I do go to Homegoods because it’s like a bazaar and you must go often to get the good things. I’ve found many great wooden bowls, some art, and even nightstands from Bergdorf Goodman, but you have to be discerning. Look for one-of-a-kind things of quality.

A: What’s your favorite home-related splurge?

K:  I just had wallpaper installed and that was something I saved for. It’s costly, but, the seagrass made everything look more luxe! I want to do more wallpaper. Lighting is a splurge too. It’s worth getting nice light fixtures that will last. They are the jewelry for your home! I love a good lamp -and rugs! I clearly need to play the lottery more.

Where to follow Kim of Northern California Style:

You can read Kim’s blog; Northern California Style, and follow along on Instagram @northerncalstye and @louddaughters.