Hom purchased the property in 2021 after enduring a pandemic-era stint living in a loft, which left him with a strong desire for a private outdoor sanctuary of his own. Before settling on the 870-square-foot, two-bedroom bungalow, the seasoned stylist scoured the market and toured approximately 40 different properties. What ultimately won him over was the property’s incredible hidden potential and its expansive backyard. While the unassuming street-facing facade gives very little away to passersby, stepping past the front entrance reveals what Hom describes as an entirely separate, private world.
This is not the first time Hom’s personal living spaces have captured the design world’s attention. Back in 2009, House Beautiful famously photographed an earlier Craftsman bungalow belonging to the stylist. For that compact project, he employed a similar philosophy, outfitting the interior with a carefully curated mix of midcentury modern pieces and unique secondhand finds. By prioritizing strategic lighting, an open layout, and effortless physical access to the outdoors, he successfully made the small footprint feel remarkably large and airy—a strategy he has now applied on an even greater scale to his current Oakland home.
While earlier owners handled the bulk of the heavy lifting regarding the home’s interior renovations, Hom stepped in to apply his signature designer finishes and elevated aesthetic. Listing agent Jodi Nishimura of Kai Real Estate highlights the exceptional quality of the execution, noting that the home features a modern yet elegant kitchen and an artfully crafted bathroom. The interior spaces flow effortlessly, with the living room sitting just opposite a stylish dining area that showcases Hom’s professional background.
Despite the sophisticated interior curation, the true magic of the property unfolds the moment you venture outside. The kitchen opens directly onto a sprawling outdoor deck that Hom treats as a natural extension of the home, utilizing it as an extra room dedicated to daily meals, quiet relaxation, and social gatherings. The expansive outdoor space also features a private hot tub, offering an immediate retreat for relaxation.
From the deck, meandering garden paths wind through a lush landscape filled with drought-tolerant grasses, vibrant sunflowers, productive strawberry patches, flourishing persimmon trees, and passion fruit vines. These natural elements lead visitors further into the property toward a tranquil sculpture garden patio and a separate 130-square-foot studio building that has been expertly configured as a functional home office. A charming, vine-covered arbor rounds out the extraordinary grounds, creating what Nishimura describes as the epitome of true indoor-outdoor California living.
Nishimura emphasizes that finding a property in the Maxwell Park neighborhood with this specific tier of impeccable, professional design is exceptionally rare. She notes that the high level of curation visible throughout the house and grounds is notoriously difficult to replicate, making the offering a unique opportunity for design-conscious buyers looking to break into the East Bay housing market.
The surrounding Maxwell Park neighborhood itself adds considerable value to the property. Dating back to its establishment in 1921, the historic area maintains a quiet, residential character while remaining conveniently positioned near the vibrant shops and diverse restaurants of the neighboring Dimond District. Additionally, residents enjoy close proximity to scenic outdoor trails and recreational opportunities in the nearby Oakland Hills, striking a rare balance between urban accessibility and natural retreat.
Describing the overall appeal of the listing, Nishimura points out that Maxwell Park often functions as a hidden gem within the broader Oakland real estate landscape. For her, the property’s standout charm lies in the harmonious combination of sophisticated interior design, meticulously planned organic gardens, and a deeply immersive indoor-outdoor living experience. It represents a classic California bungalow that has been thoughtfully elevated and transformed by an artist with a remarkably refined design eye.
