Renowned interior stylist Aaron Hom, whose professional portfolio includes crafting immaculate, highly curated rooms for major design powerhouses such as Restoration Hardware and Design Within Reach, is parting ways with his own deeply personal real estate project. His latest residential endeavor\u2014a historic 1922 bungalow nestled in the desirable Maxwell Park neighborhood of Oakland, CA\u2014has officially hit the market with an asking price of $750,000. <\/p>\n
For Hom, designing spaces is not merely a profession, but a continuous exploration of how to maximize intimate environments. While he has spent his career shaping spaces for prominent brands, some of his most creative and personal work has consistently happened at home, usually within very small and compact footprints. This current offering is no exception, applying a sophisticated design strategy on an 870-square-foot scale that punches far above its weight class. <\/p>\n
The property\u2019s listing agent, Jodi Nishimura of Kai Real Estate, emphasizes that the true magic of the home lies in how the interior design seamlessly bleeds into the surrounding landscape. "The interiors are beautifully designed, but then you step outside and the property just keeps unfolding," Nishimura says, capturing the essence of what makes the compact two-bedroom bungalow feel expansive. <\/p>\n
Hom\u2019s mastery of compact living is well-documented. Back in 2009, House Beautiful famously photographed his earlier Craftsman bungalow. At that time, he had furnished the small residence with a thoughtful mix of midcentury modern pieces and carefully curated secondhand finds. Even then, his distinct design methodology relied on manipulating natural light, optimizing spatial layouts, and establishing effortless, visual, and physical access to the outdoors to make a modest footprint feel remarkably larger than its physical dimensions suggested. <\/p>\n
When Hom was living in a loft during the COVID-19 pandemic, he felt a strong desire to acquire an outdoor space of his own\u2014a private sanctuary where he could connect with nature without sacrificing aesthetic refinement. After an extensive search that involved looking at roughly 40 different properties across the region, he finally settled on the Oakland bungalow in 2021, primarily driven by the incredible potential of its expansive backyard. <\/p>\n
From the front street, the property\u2019s facade remains understated, giving very little away to casual passersby. However, once visitors step past the threshold, the dynamic shifts entirely. "It’s a private world," Hom notes of the surprisingly secluded environment he cultivated behind the historic home. <\/p>\n
While earlier owners had already handled much of the heavy lifting regarding the interior structural renovations, Hom stepped in to layer the space with his signature high-end designer finishes. Nishimura describes the home’s kitchen as modern yet exceptionally elegant, while the bathroom is characterized as an artfully executed space that reflects a high degree of craftsmanship. "It’s pretty rare to find a home in Maxwell Park with this level of impeccable design," she adds, noting that "that level of curation is difficult to replicate."<\/p>\n
The interior’s sophisticated charm, however, serves as a prelude to the outdoor amenities. The kitchen opens directly onto a large, sprawling deck that Hom intentionally treats as an extra, open-air room designed specifically for leisurely meals, quiet contemplation, and social gatherings. The outdoor space also features a relaxing hot tub, creating a resort-like atmosphere within a residential backyard. <\/p>\n
Meandering garden paths wind purposefully through a diverse and vibrant landscape filled with drought-tolerant grasses, bright sunflowers, productive strawberry patches, and mature fruit-bearing trees including persimmons and passion fruit. These organic pathways guide visitors further into the property toward a tranquil sculpture garden patio and a separate 130-square-foot detached studio that has been fully optimized to function as a quiet home office. A charming, vine-covered arbor rounds out the lush grounds, creating multiple zones for rest and creativity. <\/p>\n
"It’s true indoor-outdoor California living," Nishimura says, pointing out how seamlessly the structural footprint integrates with the natural environment. <\/p>\n
Situated in Maxwell Park\u2014a historic neighborhood that officially dates back to 1921\u2014the property enjoys a location that balances residential tranquility with urban accessibility. The neighborhood gracefully borders the vibrant shops and diverse restaurants of the nearby Dimond District, while also sitting conveniently close to the scenic hiking and walking trails winding through the Oakland Hills. <\/p>\n
"Maxwell Park is a bit of a hidden gem in Oakland," Nishimura observes. "For me, it’s really the combination of the design, the gardens, and the indoor-outdoor experience. It’s a classic California bungalow that has been elevated by someone with a really sophisticated design eye."<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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