A home serves as more than just a living space; it's a personal journey. Our environments reflect our growth, experiences, and values. This connection is clear in the Los Angeles home of Diana Ryu, founder of Namu Home Goods, and her partner, Joseph Lee.
Ryu's first meeting with their house felt meant to be. After six months of visiting open houses and facing disappointments from multiple bids, they discovered a charming 1927 bungalow in El Sereno. It had a backyard art studio ideal for Lee, an artist and actor, a stunning century-old oak tree, and breathtaking views that Ryu describes as “incredible.”
However, the home needed extensive renovations. “Everything had to be updated when we moved in,” Ryu recalls. Feeling anxious about their third offer on the property, she sought advice from energy healer Caitlin Marino. When Marino drew the card labeled “harvest,” Ryu took it as affirmation to proceed.
Diana Ryu discusses the natural elegance and tranquility of her LA sanctuary.
“She mentioned there would be joy and a harvest in this home, which gave us the confidence to move ahead,” Ryu reflects, noting they named their residence The Harvest House.
This idea of growth resonates throughout their home. With a palette of soft whites and minimalist decor highlighted by vintage finds and art, the space is enriched with various wood elements, a material that holds special meaning for Ryu. It’s here that she launched Namu, a line of heritage wooden home goods sourced from Korea.
Observing the ancient tree in her yard inspired Ryu in her business. “That tree has weathered many winters, losing its leaves each year,” she explains. “Yet, despite the harsh winters, it patiently awaits spring.”
We visited Ryu to learn how she infused this resilience into her home. Her design philosophy emphasizes selecting items that resonate with the soul. After all, we curate our living spaces just as we travel and read — to remind us of the possibilities within ourselves and the world.
Images by Michelle Nash.
What was your aim when decorating your home?
We wanted our home to feel like a deep breath upon entering. We incorporated plenty of wood tones to add warmth to our white walls. Studies in Japan have shown wood lowers blood pressure, so we curate it thoughtfully. Our goal was to create a calming environment. Spending so much time at The Harvest House, it’s been a stable and beautiful refuge amidst life’s changes.
How would you describe your home’s style?
Asian influences are prominent throughout. Most of our artwork comes from Asian or Asian diasporic artists, including my husband, my aunt, and friends. We're fortunate to be surrounded by such creativity, and we believe our home fosters inspiration, making it both inviting and serene.
What decorating advice has guided you?
Shop wherever you can find inspiration. Our lives and homes don’t have to be flawless. They should serve our needs. Namu Home Goods embraces the beauty in imperfection. Our home is not perfect and likely never will be. We want our friends and family to feel at home and relaxed enough to lounge on the couch.
“I’ve always been drawn to wood in decor; I think it’s because I’m sensitive and my surroundings affect my mood.”
How has building Namu Home Goods shaped your design philosophy?
We strive to live simply, inspired by our Namu artists in Korea. I remember a meeting where a woodworker offered us each a single candied walnut with coffee. My American tendency towards excess made me wonder, is that all? But it helped me truly savor that one walnut, teaching me to appreciate what I have in front of me.
What role does color play in your decor?
I'm currently obsessed with the Umber from Namu Home Goods, one of our brand colors. I found stunning vintage Italian barrel back chairs by Giancarlo Piretti and our Nordic Knots rug in Umber as well. I feel like I embody the Namu Home Goods brand in every way! Most of our colors come from art and books. We embrace color but naturally lean towards wood and nature, which is reflected in our home.
Do you have a favorite room or design feature?
Our living room, dining nook, art studio, and backyard are where we spend the most time; therefore, those are our favorite areas.
The art studio radiates positive energy. Joe paints or works on scripts while I read or relax on our daybed, drawing wisdom from the oak tree. Our living room is filled with natural light, and we don’t have a TV; instead, we use a projector for our streaming services. During the day, it’s peaceful, filled with music and the sounds of chirping birds.
The dining nook is special because of the Cy Twombly prints we exchanged as gifts without knowing the other had chosen the same artist. It was a delightful surprise!
Our backyard offers breathtaking views of the hills, accompanied by a refreshing breeze. It seems our home has stood alone in the neighborhood for years. Built in 1927, the other houses nearby were constructed in the ‘80s and ‘90s.
It must have enjoyed a quiet existence for a long time.
