Mi Casa | Cándida Wohlgemuth

Delving into the heart of architectural appreciation and personal style, this Mi Casa offers a captivating insight into the fusion of modernism and warmth within an Eichler-style home. With a nod to Joseph Eichler’s visionary approach, Cándida Wohlgemuth invites us on a journey through her residence, showcasing the allure of clean lines, expansive windows, and the timelessness post and beam construction. From items filled with memories, to rugs chosen for the space, each element reflects a thoughtful balance between aesthetics and practicality. Candida graciously shares her design philosophy, illuminating the importance of personal touches and conscious choices in creating a true sanctuary.

SHOP THE LOOK

1/ Made-to-Order Esther Rug 2/ Mini Sol Rug  3/ Lara Cushion|Rust & Natural 4/ Classica XL Lumbar Cushion #12|Sand 5/ Monte Throw|Sand 6/ Made-to-Order Forma #1 Runner

What inspired your decision to choose an Eichler-style home? Could you share some key design elements that resonate with you from this architectural style?

Eichler homes are so special. Joseph Eichler, a real estate developer, is responsible for building these homes in the 1950s and 1960s. His goal was to bring modernism design to the masses, building tract home neighbourhoods throughout the Bay Area and a few in Southern California. These homes are now known as Eichler’s. What I love about them are the clean lines, floor-to-ceiling windows, post and beam construction, exposed wood ceilings and central atriums that these homes have become known for. These tracts are often in the suburbs, which is a pleasant architectural surprise.

Your Instagram presence showcases a stunning blend of style and comfort in your home. How do you achieve that balance between aesthetic appeal and a welcoming atmosphere?

Thank you! I truly believe it’s a balance. Some things are not so kid-friendly in our home (like river rocks in our atrium), but then again the entire atrium is full of their toys. I kind of end up obsessing over finding the most aesthetically pleasing toy or piece of furniture, and when I can’t find it, I end up making it or spray painting it.

In your opinion, what makes a house truly feel like a home? Are there specific elements or personal touches that you’ve incorporated to create that feeling in your space?

I believe it’s that welcoming feeling you get when you step inside. I gravitate to using natural materials like wood and linens to create a more lived-in feel and pair new pieces of furniture with vintage furniture and objects. We’ve also kept our larger furniture pieces pretty low to the ground so that the kids feel a freedom in being able to jump up on the sofa or play on our coffee table.

We love your Pampa rug, it works so beautifully in your space. As an interior designer, why was it essential for you to have the opportunity to customise your own rug?

I love the feeling of ownership in a design. It’s special when you find a company that cares about not only the threads they’re using, but the people who are making your product. Being a part of the process of making design decisions makes it that much more impactful and personal purchase.

Rugs are such big elements in defining spaces in people’s homes, have you noticed a sense of comfort when laying down your Esther rug?

Yes definitely, but even more so with my 2 year old roaming around. She loves playing with the little “bumps” and chasing our cat around the coffee table. I know I’m living in the good ole days with the girls being this young and us spending so much time at home as a family. It’s special that the Pampa rug will always be a part of those memories.

All of the rugs in your home are from B Corp-certified suppliers, tell us why this was important to you.

It’s important to think of any purchase you make holistically, especially what you bring into your home. I want to use as many natural materials as I can for my home, but more importantly, I love it when a company takes responsibility for what they make and cares about how they source their materials.

What projects are you currently working on with WHLF studio?

I am currently working on a couple of personal projects: most notably finishing up our renovation and design of a mobile home in Malibu, CA. I am also designing a preschool! It was such an unexpected opportunity, but the owners are amazing and very trusting. I love stretching my design ideas into larger commercial projects like this. I hope to share more about this soon!

Your Instagram feed often includes glimpses of your travels. How do these experiences influence your home’s design and your sense of place?

I am so blessed to have grown up bi-culturally. My parents are from Guatemala and I was born and raised in Los Angeles. Traveling was a big priority for my parents, specifically my mother, so growing up she took me and my three siblings everywhere. When my husband and I were first married, we prioritized travelling and went everywhere. Now that we have our young girls we want this to be a priority for them as they’re growing up in a trilingual household (Spanish, German, and English). It’s impossible not to be influenced by different parts of the world and the people you meet along the way. The biggest influence has been the importance of creating space for others to enjoy your home with you. Life isn’t meant to be done alone.

Tell us a little bit about your Cabin in Joshua Tree, El Rancho, as you know we are big fans of the desert!

Pampa and the desert are synonyms! El Rancho in Joshua Tree was the very first project my husband and I worked on together which led to the birth of WHLF Studio. We did all of the renovations and furniture that we could ourselves, learning as we went, and it showed us that we could create something real and that we could work together. We have so much to thank El Rancho for.

Finally, what does “home” mean to you, and how does it enrich your daily life and sense of self?

Home is my family. I am thankful to God for blessing me with my husband, our two daughters, and that we get to spend so much time together. They’re constant reminders that it’s not about the place or what you’re doing but who you are with that matters.

Photos by Victoria Aguirre

*All images & words are copyright of Pampa, for any kind of use please contact us at hello@pampa.com.au for permission.

Photos by Victoria Aguirre