Explore the timeless design of Matt Duffer’s Los Angeles home, blending bold colors, historic charm, and creative details for a unique, inviting space.
When you think of Matt Duffer, the co-creator of the iconic Stranger Things, your mind likely conjures up eerie scenes from the otherworldly Upside Down or the ominous tension of his thriller projects. His creative genius lies in crafting unsettling, mysterious worlds, but when it came to his personal sanctuary, Matt Duffer sought something vastly different — a peaceful retreat that combines timeless architecture, thoughtful design, and rich, inviting colors.
Set in the heart of Los Angeles, Matt Duffer’s hillside home is a stark departure from the dark, dystopian atmospheres that define much of his professional work. Instead of navigating unsettling alternate realities, Matt Duffer’s home offers a rare glimpse into a world that is the opposite of chaos — a space that is soothing, vibrant, and full of life. And the interior design, crafted with a keen eye for detail, transforms this 1920s Spanish-style house into an inspiring haven that embraces warmth, color, and creative innovation.
A Home with Rich History
The architecture of Matt Duffer’s home speaks to the charm and character of Los Angeles’s historic hillside neighborhoods. This 1927 Spanish-style house, nestled in the tranquil enclave of Los Feliz, cascades from its hillside location like a fairytale castle. With original design elements, mature oak trees framing the property, and sweeping views of the Griffith Observatory, the home exudes timeless elegance. The exterior, with its stucco façade and Spanish tile roof, is the epitome of classic Southern California charm, offering a welcoming introduction to the home’s interior.
Inside, the home is a fusion of old-world charm and modern-day comforts, with careful attention paid to every architectural detail. The interior is an intricate blend of classic design and contemporary updates, resulting in spaces that feel both familiar and fresh. The open flow between rooms allows natural light to fill the space, creating an airy, expansive atmosphere that enhances the sense of peace and relaxation.
A Color Palette That Tells a Story
The colors used throughout Matt Duffer’s home play a significant role in its transformation from a blank canvas to a welcoming and dynamic space. The design focuses on bold, expressive colors that infuse the home with energy and warmth, creating a sense of joy and comfort.
At the heart of the design is a striking sunset-inspired color palette that spans rich yellows, soft pinks, and vibrant reds. These warm tones are thoughtfully incorporated throughout the house, from the living room to the bedrooms, creating a cohesive and harmonious feel. The use of color is not just about making a visual statement but also about invoking an emotional response — each room offers a unique atmosphere, carefully curated to make every space feel alive.
The living room, for example, features an eclectic arrangement of seating, with the focal point being four central chairs arranged around a fireplace. The color choices here are designed to add warmth and dynamism to the room. The rich tones of burnt orange and golden yellows work together to create a cozy yet sophisticated environment. The unexpected combination of chairs — rather than traditional sofas — adds an element of surprise and invites people to engage with the space differently. The intentional mix of colors, materials, and furniture pieces gives the living room an energy that feels both comfortable and playful.
In the primary bedroom, the colors take on a more serene quality, with golds, terra-cottas, and soft pinks blending seamlessly into one another. These shades evoke the warmth of a setting sun, offering a peaceful retreat at the end of the day. The textiles in this room — richly layered with striped patterns and soft textures — are a direct reflection of the overall tone of the home: grounded, but full of life.
The nursery, designed for Matt Duffer and Hindsgaul’s growing family, incorporates a gentle, soft palette of pastel colors that create a calm, nurturing environment for their children. The subtle interplay of light greens and blues on the walls, combined with the playful apple green of the bookshelf, injects a sense of fun and whimsy into the room, making it a space for both relaxation and imagination.
Materials That Ground the Design
The use of materials throughout Matt Duffer’s home plays a pivotal role in bringing the design to life. The blend of textures, from luxurious fabrics to rustic wood finishes, creates a tactile experience that enhances the home’s welcoming feel.
The kitchen, for example, features a glass-and-steel wall that brings in an abundance of light, transforming the space into a seamless extension of the outdoors. The gleaming steel contrasts beautifully with the warmth of the wood accents and the earthy tones of the burnt orange tiles. The tile backsplash, a signature from the earlier stages of the design, is a bold, striking element that adds visual interest and texture to the kitchen, grounding the space with a sense of warmth and personality.
The dining room, with its painted floors, creates an unexpected focal point. The bold, mid-century Italian-inspired pattern of the floor tiles adds a sense of whimsy and sophistication. Paired with vintage furniture and drapery, the dining room becomes a space that celebrates both history and modernity. The mix of materials — from sleek metal pendant lights to rich, wood-paneled furnishings — adds layers of texture, making the room feel dynamic and well-curated.
Perhaps one of the most captivating uses of materials is in the primary bedroom. The original plaster ceiling molding is a delicate yet impactful design element, offering a light touch that enhances the room’s sense of spaciousness. The earthy, natural textures of the fabrics, from the upholstered bed frame to the vintage nightstands, ground the space with warmth, while the soft, flowing linens add a sense of comfort and luxury. The thoughtful layering of materials elevates the room, making it feel both refined and cozy.
A Space for Play and Creativity
In keeping with Matt Duffer’s creative spirit, the home includes areas that celebrate fun and personal expression. One such area is the game room, where Matt Duffer’s love for Stranger Things comes to life with the inclusion of a vintage pinball machine. This quirky addition is a playful nod to Duffer’s professional achievements, while also integrating seamlessly into the overall design. The use of vibrant colors in this room, along with custom-designed furniture, adds to the whimsical character of the space, creating a room that invites both playfulness and relaxation.
Even in more understated areas, such as the guest bedrooms, the home continues to reflect Matt Duffer and Hindsgaul’s personalities and style. The use of rich colors, like butter-yellow walls and textured rugs, alongside carefully chosen vintage artwork and furniture, makes each room feel unique, yet still part of the cohesive whole.
Designing for the Future
As Matt Duffer and Hindsgaul’s family grew, so too did their need for a larger space. Yet, their beloved Los Feliz home will always hold a special place in their hearts. The creative vision behind its design, from the careful selection of colors and materials to the thoughtfully curated spaces, will continue to inspire them as they embark on a new chapter in their lives. And as they look ahead to their new home, it’s clear that the journey of design — of creating a space that is personal, meaningful, and functional — will continue to be a fundamental part of their story.
The story of Matt Duffer’s home is one of transformation — a house that began with history and evolved into a modern sanctuary through careful design, color, and materials. It’s a space that tells a story of love, creativity, and the joy of living in a home that feels both timeless and completely unique.
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Photography: Haris Kenjar
