Inside Web Designer Puno Puno's Colourful Warehouse-Style Apartment in Downtown LA

Welcome to The Makers. Each week, we’re celebrating innovators, artisans and crafters of all types, taking you on a private tour of their creative spaces. For this instalment, we head to Puno Puno's sprawling warehouse-style apartment in Downtown Los Angeles.

Puno Puno could be considered an internet jack-of-all-trades — or a “slashie,” as she prefers it. In addition to designing websites, Squarespace templates, and nail wraps, the LA-based entrepreneur produces videos, photoshoots, and more on behalf of her own brain child, ilovecreatives, as well as clients like KKW Beauty and Girlboss.

So when searching for a rental in downtown Los Angeles with her husband Daniel and their beloved cat Muad'Dib, they needed a space that was equally versatile — part home, part office, part studio, part co-working hub, part entertaining space, and beyond. The two eventually landed on a 1,500-square-feet industrial-style apartment with wall-to-wall windows, a cosy lofted bedroom, and plenty of space to WFH indefinitely.

Four years later, and the loft is basically a physical manifestation of both ilovecreatives and Puno’s brain. Filled with plants, pastels, 70s-inspired furniture, and a few vintage Milo Baughman gems — a style Puno refers to as “Danish Tropical” — the space checks every box on the couples’ unique list of requirements. In addition to hosting friends and coworkers, the space has served as HQ for both ilovecreatives and ilovecreatives studios for the better part of a decade.

Ahead, find Puno’s thoughts on growing a community of creative kindred spirits, designing for the internet, and curating a next-level bedroom that can only be described as “glowy.”

Hi Puno! This series is called The Makers. What is it that you make?

I’m a web designer and digital entrepreneur. In addition to building websites and Squarespace templates, I create YouTube videos, photography, online courses, and more primarily through ilovecreatives. Right now, I’m making an online course with Rachel Nguyen of That’s Chic called “The Creative Process.”

How does the act of “making” relate to your personality and who you are?

I love the process of creating. Ideas are interesting, but actually seeing them take shape and form is the most fun part for me.

Tell us about your career journey to date. Did you always know you wanted to pursue this line of work?

Nope, I definitely had no idea. However, my interests were always on the internet and I’ve always loved visual mediums. I feel like my career has been more like a mind-map than one long spaghetti noodle, if that makes sense.

Talk us through your creative process. Where do you start?

I usually start one of two ways: through my curiosity to learn something new, or through people indirectly (or directly) asking for something. These days, I’m thinking more about how I want to feel — do I want to laugh more now? Then I’ll work on a project that achieves that.

What’s been the single most crucial tool or strategy you’ve used to further your business?

Simple: know (or teach yourself) how to make things that you can put on the internet.

What’s been the most challenging lesson learned so far in your career?

I try to find solutions for everything and everyone.

What’s been the best thing that’s happened to you since you started your career?

With ilovecreatives, I built a space where I can experiment, play, and be myself.

Do you have a single piece of advice you’d give to your younger self or someone looking to pursue a similar line of work?

If I could talk to my younger self, I’d say: “The answer is yes, you’re smart, but overthinking your way to a solution is the more exhausting route to the same outcome.”

Now, the home stuff. How long have you lived in your home?

Four years!

How did you initially know this was the space for you?

The windows! We get a ton of natural light. It was actually a friend’s place before we moved in — we kept asking when can we move in?

Did you do any renovations or make any big changes after moving in?

We updated the kitchen cabinets and island to lighten the space. Using a saw and MDF from Anderson Plywood, Daniel cut new cabinets to scale using the previous doors as a template. We used laminate from Wilsonart to cover the dark wood on the island. It’s all removable whenever we decide to leave!

What was the thought process behind the way you’ve styled the interior?

Our friend and architect, Tyler Thomas of Venn Studio, told me I should look up Milo Baughman because he thought it was very “me.” That was an incredible rabbit hole.

What are your favourite pieces in the home?

Probably my pink Daniel & Emma bar stools, but my Milo Baughman kitchen table from Etsy runs a close second.

Do you have any special décor pieces you’re looking to add?

I really want a better rug, but haven’t pulled the trigger. I also would love an Entler floor lamp.

Which is your favourite room in the house?

I don’t think I have one!

What are your top tips for a well-styled bedroom, and home generally?

I painted the walls a coral colour in the bedroom because I wanted it to “glow,” and that’s what I love most about it. With the Peach and Terracotta bedding, the room feels really warm.

Do you have any projects coming up you want to talk about?

We just did a site redesign on ilovecreatives.

Photography by Jenna Peffley. Styling by Danielle Armstrong.

For more from Puno, follow her on Instagram @punodostres

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