There’s a reason Arvin Olano’s home feels instantly recognizable, even in an endless scroll of interiors. The LA-based creator has carved out a signature sensibility—one rooted in architectural calm, vintage charm, and a distinct West Coast ease. His spaces carry a rare combination of softness and precision: textures paired with clean lines, soulful objects, and an easy sense of warmth.
Every piece appears to have a past, yet the rooms themselves are fresh and current. It’s the kind of home that makes you pause— not because it’s flashy, but because it feels like someone actually lives there. Someone with great taste.
Below, Olano shares how he finds inspiration, how he curates with intention, and why smart living has become the unsung hero of his design philosophy.
My favorite thing to do is go to open houses — I love seeing how people live and what they choose to surround themselves with. I also love noticing how each space is designed and laid out. To me that is the best inspiration. Something real and tangible.
Now that you mention it, yes! I loved taking fashion photography, and I would always hunt for architectural locations with clean lines.
I had a wish list of vintage furniture and objects that I knew I wanted to live with, and I collected them over the years.
“I like to think of each piece as part of a cast of characters — you have your main actors and your supporting ones. In the end, you’re left with a story: your story.”
- Arvin Olano
I would say about 90% of the pieces in our home are vintage, and the other 10% are contemporary. That small mix of modern pieces keeps everything feeling fresh.
In every room, I make sure there’s something incredibly tactile — like shearling or woven materials such as wicker. Then I work down from there to find the right balance. Some pieces should feel slick and refined, like lacquered wood or glass, to create contrast.
I wanted our window treatments to blend with the architecture of our home while giving us light control, since we have so much glass.
Yes! I love smart tech. Everything in our home is scheduled, so I love that our shades go down exactly when the sun is at its harshest. It’s improved my daily routine and I’m no longer leaving a room because of the sun, now I can simply block it out.
I make sure our tech blends seamlessly with our décor and furniture. Because I don’t want anything to stand out, I pay attention to details like hardware color and sheen.
The “wow” moment in our home is definitely our living room. It’s our favorite room in the house, and it’s constantly evolving like a gallery. We love displaying and enjoying our favorite vintage pieces there.
I want them to feel inspired.
And inspired they’ll be. Olano’s home is proof that when every choice is intentional, the result isn’t just a beautifully designed space—it’s a life designed well.
Follow along on Instagram as his home, and creative eye, continue to evolve.
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