Embracing Home: Tori Adams’ Journey Through Los Angeles Real Estate

A Childhood Dream

Tori Adams grew up in Burbank, California, where her fascination with real estate began at an early age. As a child, she often asked her mother to take her to open houses she discovered in the newspapers. This childhood passion has even led to a unique tattoo on the inside of her forearm: an inked tribute to her first home, a simple one-story bungalow boasting a flat midcentury roof.

The Search for Home

Fast forward to adulthood, and Adams found herself living in 12 different spaces over the course of ten years—a quest for the perfect match, reminiscent of a modern-day Goldilocks with a penchant for residential spaces. Her journey began during her time at UCLA, where the college culture often dictated that students relocate annually. After graduation, she continued the transient lifestyle, working as a writer and editor for notable publications such as Flaunt, the Hollywood Reporter, and Playboy. Throughout these years, she shared her living spaces with nearly 20 roommates, ranging from Westwood to North Hollywood, including a stint with her sister, who had a considerable love for what Adams playfully calls “millennial gray.”

Finding Independence

By age 25, a realization hit: she needed a place of her own. “I wanted to find something unique and charming that felt like a home,” she reflected. This desire led her to a charming one-bedroom bungalow in Beverly Hills, which she has now called home for 2½ years—a personal best. The bungalow, featuring modern amenities like a dishwasher and washer/dryer, is nestled in the garden of a classic Spanish home inhabited by an elderly resident.

Beverly Hills: A Surprising Sanctuary

Adams never expected to find herself residing in Beverly Hills, a city often stereotyped as exclusive to the wealthy. However, Adams appreciates the fair rental price by Los Angeles standards, paying $2,340, including utilities. The central location has proven advantageous for her extensive friend circle, providing easy access to local businesses like Lodge Bread Co. and nearby pickleball and tennis courts.

Collaborative Redesign

As she settled into her new home, Adams faced the challenge of transforming her bungalow into a reflection of her colorful and eccentric style. Juggling her newfound role as an editorial consultant and volunteering to host grief workshops for Our House, Adams enlisted the help of a talented interior designer, Kiki Tolles. Discovered through TikTok, Tolles offers a refreshingly affordable approach to interior design focused on sourcing secondhand items.

A Design Journey Unfolds

Tolles, a self-taught designer, built her practice around sustainability after witnessing significant waste in the furniture industry. When Tolles and Adams first connected, the designer had minimal experience, but Adams was enchanted by her style. They set a budget of around $2,000 to reinvent the living room, bedroom, and bathroom. The two women benefited from each other’s expertise: Adams needed design guidance, while Tolles sought case studies to fortify her emerging brand.

Living Room Transformation

The living room posed a unique challenge. Anchoring the space was a pink velour couch from Sunbeam Vintage, sourced from Highland Park. The original baby blue shiplap paneling was replaced with a painted wooden panel, allowing for a fresh look without damaging the underlying structure. Adams and Tolles opted for an outdoor-themed wallpaper as a focal point, enhancing Adams’ workspace with an eye-catching backdrop for her Zoom meetings.

Utilizing Secondhand Decor

The renovation included bespoke window treatments crafted from secondhand materials. From Roman blinds in the kitchen to textured drapes in the living room, each element was carefully chosen to harmonize the overall aesthetic. This approach to design not only showcases creativity but also promotes environmental consciousness.

A Bold Bedroom Choice

In the bedroom, rather than trying to brighten the space—which is small and only has one window—Adams opted for a daring dark blue hue. The decision to push the bed against one wall, turning it into a daybed, was a bold move that ultimately paid off, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere. A reclaimed dresser, found on the roadside, became a stunning focal point after extensive DIY refinishing.

Bathroom Revamp

The bathroom reflects the design team’s collaborative spirit, complete with a whimsical chalkboard panel inviting guests to vote on their favorite room. Although it remains largely untouched, strategic updates like a skirt for the sink provide needed storage while adding a unique decorative touch.

A Personal Touch

Throughout the bungalow, personal touches emerge, from framed photographs of her own artistic pursuits to quirky cat bowls that speak to her love for her feline companion. The living space blends the personal with the curated, offering Adams a sanctuary that feels distinctly like home.

A Contented Homeowner

Adams expresses contentment with her living situation, despite occasional challenges—like the critters that pop up in her over-70-year-old building. While some relatives believe her rent to be exorbitant, she feels the cost is justified by her quality of life. Ownership remains a future aspiration for many of her peers, but for Adams, embracing a minimalist lifestyle brings a sense of liberation. “The older I get… the less I need,” she mused, celebrating the freedom that comes with her curated space.

In this vibrant journey through real estate and personal design, Tori Adams exemplifies the joys and challenges of creating a home that resonates with individuality and warmth. From her childhood dreams to her adult realities, her story reflects a deep-rooted connection to the spaces she inhabits, breathing life into her definition of “home.”