We connected with one of our favorite home decor follows (and our Poplight product photographer!) to get a sneak peak into her design inspo and pro tips.
Tina Chen is a home design creator based in Southern California. She's passionate about creating spaces that feel cozy, colorful, and full of personality. She loves art, collecting cute objects, and hunting for vintage items to add character to her home.
The Poplight team first connected with Tina over IG, where her dreamy home and unique style caught our eye. We think you'll love learning a bit more about her, too. Here's our weekend conversation with Tina below:
We connected with you on Instagram because we LOVED the photos you shared of your Poplight. How did you get started as a home design creator?
Thank you so much! I’ve always loved styling spaces and sharing ideas that make a home feel both functional and beautiful. I started posting my projects just for fun, and over time, it turned into a creative outlet where I could connect with others who love home design too!
Where do you draw most of your design inspiration from—are you more of a Pinterest deep diver, vintage market treasure hunter, or something else entirely?
A little bit of everything, honestly! I love getting lost in Pinterest boards for big-picture ideas, and vintage markets are my favorite for uncovering unique pieces that add character. I also get a ton of inspiration from art—visiting museums is one of my favorite things to do. Sometimes a color palette or composition in a painting will spark an idea for a space.
What’s one design risk you took in your own space that really paid off?
Adding tile from floor to ceiling in both bathrooms and the kitchen from counter to ceiling felt like a big design risk, but it totally paid off. It added so much texture and visual interest, and really gave those spaces a custom, high-end feel. Now they’re some of my favorite rooms in the house!
Is there a specific room or corner in your home that feels most you? What makes it special?
Definitely the bar area it’s such a playful little corner full of color and personality. I added a grid-patterned wallpaper that creates a really fun contrast with the rest of the decor and accent pieces. I had so much fun designing it without overthinking, and I think that’s what makes it feel the most “me.” It’s a fun corner and always a conversation starter when people visit.
You have a ton of cute, unique pieces in your space. Do these items catch your eye or are you seeking them out?
A little of both! I love the excitement of the hunt, whether I’m browsing a vintage shop or scrolling online. Sometimes I go in looking for something specific, but more often, the pieces that end up being my favorites are the ones that just catch my eye unexpectedly. I’m always drawn to things with character or a story behind them. They make the space feel more personal.
Of all your cute pieces, do any of them have a special story? We’d love to hear it!
Yes! Our sofa actually has a fun backstory. When we were picking it out, the cover for the chaise wasn’t available in the color we originally wanted, so we ended up choosing an orange one just to make it work. It wasn’t planned at all, but it ended up looking amazing—it’s now a statement piece! Everyone always comments on it and assumes it was intentional, which makes me laugh. Sometimes the best design moments happen by accident.
One thing we LOVE about your content is how talented you are at balancing color and the cozy feel of your home without crowding your space. It looks so effortless, but it’s actually such a skill. Do you have any rules that keep your space unique but balanced?
Thank you so much—that means a lot! I try to keep a few simple rules in mind: first, I always try to balance bold colors or patterns with plenty of neutrals. I keep it in an open space so it doesn’t feel overwhelming. I also focus on layering textures to add warmth and coziness without clutter. And lastly, I make sure every piece has a purpose or a special meaning, which helps keep the space feeling more personal.
What advice do you have for renters or folks working with tight budgets who still want their space to reflect their style?
My biggest advice is to get creative with things that are easy to change or move—like rugs, lighting (especially Poplight), curtains and artwork. These can totally transform a space without a big investment or permanent changes. Thrift stores and DIY projects are amazing for finding unique pieces on a budget, and layering textures can make any space feel cozy and styled. Most importantly, focus on what makes you happy! Your space should feel like home, no matter your budget!
You’ve shot some of our favorite Poplight photos! How do you approach product photography differently from interior design photography?
Thanks so much! When shooting product photography like Poplight, I focus on highlighting the details and functionality of the item, making sure it looks clean and polished. With interior design photography, it’s more about capturing the overall vibe and how the space feels—showing how everything works together to create a mood or story. Both require attention to lighting and composition, but the goal shifts from the product itself to the experience of the space.
How do you make sure your personal design style still shines through when you're creating content for a brand like Poplight?
I always start by really understanding the brand’s aesthetic and values, then I look for ways to weave in my personal style through colors, textures, or little design touches I love. It’s all about finding that sweet spot where the brand’s message and my creative voice come together naturally. That way, the content feels authentic and true to both of us.
Love Tina's style? We do, too.
Follow Tina on Instagram and TikTok to see more of her home and design.
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