My Houzz: Vintage Industrial Home in California

Nguyen wanted the house to have classic, neutral colors so that she could place emphasis on decor and wall art, as seen in the dining room. Dark, wide plank flooring runs throughout the house, and influences from Nguyen's time working at Anthropologie are also seen throughout.

The modern farmhouse dining table from Anthropologie (shown) is Nguyen's most prized possession. "It's made of reclaimed wood and planks of galvanized steel," she says, "which is great because I never have to worry about scratches or damage."

Console table: Anthropologie; dining chairs: Magic Furniture; bric-a-brac: local thrift stores

"I never really know how to pinpoint the house's decor," Nguyen says. The house has a rotating crew of housemates needing space to store their possessions, so individual styles contribute to the overall decor. "Things are constantly moved around or replaced. I actually really like having a lot of different decor themes in one area," she adds. Seen here and throughout the house are curious collections of pinned insects and bugs from housemate Peter Ljubenkov, an amateur entomologist.

This Lamps Plus chandelier was originally green, and Nguyen spray painted it white.

Silver Cubes shadow box: Z Gallerie

"My proudest homeowner moment was the first time I watered my front lawn, while waving hi to the neighbors," Nguyen says. "Another great homeowner moment was being able to cook for my parents and inviting them over for dinner for the first time."

Million Rings wood table: Anthropologie; yellow wingback chairs: garage sale

The charming living room features a mix of secondhand and modern finds. The mounted flat-screen TV fits perfectly between the built-ins, and colorful accessories are scattered throughout.

One of Ljubenkov's bug shadow boxes centers a vignette on a built-in bookshelf.

Accessories: Anthropologie, Z Gallerie

This oil painting is a Goodwill find, and the amber lamp is from Anthropologie. Nguyen finds some of the art pieces at thrift stores and Z Gallerie; others are handmade collages.

Nguyen and her sister love hosting and often have friends over. "Sometimes we'll have spontaneous barbecues in the backyard," she says. If they could invite anyone famous over for dinner, Thomas Keller, Anthony Bourdain, Gordon Ramsey and Alton Brown would be on their guest list. Nguyen adds, "And guess what? It's going to be a potluck."

The spacious black and white kitchen is Nguyen's favorite spot in the home. She says, "After work, we'll all stand around the breakfast bar talking and drinking wine, while one or two of us prepare dinner." She adds, "I'm really fond of the backsplash tiles I picked out, as well as the flooring and our black granite countertop."

Pendant lamps: Lamps Plus; bar stools: Magic Furniture

The tufted cream sofa in the living room once belonged to Ljubenkov's grandmother.

Floral sofa: Goodwill; trunk coffee table: Crate & Barrel

"Since the rest of the master bathroom is very white, I wanted something darker to create a balance. I spent a long time shopping for the bathroom tiles and instantly fell in love with the look of it," says Nguyen.

Claw-foot tub: Vintage Tub and Bath; side table: Anthropologie; vanity: Lowe's

The upstairs home office is a work in progress. Nguyen says, "Until recently, we barely used the room for anything except for storing books. But now that a desktop computer and PlayStation 3 are in there, it's become a space the housemates and I spend a lot of time in."

Atop the Ikea Expedit shelf is a collection of Where the Wild Things Are figurines that belong to housemate Christopher Greiner. "I bought them during a time in my life when I basically had to choose between eating or buying the figurines," he says. "I bought the figurines." Greiner is a big fan of the book and considers the collectibles to be an investment.

Couch: IKEA; tripod lamp: Target; lattice-paneled side tables: Marshalls

Nguyen says she loves her diverse neighborhood. "Living within walking distance of a Greatland Target is so ideal," she says. "It's also nice to live in an area that has a lot of different cultures, like Little India down Pioneer Boulevard and the Korean and Filipino shops and restaurants scattered around." Her parents also own a restaurant nearby.

Since the house is still new, no major projects have been planned just yet, but for now, Nguyen would like to continue filling up the walls with art and finalizing the upstairs office space.

Chandelier: Lamps Plus