BTS with JO
Behind the Style
Joanna Cardenas is an LA-based model and the founder of Ode to the Home, a home organization and curation service. She shared her tips for making the most out of your space (and closet), how she was able to curate her dream wardrobe after decades of meticulous thrifting, and her plans for getting into furniture design in the near future.
June, 6 2024
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Where are you based?
Los Angeles, CA
What do you do for work?
I’m a model and the owner/founder of Ode to The Home.
Can you tell us a little about Ode to the Home?
Ode to The Home is a home organizing and curating service based in Los Angeles. I was that one weird kid that would go to their friends’ house and rearrange their bedroom, organize their closets, and help them pick out their outfits for the week. Later in life I learned that you can make a living out of doing exactly that, and the rest is history. Ode to The Home started after years of assisting other organizers and finding that I could create my own niche within a niche. I cater to all types of clients and businesses, from maximizing space in a small studio apartment to creating and designing the layout of a warehouse for a staging company. I have seen and done it all! I think my next big thing for Ode is getting into furniture design!
What are your go-to tips for making the most of your space?
Declutter—ask yourself the following questions: Do I love it? Do I use it regularly? Have I seen it in the last year? Do I remember I own this? Would I buy it today? Does it fit (me or the space)?
Measure and Maintain—Invest in organizing products, they are easy to use and can be moved around from space to space. They help tremendously with keeping things tidy and in their designated spaces.
ussy—who has the time for fussy clothes? Baggy jeans, an oversized sweater, and some loafers will never go out of style.
When it comes to someone’s wardrobe, how do you help people decide what to keep?
I highly recommend doing a seasonal closet refresh. For example, I have storage bins with clothes that I only use during Spring/Summer or Fall/Winter. I change my closet around according to the season. This helps with removing clutter by taking the items I no longer wear to sell or donate. I ask my clients the 6 decluttering questions mentioned above to help them decide what to keep. Works every time. Pro Organizer tip—get matching hangers, that alone will make your closet look put together.
How would you describe your personal style?
I’d say a mix of 90’s and modern day “off-duty model”. My go-to look is a pair of vintage Levi's with a white tee and literally any shoe (heels, sneakers or sandals), layer it with a blazer or sweater et voíla, a classic and timeless look!
If you could have access to anyone’s closet, who would it be and why?
Tbh, my own closet. I have spent decades thrifting, curating, and collecting literally every last piece in there to fit my exact body type so I make sure to wear everything I own more than once. I would say about 90% of my closet is second hand, vintage, or thrifted. I think having the patience to find clothing that seamlessly transitions from season to season is key. My current favorite thrift find so far that I wear ALL the time are my Weejuns loafers.
What are a couple of your favorite pieces in your BARO closet?
With wedding season upon us, my current favorites in my BARO closet are my Reformation Cassette dress and Fame and Partners Francois dress.
Favorite place to thrift in LA?
Gift of Garb, Sleeper, Crossroads Trading, Markt, Recess, American Rag Cie, Fashion Full Circle LA and of course, estate sales.
Most recent clothing or home goods purchase?
I went to an estate sale recently and got two Hay bar stools, a bed frame, an accent chair and lots of home decor all under $1k! Mind you, I went to just “browse” haha.
A couple of your favorite brands?
I have so many but off the top of my head- COS, Reformation, Imogene and Willie (for jeans), Simon Miller, Marni, Sandro, Sézane,
Favorite podcast?
The Life Coach School Podcast by Brooke Castillo
What’re you reading right now?
Becoming Supernatural by Dr. Joe Dispenza
Favorite food?
Latin food- Arepas! Because I’m Venezuelan :)
Coffee order?
Chai tea latte
When do you feel most inspired?
After a great workout, a great therapy session or after journaling.
What is your version of self care?
Going to the gym, getting my nails done, and my skincare routine- Holy grail item has to be the Beauty Bio pH balancing gel cleanser, Caudalie Vinoperfect moisturizer and 20 min of LED red light mask every night.
What is inspiring you right now?
Furniture design and art books, specifically 1,000 Chairs by Charlotte and Peter Fiell
Where can people find you?
@c.joanna is my personal ig and @odetothehome is my business insta :)