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Name: Andrea & Chad
Location: Venice, California
Size: 600
Years lived in: 2 years

We cover cohabitation and the melding of two design styles quite a bit on Apartment Therapy. It's not always easy but when it works, both the relationship and the design shines. When Andrea moved to Los Angeles a few years ago, the thought of moving into her boyfriend, Chad's, small bachelor pad in Venice was initially not even a consideration but the rent was cheap and the location was perfect. Also, as a design lover, Andrea could infuse her vintage and eclectic modern style into their new shared home. After the jump, find out how the couple transformed the space to fit two.

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The couple's home is now filled with a gallery of unique artwork, restyled furniture and accents. Plus the couple has completely used their 600 square feet to the max by creating a fluid layout that's comfortable and functional. They are proud of the work that they've been able to do and the transformation they have made. As Andrea says, "It's a nice place to come home to and we find that friends seem to stay for a long time, which is the best indicator that we’ve done a good job." We couldn't agree more!

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Apartment Therapy Survey:

Our style: Mid-century modern with a cozy, eclectic twist.

Inspiration: Other small spaces we've encountered along the way.

Favorite Element: It's hard to choose, but probably the Noguchi Dining Table or the pair of low slung vintage chairs that we had re-upholstered in a graphic print.

Biggest Challenge: We are running out of space. I'm always finding treasures on my shopping adventures and have nowhere to put them.

What Friends Say: “I can't believe this is the same place.”

Biggest Embarrassment: The popcorn ceilings, the cheap carpet and the overstuffed closets.

Proudest DIY: We had 2 matching lounge chairs covered in their original 70’s velour that I’d purchased years ago for $25 at the Goodwill. I knew recovering them was going to be expensive so I never changed them, thinking I'd wait until we owned a house and knew exactly where they'd be going. Once the reality set in that owning a place may be a long way away, we decided to go for it. When we found the Japanese Echino by Etsuko Furuya fabric, covered in a graphic print of leopards, clouds and bright colors we decided to take a risk (and this felt like a very big risk)! We absolutely love them and haven't regretted the decision for one second.

Biggest Indulgence: When you buy everything second hand, it's pretty hard to indulge.

Best advice: When it comes to design, there is not one singular possibility; there are millions. Do what feels right for you.

Dream source: A swap meet in Denmark.

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Resources:

FURNITURE

    • With the exception of the couch and chair (which are from West Elm), every single piece of furniture has been purchased second hand. Whether it be swap meets, thrift stores, auction houses, estate sales, Craigslist or eBay: I believe just about every piece of furniture I need or want already exists, it's just a matter of finding it!

RUGS & CARPETS

    • Shag rug, CB2

ARTWORK


Thanks, Andrea & Chad!

Images: Andrea Shuff

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