james 1.jpg

Name: James and April Anderson
Location: Hollywood, California
Size: 1600 square feet
Years lived in: 2 years, rented

When I arrived at James and April's Hollywood apartment on a rainy St. Patrick's Day, the first thing they did was offer me a sombrero and a green beer. Clearly, I was in for a good time. As graphic designers, both April and James have an eye for color and pattern. They're stylish and quirky and their home exhibits these same sensibilities.

Thumbnails.jpg

2012jamesapril1.jpg

When they first moved into the building in 2006, they had a similar apartment on a lower floor, but when the penthouse became available, they couldn't pass up the roof deck which offers views of the Hollywood sign in one direction and the ocean in the other. They don't take themselves too seriously and have outfitted the deck with Astro Turf and plastic flamingos in addition to the fire pit and (new!) hot tub. They regularly host impromptu barbecues, and April has discovered that smoggy Los Angeles leaves the grass filthy, and the best way to get it ready for guests is with the vacuum.

Inside, they've chosen timeless basics and accented them with art and accessories that infuse personality into their space such as the formally framed portrait of them dressed as senior citizens, mugging for the camera. You can tell they enjoy spending time with each other and in their home; they've made it into a comfortable, welcoming and, most of all, fun apartment.

james 3.jpg

Apartment Therapy Survey:

Our Style: Swiss/bohemian/eclectic

Inspiration: The city of Los Angeles

Favorite Element: Our garden and private rooftop deck - it has an amazing view and there's something amazing about gardening 7 stories up.

Biggest Challenge: Redirecting the eye in our entryway. Our apartment is set up so that the kitchen is the first thing most people will see when we open the door. Of course, we're not huge fans of this, so we attempted to redirect the eye by adding color-blocked furniture and dimming the kitchen walls with grey paint.

What Friends Say: We get a lot of "wow" and "great party" comments. Our place is ideal for bbqs and pool days. (Yes, we have a giant kiddie pool we bring out from time to time.)

Biggest Embarrassment: Our old roommate who thankfully no longer lives with us. He didn't believe in cleaning, doing laundry or communicating with us and we'd find ourselves constantly making excuses for the strange smells wafting from his room.

Proudest DIY: Creating a functional and eye-catching flow. There's nothing worse than not being able to comfortably walk around your home. Flow is so crucial to me.

Biggest Indulgence: Without a doubt - couch potato syndrome! Our couch is so comfortable that it's easy to get trapped. Once I sit down, I'm usually stuck for hours.

Best Advice: Remember that all furniture doesn't need to match. In fact, mixing and matching styles can add a ton of character if done just right. The last thing you want is an apartment that looks like a store's showroom - make it your own and don't be afraid to make it look lived in!

Dream Sources: Definitely the little furnishing stores on 3rd street. They have the most amazing and unique pieces.

james 4.jpg

Resources of Note:

PAINT & COLORS

    • Martha Stewart Home

ENTRY

    •Glass entry console: CB2
    • lamp: Ikea
    • Key tray: CB2
    • Metal bird paperweight: Silverlake

LIVING ROOM

    • Cow hide Rug: rugsbuyhidesnow.com
    • Couch and chaise: Craigslist
    • Vintage coffee table: circa 1960
    • Turquoise vase: Anthropologie
    • Couch pillows: CB2
    • Curtains: West Elm
    • 1950's globe and geo: Empiric on 3rd St.
    • Framed art: artist: Coop

DINING ROOM

    • Table: Ikea (hand-me-down from neighbors)
    • bookshelf: Ikea
    • Vintage Fan: eBay
    • Turtle in Lucite: Fairfax swap meet
    • Nelson Saucer Pendant lamp: Design Within Reach

KITCHEN

    • White Canisters: Empiric on 3rd
    • Teak Dragon: From a set when I worked at Paramount.

BEDROOM

    • Framed art by eboy

BATHROOM

    • Doorstop: Geo Rock from Long Beach Swap Meet
    • Framed art: Artist-Coop
    • Bathroom décor: Bed Bath & Beyond

OTHER