Name: Jen Dallas
Location: Santa Monica, Los Angeles, California
Size: 800 square feet
Years in business: 4 years

As an interior designer, you are always looking for a more creative workspace than an average suite in an office building. Jen got a lucky break when one of the units at a highly sought-after row of artists' workspaces in Santa Monica opened up. She quickly joined the community of photographers, production crews, interior designers, and artists.

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Name: Jason Martin and Jon Brockett (and their Boston Terrier, Aldo)
Location: Longwood Highland, Los Angeles, California (The neighborhood real estate people refer to as 'Hancock Park adjacent'.)
Size: 1400 square feet
Years lived in: 5 years — rent

Jason and Jon live in a lovely two floor duplex apartment building, where there is plenty of space for their ever-changing decor and ample artwork. Their main goal is getting the most out of the space while creating a comfortable but personal environment to enjoy. With rich colors and layered patterns, this home is full of charm and perfect for entertaining.

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Name: Will and Ruthie Sayles
Location: East Nashville, Tennessee
Size: 1600 square feet
Years lived in: 8 1/2 years; owned

Ruthie and Will's East Nashville home is just a hop, skip, and a jump away from some of the most unique little stores and cafes in town — I mean that literally; they can cross the street and buy a freshly brewed cup of coffee! That's not the only reason their home is such a jewel; this little place is packed with history and character, and Ruthie has thoughtfully filled it with things that are meaningful to her family.

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Name: Laurel Kinney (& Margot Wolf)
Location: Austin, Texas
Size: 1700 square feet
Years lived in: 2.5 years

In a quaint home on the edge of East Austin reside two very talented women. Laurel Kinney, owner of her own personal styling business (Trophy Boutique), and roommate Margot Wolf, jewelry maker and designer (Margot Wolf Jewelry), are helping to shape the city's style and individuality. As you may have imagined, the home which houses these creative talents is brimming with inspiration.

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Name: Chay Wike, fashion designer and owner of Chay, and Mark Wike, musician and music supervisor for film and TV
Location: Lake Hollywood – Los Angeles, California
Size: 3000 square feet
Years lived in: 2 years

Just when you think you have discovered every bit of Los Angeles, it surprises you. I found Chay and her lovely home through a friend, and when she sent along photos of her space I couldn't believe she lived in Los Angeles (the view definitely looked like Ojai). What is even more special is that, upon entering the home, you see design influences from around the world.

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Name: Sai Sankoh, Nurse and editor of Because I Am Fabulous blog
Location: Herndon, Virginia
Size: 1000 sq ft
Years lived in: 1 month, Renting

Old Hollywood glamor finds its way to the suburbs of Virginia in Sai Sankoh's glitzy apartment. Tufted velvet sofas and chairs mingle with faux animals skin rugs, leather and zebra prints. Sai proves that sometimes a little decadence can be a good thing. Especially when done on a budget. "I like to invest in quality furniture, but I love to get a great price. I'm all about negotiating a great price for something if I know it's worth it."

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Name: Alan Yang
Location: Hollywood Hills — Los Angeles, CA
Size: 2,000 square feet
Years lived in: 1.5 years — own

Last Summer I had the awesome pleasure of working with interior designer Sally Breer of Commingle Home, where we photographed her clients home in the Hollywood Hills. Alan Yang, a screenwriter for Parks & Recreation, has been enjoying this incredible home for just over a year now.

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Name: Knoxy Knox, owner and photographer at Knox Photographics, and her sweet little pup Edie.
Location: Austin, Texas
Size: 650 square feet
Years lived in: Rented; 3 years

It's hard not to be jealous of Knoxy as soon as you walk into her impeccably decorated house, catch a glimpse of her adorable outfit and taste her waffles and homemade whipped cream. But the wonderful thing about Knoxy is that though you'd have every right to be dripping with envy around her, she's created such a warm and inviting home and is so nice and welcoming that you're left with no choice but to ask to move in/be her best friend.

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Name: Lauren and Kevin
Location: Lincoln Park, Chicago, Illinois
Size: One bedroom
Years lived in: 3 1/2 years (2 1/2 together); rented

Stepping into Lauren and Kevin's apartment, you would never know that it was blustery outside and that winter had already cast its gray-white pallor across the world. Vibrant colors and a panoply of fanciful objects give the space a warm and inviting feeling, and their home, so full of pattern and life, makes it seem as if winter were a thousand miles away.

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Name: Robert Harbour, set designer and residential designer, + Tulsa & Chopper
Location: Echo Park, Los Angeles, California
Size: 1900 square feet
Years lived in: 6 months

While other potential homebuyers walked away from the house that had too many quirks, Robert instead found much charm in the funky layout and unique character. The home had a basement-like nook right off the entrance, which he turned into a quiet mediation room. It also had an attic, which become his guest bedroom and retreat.

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