Name: Sara Lov Musician
Location: Los Feliz, CA
Size: 500 sq. ft.
Years lived in: Two
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When our friend Jeremy mentioned that his best friend Sara would be interested in opening up her home for an AT house tour--we were stoked. Not only do Jeremy's friends have good taste, we've been a huge Sara Lov fan for a while (not to mention her other band, the Devics). So last Monday afternoon, we stopped by Sara's place to take some pics of her charming pad. Not only does she have great taste--she's an organizer at heart (we can definitely relate). She's also a DIY'er--designing her own coffee table and recovering her vintage couch. Lots more pictures and Sara's before and after outdoor oasis after the jump.
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Sara was big on setting up her place right when she moved in so she felt right at home--which I'm sure many AT readers identify with. The thing that impressed us most about Sara was her ability to envision the relaxing outdoor area (which we've included below as a "before" image). Taking the landscape from its former state and creating a second place where she can entertain friends and relax makes the apartment one to envy. She also brings to her apartment a bit of old world charm from Italy. Sara lived there for five years while she played music and toured Europe (yeah, we're a little jealous). While she couldn't fit much on the plane ride back, she mixes playful vintage lamps with friends' artwork that results in quite the charming space.
AT Survey:
My style: A mix of 50's modern, vintage & some new.
Inspiration: California, a bit 50's, 60's & 70's, Outsider art, and comfort
Favorite Element: Color and the good lighting the apartment gets.
Biggest Challenge: The Garden! It wasn't really a garden when I moved in... just a big overgrown mess. My friend Dee Dee Burnett (Landscaper extraordinaire) helped me make it into a wonderful outdoor space for gatherings and meals. It's like having another giant room.
What Friends Say: People tell me I have a knack for choosing great paint colors and that my place feels very inviting and comfortable. Also, people seem surprised at how quickly it all came together... maybe I'm a bit obsessive but it's hard for me to focus unless my environment is in order. I got all of it done in the first 2 months of living here.
Biggest Embarrassment: My couch. I absolutely love it BUT.... I got it at a thrift shop for $60 and it desperately needed new upholstery. I thought I would take that challenge on myself. It was my first re-upholstery of a couch and I did a terrible job. The couch is kind of wobbly but I am hoping to eventually have it redone properly.
Proudest DIY: Making my coffee table & tv/stereo cabinet. My dad always taught me that I could make anything I wanted to, I definitely always try. I am also quite proud of my paint job and the removal of awful verticle blinds on all the windows which I replaced with curtains that I made.
Biggest Indulgence: The outdoor patio/garden. Well worth it but it was definitely an indulgence. I had to hire help! But I really use that space so much, it was well worth the expense.
Best advice: First, I've learned to let go of things. It feels much better to be in a clutter free environment. I can think more clearly and it allows me to work and create in peace. It also leaves plenty of room for newness and change... And second, no matter how long I plan to live somewhere I've always taken the time to make it mine. I usually spend a couple months doing that when I first move in. It's amazing what some fresh paint can do. If I make it feel like me and a place that I can work and be creative in, I enjoy it so much more and it allows me to live in the moment instead of fantasizing about what I may get to have someday... I like to think I can have it now.
Dream source: I like architectural & design mags like Dwell, Wallpaper, Readymade & Domino. I also love the Anthropologie catalogues, they are full of beautiful ideas. Antique/thrift stores are always inspiring, and of course, I'm always inspired by good films.
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Resources:
Furniture: Dining table is from IKEA and dining chairs are from American Chairs. Coffee table and TV table are DIY and couch is vintage. Small chair in living room was a gift from a friend, bought vintage in NYC. Desk and bed frame are also IKEA.
Accessories: Pillows on bed are IKEA (Italy). "The Poop Pillow" on couch made by Scott McPherson. Quilt on bed from Home a la Mode. Hats displayed on bedroom shelf are by Francesca Montanari of Ratmusque.
Lighting: Lighting in kitchen & dining room are from IKEA. Lamp in living room is vintage, shade is from Anthropologie (bought on sale for $19.99!). Bedside table lamps are from my place I lived in Italy. They are vintage & I recovered the shades. Lamp on dresser from Berlin, bought at a swap meet for 20 Euros.
Artwork:
Saelee Oh did the print of the turquoise & blue horse right near my desk & also the 2 prints above my bed. The art above the dining table is by Seonna Hong. Several pieces of art in the salon style grouping above the couch are also by Scott McPherson.
Paint: All paint is Benjamin Moore from Jill's Hardware in Atwater Village (the best and friendliest service). Living room walls are China White, kitchen is Gold Leaf, (can't find the trim color?!), bedroom paint is a beautiful custom green they matched for me, and bathroom is 099.
Patio: Landscaper for outdoor area is Dee Dee Burnett and Gilly's Flowers in Silver Lake makes great arrangements for me.
(Thanks, Sara!)
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Do you read minds? We have the exact same taste. I adore you.
view Kimber's profile
Kimber, i was just going to say something very similar.
view jesscon0202's profile
I love the color on the moldings. Very cute :)
view cassielynn's profile
Lovely place and I wish I had an outdoor space like that!
Impressed with your DIYs and all you have done. The kitchen cabinets look like vintage 40s or 50s, the real thing, is that true?
Thanks for sharing!
view sassydo's profile
aww yay. i love sara lov!
view cravethemind's profile
Everything is lovely - thanks for sharing. I could really use that wire system you have behind the butcher block in your kitchen. Do you have the source? Many thanks in advance.
view zoo's profile
The kitchen is full of good ideas - we just bought a 60s house with exactly the same cupboards and sometimes it's a sruggle to fit contemporary appliances in. Thank you!
view bromelia's profile
Adorable! Love all the Kitsch in the kitchen. Made me feel like I was being transported in time to the 50s. Also loved the bold color on the moldings.
view suzy8track's profile
did you make the A/C cover?
view sunan's profile
this so so gorgeous.
view terka27's profile
Need to know everything about that darling air conditioner cover on the outside patio! Great DIY!
view pugluv's profile
500 sq. ft.! You're my hero!
view spinsLPs's profile
Our kitchen had the exact same tile as yours, but different cabinets. I've seen it in a couple other places, I'm thinking there weren't many tile manufacturers back then. I would feel very comfortable in your lovely home.
view aaakid's profile
I love it! Charming is definitely the word. Wonderful homey mix of vintage that is not always so easy to do. The kitchen is so cute AND practical, which I thoroughly appreciate. Makes me wanna come over for a bbq!
view rcbklyn's profile
I love the teal and green combo!
view Pigletliver's profile
It looks breezy and quiet and calm, but also a lot of fun--loving and homey. I need to move in! (Do you like cats? I have a cat. You'll like her.)
view Mlle Kate's profile
Nice use of space; shows Sara's personality without looking cluttery and mish-mashy. Would have been good in "Smallest, Coolest." Very fun little abode.
view Sydney's profile
Love it. You have a beautiful and comfortable home. Charming is definitely the right word!
Would you mind sharing where you purchased the black and white umbrella in your back yard? Thanks.
view 4ddh's profile
I love everything about this! I especially love where the different colour walls meet in the corner by the dining area. And that little, very uncomfortable looking but whimsical chair? Too sweet.
view Bozotown's profile
indoors not my style but very nice, on the other hand I LOVE your outside area! Great JOB, can we come for margaritas?
view travelingpaws's profile
Love. This totally speaks to my desire to collect pretty things.
view imavunderbrah's profile
charming!
view embot9000's profile
fabulous work. looks way bigger than its 500 sq ft.
view jac7890's profile
i am so inspired! this is my favorite house tour yet. i can tell you really love your home, it's beautiful but not intimidating. three cheers for sara!
view SpanishOlives's profile
who upholstered your green couch Sara? Uhg. Hack job.
view proper's profile
It IS a charmer.
view hrhprincessfiona's profile
It truly is a charmer, like hrhprincessfiona said. Nice sense of style.
view ChrisGal's profile
Charmer for sure! This is just lovely...
view Abbe's profile
adorable!!!! i totally wanna go over and hang out...soooo cute
view bellaknollie's profile
Small space/huge impact! What a beautiful home, inspiring to see the space utilized and furniture that doesn't seem to break the bank. I love that paint colors and art really make this place pop, love it!!!
view sarrazak's profile
Adorable! I love what you have done with your space.
view sunrise's profile
Hey, proper: Read the "Biggest Embarrassment" paragraph.
view jyw's profile
Cozy, charming, comfortable - it's all so lovely! No shame needed about the couch - I wish it was in MY place.
view nomadchicky's profile
Just darling. I love how full of personality this place is. That garden is so inviting...perfect for some iced tea and a good book. Very sweet.
view WendyJ's profile
Adorable- and I am so impressed at how much of it you have done yourself. Also,I love that it looks much more attainable than the average highly stylized magazine room. This has the style, but also the function.
~Amanda
http://onehappypanda.blogspot.com
view mandabear's profile
This is really 500 sq feet?! Charming home! I like how all of the colors harmonize - the mossy greens and robin's egg blues work well yet each space has its own inidviduality. Thanks for the cool patio pics! It was a lift to see a green patio space - I have been waiting for spring where I live, so it is nice to enjoys yours while I wait.
view KWorld's profile
Very charming! I love the bedroom and...do I see an antique vitrola? Overall, a light and colorful, cheerful place. The kitchen looks small, but uses the space efficiently and love the little collections. The outdoor patio is my favorite and looks very lush and private with all the plants. Thank you!
view junklover's profile
Must say you are brilliant with color. I am not a fan of MCM at all with the exception of a few homes I've seen and only one here at AT. However, yours just shines because of your feel for color and the way you use lighting. At once it feels warm and whimsical at places humanizing MCM is almost impossible and you have certainly succeeded in doing that.
MCM works best in reception areas for insurance companies, circa, 1950 -- 1962!
view click212's profile
Absolutly adorable. I love the kitchen! It seems like such a warm and loving home. Soooo cute!
view crash's profile
Sooo pretty and tastefully done! I love the bedroom and outside area. Do you mind sharing the color of your bedroom?
view lviox's profile
Love it.
view madsarah's profile
Hi Sara, thanks for sharing your lovely home. I'm very curious about your woolen bed throw. About 15 years ago I bought a VERY similar one at a San Francisco garage sale. I have since picked it apart panel by panel (so as not to lose the original layout) and recrocheted it together with banin wool, thereby making it stronger and showing off the colors to greater effect. It is currently being used as my bed throw and I often wonder about the person who originally made it and if she (or perhaps he) know that it is still loved and looking lovely.
view EAM's profile
yes I would have never thought of turquoise and olive green together as trim colors but they're gorgeous together. a really, really lovely home!
view lovelyrita's profile
Wow! How adorable! Wonderful bath.
view Tera1971's profile
So cute! I gravitate to color... and you've got it! I love your "kissing dolls". My grandmother used to have some similar to yours and I used to want to take them home with me! Wish I had them now! I love all your artwork and how you display it and what a clever way to disguise your air conditioner! Oil Cloth! I love that stuff! Thanks for a lovely tour!
view sfteri's profile
this is just lovely. i keep coming back to it. it's so cheery and calming! your kitchen is adorable...
view abigailbelle's profile
Love it, Love it, Love it. The two cute owls in the kitchen-my youngest has an owl collection. The coffee table, the bed frame from IKEA, the shelf in the bathroom- I have one like that too. And the cabinet in the Living room what a nice display, So nice. Do they still sell the bed frame? would love to get one.
view EileenB's profile
the painted molding is adorable! And the AC cover is brilliant. Very cute place.
view Auburn's profile
Love your house. It is so cute! I really like the crown molding!
view chel7fallman's profile
I can't believe you think your couch is your biggest embarrassment! It's beauuuutiful! It's so inviting and wide and comfy looking. And for $60 too!
view ecclusiastics's profile
Great place Sara! Do you know who made that bear print above your dinning table?
view Curt @ AUCOTI's profile
Very nice place! whats the name of the print above the dinning table? oh hey :D curt has asked the same question! :)
view btronist's profile
hey lov!
i didn't know you're a carpenter - your papa must be so proud. :) i REALLY want to know about that print above your dining table also. safe travels in europe and i'll see you in SF in may!
x's and oh's,
corie
view attic's profile
LOVE your curtains! My 3 year old son loves singing to 'A Thousand Bees' and belts out ...Photograph!!..Beautiful photograph!...and his little forehead wrinkles with so much feeling. You are am amazing artist who touches us all -big and small :D
view flyingrhymes's profile