Name: Maria Korovilas, Fashion Designer
Location: Silver Lake – Los Angeles, California
Size: 1100 square feet
Years lived in: Almost 1 year
Maria had to move out of her dream apartment in Silver Lake in a short time frame. Luckily, she found a new place a few blocks away (her current home). She was blown away by the architecture, staircase, and the apartment's overall potential. However, the place needed a lot of TLC and a lot of paint! She painted the ceiling beams and the treads on the stairs a chocolate brown to give the feeling of real wood. Maria wanted the home to feel like a real Spanish retreat.
Maria's mother questioned why she would want to live in an older apartment that didn't even have a dishwasher. Maria disagreed with her mother; older homes have more charm and are very special. She embraces every aspect of the apartment's original charm, even finding a way to compliment the bathroom's light yellow tile. I agree, Maria — I would die to live in a two-story Spanish home!
Apartment Therapy Survey:
My Style: Overall I'm a really whimsical person... but I tend to fall for an eclectic mish mash of genres. I suppose I'd sum it up as "anything goes!" I think that actually is my style, having lots of random elements that don't always necessarily go together, and challenging myself to make them work. I think I generally solve those puzzles through "controlled chaos." For example, I collect lots of random, and mostly discarded, artwork. None of it really goes together, (subject matter or display) so in order to make it "make sense", I just chose one wall to clutter it all together, and magically it became a really interesting focal point! I find a lot of solutions through controlled chaos.
Inspiration: Mostly, I just like to be surrounded by things that mean something to me or inspire me. I take inspiration from my life, both real and imaginary. After all, your home should reflect who you are! If a piece of art, furniture, or a textile can evoke a mood that reminds me of some marker in my life, or fantasy that makes me happy, that is usually a top selling point for me.
Favorite Element: I battle my fantastical imagination and the allure of a clean, sophisticated palette all too often. Too much in either of those directions and I get anxiety, yet I need them both in equal measures. I have taken to lots of "hidden elements." Amidst design books on my mantel, I've thrown in a 1st edition of Alice in Wonderland. I have framed blueprints that look like aviation but are actually original set directions for the 1939 film version of Cinderella. I've got a seafoam ceramic pony hangin' out in my bedroom. All of my writing utensils are carved animals. I'm a sucker for robin's egg soap. I think I've found a sophisticated way to keep the child in me alive!
Biggest Challenge: When I moved in, the space needed LOTS of work. There were literally tons of holes in the walls, spackle over painted walls, hideous wall colors, etc. It really took a lot of work just to get it to square one, but I was so inspired by its Spanish deco romanticism that I had to live here. I am usually more turned on by a project. Which always becomes challenging, mostly with time consumption and a handful of mini disasters. I would say if there's a money pit, I'll find it, so to speak.
What Friends Say: They love coming over. They love to look through all my stuff. Mostly everything I own has some great history behind it. I think my friends like the stories and my strange tips/tricks.
Biggest Embarrassment: Some of the "out of the lines" paint areas I haven't gotten around to fixing yet. I am a really easy-going person, but it just drives me nuts to look up at the ceiling and see paint. These old walls, no matter how hard you try to tape them perfectly, you end up completely out of the lines!
Proudest DIY: Pretty much everything here is a DIY. I move everything myself, hang curtains/shelves/hardware, fix things, and change out chandeliers. I think, again, when you're on a budget, you have to be willing to get your hands dirty to get more for your money. At this point, I've done things so many times I am proud to say I get away with mostly "eye-balling" things.
Biggest Indulgence: That would have to be my 1920s Mason jars and matching carrier splurge. I won't even tell you how much I paid because even I know it was way too much. But there was something about a 1920s Mason jar collection with matching carrier that I HAD to have. I would say that's the only thing I went out of scope on. Definitely an indulgence.
Best Advice: The rules are "there are no rules." That's some great advice that I picked up somewhere. I think a lot of people are scared when it comes to buying the "right" thing. Just remember, there is no right thing! Sometimes wrong things are even better. Ohhh the multitudes of happy accidents I've experienced! Similarly, EVERYTHING I purchase, even down to the paper towels, have to have a design/color I love. Because when it all gets put together, it makes a difference.
Dream Sources: Honestly... raiding the dowries of all the great yiayias in my Dad's village in Greece. You'd be amazed at the textiles those women are capable of making by hand. You just don't see that anymore. ABC Carpet & Home is a more viable dream source.
Resources of Note:
APPLIANCES
- Vintage O'Keefe & Merritt Stove
HARDWARE
- Kitchen Knobs: Anthropologie
- Kitchen Knobs & Electrical Covers: Cost Plus World Market
- Vintage Door Knobs: Rose Bowl Flea Market
- Wertz Brothers
- One Kings Lane
FURNITURE
Living room
- Vintage red chair: Wertz Brothers
- Sofa: Z Gallerie Outlet
- Day lounger sofa: Urban Outfitters
- Bench: Urban Home
Dining Room
- Dining table: West Elm
- Dining chairs: Anthropologie, Cost Plus World Market
ACCESSORIES
- Casa Victoria
- Live Style
- Random pieces/unshown teepee: ReForm School
- Random pieces: Mohawk General Store
- Pillows/Green Horse: H.D. Buttercup
- Scents/Candles/Sage: Kellygreen Home, House of Intuition
- Vintage ethnic Pillows and Textiles: Live Style
- Mirrors/Random accessories: Mostly flea markets
LIGHTING
- Lamps: Casa Victoria
- Dining Room Chandelier: Lowe's
PAINT
- Kitchen: Flax - Restoration Hardware
RUGS & CARPETS
- Living Room Vintage Romanian: The rug guy at Melrose Trading Post Flea Market every Sunday
Kitchen Tribal: Kentucky vintage find from a friend
- Flokatis: Ikea
- Living Room Stripe: West Elm
WINDOW TREATMENTS
- Dining Room: Bed Bath & Beyond
- Living Room/Dining Room/Bedroom: Cost Plus World Market
BEDS
Bedding & Textiles
Fur Blankets
ARTWORK
Collected artwork on wall
- Vintage original Warhol covers
- Painting found at Goodwill above
- Clowns from artist in Montmartre France
- Painting done by friend, Ian Newman
- Painting done by friend, Christopher Jernberg
- Signed tour poster from Stars
- Bernard Buffet "The Clown" found at Alameda Flea Market
- Vintage 1920s weekly fashion papers found at book stall in France
OTHER
All about the flea markets:
- Rose Bowl
- Melrose Trading Post
- Long Beach Flea Market
- Alameda Flea Market
- Wertz Brothers Antiques Mall in Santa Monica
- Peddler's Market (Visalia, my hometown)
Thanks Maria!
(Images: Marcia Prentice)
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I have to agree - I would prefer this apartment (sans dishwasher) over another, more modern one, with a dishwasher.
I'd love this apartment, but I'd want a dishwasher and some other upgrades. You've done a great job Maria; I love your home!
Oh my gosh, it's so lovely! The bathroom!
That stove.. the bathroom... I live in a 1950´s home, no dishwasher, but the character of the house is something I´m absolutely in love with...
Old charme - even vintage effect - with soul and body.
Quality connect easy with old rooms updated with both modern and antiques.
your house is rad and very real. i just wish there was more of it to see.
Simple, individual, and comfy! One of the rare spaces that aren't overdone. Love all of this.
If I may, that blank swath of wall between the big drum-shade lamp and the wooden-frame chair really needs... something. I'm not sure what. But really, that's a small quibble. This is a gorgeous home! It's so elegant and peaceful, AND it looks like a real person lives here. I also like the slight texture of the walls. And that stove!
I love it! its definitely a charming place and I love all the original architecture. great job!
Oh! Once I read that you raided the yiayia textiles, all was explained. My style is just like yours and I, too, have much from my yiayias...and things from Papouli too.
Beautiful home!
This is really lovely and charming. I love the bathroom!
Adorable! What a wonderful apartment, great character and touches!
...I mean what a great home!
Forget the dishwasher, who cares when you can live in...*this*.
This is possibly my favourite home on AT ever, and I don't say that lightly. DIVINE. I am beyond jealous.
Gorgeous. I could definitely live here. Thanks for sharing!
I absolutely everything about this place.
*swoon* I love the old world, vintage, charming...yet interestingly modern feel of this home...fab!
this is just...sigh...beautiful! Did you use Flax paint in the bedroom also?? Seriously, this one makes me consider packing up and moving to the west coast! I don't know what your other apt looked like, but this one is definitely dreamy...great job!
This is wonderful. You've done a fabulous job of making your home inviting, interesting and beautiful.
Really lovely. Beautiful architecture and sympathetically decorated.
No dishwasher, no problem. IMO, for just one or two people, dishwashers cause more mess than they eliminate.
Love the Spanish Mission 1920's vibe going on in here! I can tell she's a California girl... the best part? She's owning Visalia! I'm from Bakersfield and my grandparents are in Visalia. I love all these little San Joaquin Valley towns. Thank you Maria!
I've been a long time AT lurker, but this home tour made me want to comment finally. I love your place so much -- and I completely identify with going back and forth between making your home live up to your more whimsical imagination, or keeping things classic, neutral, and versatile. I think you've achieved a wonderful medium of both. BTW, I have a stove just like yours. My pizzas have never tasted so good.
Cheers!
Your home is beautiful and full of character. I, too, would love to spend my days there.
Nice! I am oddly bothered by the small door that opens up from the living room into the dining room. Why didn't the previous owners make it larger, or to match the nice arched doorway that leads into the kitchen?
I just want to know how all these young people afford obviously expensive apartments in L.A.????
I missed the part that she's a fashion designer.....many apologies.
Beautiful!!
Beautiful. The home is nice, too.
Really great taste, love this apartment! My favorite thing in it is the super-narrow coffee table - not sure why, but it looks great.
I have those blue/green mason jars, now I just need a holder. Yours looks so good!
Love your apartment with all the beautiful and original details combined with your unique touches. I adore your vintage stove. It is so nice to see such a beautiful old place, best of all not one single piece of mid-century modern furniture. I did also wonder why one doorway was not arched when all the others obviously were. I can see where upgrades are needed in the places they usually are kitchens and bathrooms. Perhaps you could ask your landlord about replacing the kitchen linoleum with black and white hexagonal tiles which are period appropriate but also durable and neutral enough for future tenants.
Gorgeous!!!! Every time I see a Spanish style pad I want to move back to SoCal from the bay area... I want it!!! Pursuant to the dishwasher... It's possible to by a streamlined one (stainless, black, white, etc.) on wheels and get a simple adapter for the sink... Roll it away when you are finished...
*buy
you have the best stairs i have ever seen, so simple with a mediterranean feel. very beautiful home, in fact i'm about to do a web search of different candle holders to go on my dinning table like yours - so coping that ;D
Great place. I like the colors you chose. I really love your dog!
So charming, reminds me of a famous fashion designers digs "mid century"
Loving the clean lines and fresh feel. I would love to read more tips on where and how to buy those charming accents. Cute as a button who needs a dishwasher anyway you still have to clean the dishes before loading the dishwasher!