apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

A good friend's sisters townhome in Vancouver - it's nothing fabulous, but it's lived in and comfortable. Dark hardwood floors, great artwork, huge comfortable couch, and a baby grand piano instead of a dining room table.

Good friends of ours bought a farm in Western NY near Lake Ontario. The house was originally built by an Amish family. Our friends installed electric into the house, but still kept the gas lights, which they will occasionally use. We were over there for a church gathering one night when the power went out...and it was no big deal! Gas stove, gas lights...we could still have dinner and bible study. Some people never even noticed the power was out!

My uncles house in Silver Spring Maryland. It is a one story mid century modern build about 40 years ago (it was designed by my aunt's father who studied next to Frank Lloyd Wright) , open floor plan in the living area and not too large bedrooms (3). It has forest all around the property, a 7" glass panel that goes around the entire perimeter of the house. SHoji screen windows in the living room and very simple lines furniture - very mid century modern. They have done a great job keeping it up and raised 4 children in it.

My aunt and uncle's one story mid-century modern house in Northern California. My uncle designed and built it himself. It is rather open, with lots of light and a large deck off of the back. It was furnished in simple, modern pieces with a minimalist vibe. I absolutely loved that house when I was growing up; it was so sad when they decided to sell it and move into a very traditional condo.

A friend's house in the neighbourhood in which I used to live. Very cute, post-war stucco bungalow. She and her husband are graphic designers.

Most of my friends and I are renters in San Francisco. We spend so much of our income on rent alone that it leaves little else for 'frilly' expenditures. However, my friends all manage to create darling abodes that genuinely reflect their unique personalities with items carefully picked out of junk yards, thrift bins, and flea markets as well as interesting art made by friends or community members. The result is a home that looks stylish, personal, and lived-in and which is very fun to visit!

My parents house. Lots of windows, fabulous wall colors, great big leather couches, and the master bathroom is a his and her side. Its amazing.