An Artist’s Rental Apartment Has a Giant Lips Sofa and Art Written on the Walls
The writing’s quite literally on the walls of artist Trevor Ball‘s one-bedroom apartment that was built between 1908 and 1911. He’s been renting the space for 8 1/2 years, and has spent that time personalizing every single inch with his own style, as well as his own art.
Trevor has filled the home with his own typographic, tongue-in-cheek art, as well as used colors and accessories to bring in his own personality. “Growing up in the ’80s/’90s, I have reflected on those styles of colors and atmosphere into my space.”
Before moving in, Trevor describes the rental apartment as having lots of “brown, white, and black features” and having a more “business type” vibe than an artistic feel. But over 8 years later, his home now has a “playful, eclectic mid-century/retro-modern vibe with a strong sense of my personality.”
“When people experience/describe it, it feels less like a traditionally decorated home and more like a curated creative studio or artist’s loft. The combination I have gives the room a very 1980s graphic-design feel, but with my white walls and clean furniture shapes, I am trying to keep it as a contemporary look,” he writes.
“My artwork, oversized typography, vintage-style street signs, mirrors, projector, toys, and unusual accessories make it feel like a creative/urban/art-studio with character. If I was trying to explain it in a few words, I would say it’s ‘Eclectic Retro Creative.'”
When I asked him if his landlord knows about all the art written on the walls, Trevor admits that not only does the landlord know, but that they also like it. “Will I paint it black, or white when I leave? No. I am never leaving this place,” Trevor jokes. “I have been here for 8 years, and some folks in my building have been here for 30+, so that being said, they can have my damage deposit, and paint it whatever they want when I leave.”
This tour’s responses and photos were edited for length/size and clarity.
Share your style: House Tour & House Call Submission Form