See Why This Renter Calls Her 1970s Home an “Apartment Homestead”

published Oct 3, 2024

See Why This Renter Calls Her 1970s Home an “Apartment Homestead”

published Oct 3, 2024
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Bedrooms
Square feet

600

Sq ft

600

“Welcome to my 1970s farmhouse chic and mid-century modern Apartment Homestead, located in South Denver,” begins Mauriel Davis. “It is physically located in the city, but its interior transports you to an old-timey homestead. I call it the Apartment Homestead, not only for its decorative theme, but also for the plants, scratch-made meals, and homemade personal products, such as bar soap and laundry detergent that I’m always whipping up in my kitchen. Oh and let’s not forget my kitty, Olive, who is in fact the main character!”

“I fancy myself a city-homesteader, hence why I’m always referring to my apartment as the Jesus & Tea Homestead. My apartment reflects this vibe with its rustic appeal — that is, hardwood floors, distressed wooden pieces, and country landscape paintings in the living room gallery wall. The apartment is also graced with grand windows that usher in generous amounts of natural lighting — a homestead staple.”

"I do happen to love odd and unusual pieces in decor, so I chose a chinoiserie lamp to parallel with a smaller plaid gray pleated lamp, which was quite opposite in stature when compared with the taller lamp. I did this in order to create a sense of variety and spontaneity ... the weight of the chinoiserie lamp base helps one to feel grounded amidst the variety."

“My favorite room is definitely the bedroom, because of its earthy and transcendent color palette. As someone who is neurodivergent, I’m often seeking ways to rest my senses in my environment, so I find a palette of greens and browns to have a grounding effect. I’m also an essential oil enthusiast, so I keep my homemade linen spray bedside and spray the pillows with it every night before bed, creating the most dreamy and restful sleeping experience,” Mauriel describes.

“My best decorating advice is not to be afraid to incorporate pops of color. For the most part, I generally stick to a more earthy color palette, however the occasional red accent or piece of artwork sort of romanticizes a space, and adds a bit of drama to it in a way that is natural and not unsettling to the eye,” Mauriel advises.

"The gallery wall above the sofa is perhaps my favorite aspect of the apartment as a whole. It features a framed quote by Mother Teresa, reminding the beholder that changing the world begins at home with loving one’s family. I purchased it from Hobby Lobby and it is made of real wood, contributing to the rustic charm of the apartment. It features one framed textile, which really captures my love for interior design as well as landscapes of dreamy places in the English countryside," Mauriel writes. "The final piece at the end of the wall is my own depiction of myself smeared in my mama's rouge and bold red lipstick. It is my deepest conviction that we should frame and display our own artwork in our homes. For if these works are not appreciated here, where else will they be esteemed?"

“Do not be afraid to incorporate art that tells your story, both about where you have been, and where you dream to go. My landscape paintings of the English countryside are frequent reminders to me of my dreams to one day visit, and they also serve as inspiration, transporting me there each time I behold them,” Mauriel continues.

“Mix the old with the new. Some pieces are well worth purchasing new, but if you really want to spare yourself an extra dime, and make the home’s story come alive, then do not be afraid to incorporate thrifted items and antiques as well.”

Mauriel got the tripod lampoff of Amazon, but replaced the beige lampshade with a seagrass drum lampshade that she "thrifted at my local thrift store for just $4. The ceramic pitcher was "thrifted at my favorite thrift store here in Denver as well as the original oil painting of chickens situated right above it! Finally, I scored a wonderful find on the letterboard and stained its rim in oak wood stain. I then arranged the letters in the statement: 'This is Home,' which really defines the entryway and makes it feel official, if you will." Mauriel bought the ladder shelf off Amazon for under $100 and says it "was easy to assemble – something which is important for me, as I do become discouraged by reading detailed instructions."

Resources

  • Heirloom English teapot — Gift from my mother
  • Ceramic pitcher — Thrifted
  • Oil painting of chickens — Thrifted
  • Dining chairs — Gifted
  • Ladder shelf — Amazon
  • Couch — The Good Couch
  • Frames — Hobby Lobby
  • Standing lamp — Amazon
  • Seagrass drum lamp shade — Thrifted
  • Rug — Amazon

Thanks, Mauriel!

This tour’s responses and photos were edited for length/size and clarity.