A CEO’s Small Studio Apartment Oozes San Francisco Charm

Name: Hannah Pobar
Location: San Francisco, California
Size: 450 square feet
Years lived in: 3 years, renting

I’m a startup girl living in a dreamy, minimal studio apartment in the heart of downtown San Francisco. The whole place oozes that iconic SF charm, and I’ve decorated it intentionally with natural textures, minimal decor, and tons of typography!

I actually started a company, Home Studio, in this space. The incredible natural light and minimal styling make me feel super productive + inspired, but it’s also cozy and comfortable enough to be the perfect place to chill and decompress. I love the balance. It is truly a breath of fresh air in the hustle and bustle of city living.

Fun facts: I originally moved to San Francisco for a job in UI/UX design. As a designer, I’ve always been inspired by simple, modern interfaces. My design style definitely informs my home decor choices…I love typography and have infused it throughout my space (it’s my pattern of choice!). I made all the typography posters in my house.

I love photography, too. I have a vintage camera collection from my grandfather—the cameras are all in working condition and it’s so cool to know these were actually used back in the day to take photos of my dad as a child! I built a photography business shooting weddings (over 200 of them!) while I was in college. I don’t really shoot much professionally anymore, but lately I have gotten really into disposable cameras. I love the challenge of them! All over my house I have stacks of my recent prints.

I’m the founder and CEO of Home Studio, a platform of styled homes + curated spaces available to rent by the hour for photo shoots and creative productions. I started the company so that others could collaborate with brands like I have. My home has been in lots of books and magazines, and some really cool brands (HGTV, Thirdlove, Senreve, Bloom That) have used my apartment for photo shoots. It’s super fun to see my place in ads while scrolling through Pinterest/Facebook/IG!

The apartment definitely inspired me to keep things simple. I knew the bed would go right under that big bay window the second I walked in. The interior details of my space are inherently minimalist but still charming and full of character.

As a former photographer, natural light is one of the most important elements I look for in a space that inspires me. So my home was no exception! For me, it was love at first sight with this iconic updated Victorian-inspired San Francisco studio apartment. When I toured the unit, I didn’t even make it to the kitchen—I immediately ran out to put down the deposit (housing is so competitive here!)

My space is entirely a reflection of me and the things that matter most to me—from my vintage camera collection to typography posters I’ve made myself. I gravitate towards neutrals, white, and black in elements going into my home. I like to add personality through textures. Mixed metals and materials like clay, aluminum, and black metal spin a vibe that I love. I love a mix of hard and soft. I find that together they create an inviting atmosphere.

Thanks, Hannah!

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