A Small 1930s Art Deco Oakland Apartment Is Colorful and Vibrant
Name: Rebecca Summer, husband Sam, and Pomeranian, Booster
Location: Oakland, California
Type of home: Apartment
Size: 700 square feet
Years lived in: 10 years, renting
Tell us a little (or a lot) about your home and the people who live there: My husband, Sam, and our dog, Booster, have lived in this amazing 1930 Deco building on Lake Merritt in Oakland for 10 years almost. I was drawn to this building for all its architectural and ornate details like the arched doorways, 10-foot-high ceilings, and original crystal chandeliers.
When I moved in, I found myself wanting to furnish the place with more Deco period pieces while listening to 1920s music all the time. The building screams the era perfectly. I had to pay homage to that.
Describe your home’s style in 5 words or less: Colorful, eclectic, vibrant, inviting, and comfortable.
I’m an artist, stylist, and interior designer, so our home definitely reflects what I do for a living. I love textiles, vintage portraits, Turkish rugs, and color! Our place is a constant work in progress, meaning I’m never fully done and rooms are always evolving. I like to switch things up with paint, new pillows, and throws. That is an artist trait for sure — never fully content.
What is your favorite room and why? The living room is my favorite room in the house. It gets the most amazing light all day so the plants are always happy. It’s full of books, art, and color. Anyone that comes over comments on our living room as it’s so warm and inviting and they never want to leave.
What’s the last thing you bought (or found!) for your home? There is a tiny vintage furniture shop in Pacifica, California called Vintage Cove I hit every two weeks only because it’s next to my nail salon. Anyways, recently I found these amazing vintage gold velvet tuffets. A pair! A pair of anything is hard to find so of course I bought both. I love them, but I think my pom loves them more to lounge on.
Any advice for creating a home you love? A home is created over time not over night. Don’t rush the process I always tell my clients.
This submission’s responses and photos were edited for length/size and clarity.
Share Your Style: House Tour & House Call Submission Form