The Latest: Feb 20, 2019

Name: Athena Pelton Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota Size: 2,000 square feet Years lived in: 3 years, owned After moving her family from an older home (often in need of repairs and attention as so many are) into their brand new digs, Athena began to decorate. Soon after the move, however, Athena and her husband realized that they didn’t exactly account for furniture and decor in the budget for building their new home.

While you may not have the same luck as Mercedes when it comes to stumbling upon free or inexpensive decor and furniture, you may be equally interested (or inspired by) her modern, eclectic and quirky style. Check out the resources from her 850 square foot space in Montréal.

Name: Elijah Clark-Ginsberg Location: Somerville, Massachusetts Size: 450(ish) square feet Years lived in: 2 years, rented Elijah, a well-traveled marketer and designer, moved into his beautiful one-bedroom rental in Somerville two years ago. This West Coaster turned East Coaster now draws design inspiration from the collegiate, preppy feel of the New England area, and his love for international travel.

Name: Taylor and Alisha Murphy Location: Austin, Texas Size: 1,300 Square Feet Years lived in: 2 years, rented Taylor and Alisha Murphy have lived in Austin since they both graduated from the University of Texas. It was a happy medium for being close to family, but also being in the middle of all the exciting things a city can offer, such as outdoor activities — hiking, swimming, camping, music — and a great design and restaurant scene.

Name: Christa Cardwell Location: South End — Boston, Massachusetts Size: 550 square feet Years lived in: Rented 10 years According to Christa Cardwell, her 550 square foot apartment in Boston’s South End is full of junk. When asked to describe her style, she laughs. “Junk Chic? Is that a thing?” Christa grew up in New England before moving to Austin, Texas, where she worked as a graphic designer.

Name: Christine Gasparich and her husband Location: Beacon Hill neighborhood — Boston, Massachusetts Size: 1100 square feet Years lived in: Renting 2 years In 2014, Christine’s husband was accepted to graduate school in Boston, so they sold their D.C. house, sold or stored most of their furniture, and moved to Boston’s Beacon Hill neighborhood for two years. “I am an interior designer.

Name: Gabriela Goff and Jeffrey Goff Jr. Location: Rochester, New York Size: 1,200 square feet Years lived in: 5 years This unique apartment is the home of Gabriella Goff and her brother Jeffrey Goff Jr. It’s located in the basement of the sculpture studio of Paul and Christine Knoblauch, who designed and refurbished the space five years ago. It’s a home full of original art — from the sofa to the tables to the walls.

Name: Ana and Mansour (and Molly) Location: NoDa — Charlotte, North Carolina Size: 1,500 square feet Years lived in: Owned 5 years Ana and Mansour have a home filled with pieces that each tell a story. Ana is a talented writer, originally from Dominican Republic, and travels often. Mansour is a Harvard graduate from Washington DC who enjoys biking in his free time. They are both intelligent and hilarious…and the corner garden in their living room is a dream.

Name: Mylène Location: Villeray, Montreal Size: 500 square feet Years lived in: Rented, 2 years It’s not surprising to learn that Mylène works as a visual merchandiser for a decor boutique; her apartment reflects someone who’s both interested in and really talented at design and home decor. Lots of stylish second-hand furniture and a variety of small elements and objects animate a space where a soft color palette mixes well with natural wood tones.

Name: Nicole and Dave and dog Remy Location: Baltimore, Maryland Size: 1,100 square feet Years lived in: Renting 1 year Inspiring artists with an equally inspiring nest, Nicole and Dave have designed their apartment with true artistic vision. They’ve built their quietly brilliant, thoughtfully executed home in an old box factory in Baltimore, where it doubles as both a living space and a studio.

A cohesive eclectic style can be hard to achieve. Christina has successfully combined a love of vintage and modern in her cozy Australia home. Check out her resources to achieve a similar eclectic mix easily without spending hours perusing thrift shops near and far!

Name: Colie Location: North Loop, Minneapolis, Minnesota Size: 781 square feet Years lived in: Renting 8 months Colie and her husband recently made the move from Fargo, North Dakota to Minneapolis. On a recommendation from a friend, they found their new home in the North Loop of Minneapolis, an area that has seen a major housing boom over the past few years. While they looked into old rehabbed warehouse living, they eventually settled on this new one bedroom in a building full of neat amenities.

Name: Lauryn Evarts and Michael Bosstick Location: West Hollywood, California Size: 1100 square feet Years lived in: Owned 2 years You may recognize Lauryn Evarts; she’s the founder of The Skinny Confidential and a best-selling author. To say Lauryn’s endeavor has been successful is an understatement: Since launching, she’s also branched out into a fitness & nutrition eBook, podcast, YouTube channel, and more.

Name: Dan Koday, Yves Yakoubyan Location: Chelsea — Manhattan, New York City Size: Approx 750 square feet Years lived in: Rented 6 Years This modern and artistic apartment is full of farmhouse accents, crafty DIY, and unique art pieces collected during travels. Renters Dan and Yves have created a magical home that is both inviting and artful with lively green plants that conjure notions of secret gardens and relaxing lush metropolitan parks.

Name: Mimi and Harper Location: Nashville, Tennesee Size: 2,300 square feet Years lived in: Owned 5 1/2 years Mimi is a Nashville native who grew up in the city limits and on a farm outside of town. She now lives in her own house — a space that manages to be simultaneously calm, comfortable, vibrant and eclectic.

Name: Spencer Huddleston Location: Austin, Texas Size: 780 square feet Years lived in: 1.5 years, rented Spencer is a graphic designer and world traveler living in Austin, Texas. When I arrived at his home, his packed climbing gear was immediately noticeable. He was headed that day to climb Mount Kilimanjaro (!). “My friend and I try to climb one mountain a year. This year, it’s Mount Kilimanjaro.

Name: Kevin Barrett Kane and Emma Christine Hall Location: Volker Neighborhood — Kansas City, Missouri Size: 1200 square feet Years lived in: Renting 1 year Kevin and Emma, book designers behind the company The Frontispiece, share a warm, comfy home in Kansas City. “Literarian Treehouse Nouveau” is how they describe their style, and they’re also self-proclaimed collectors. You’ll find furniture, desks, vinyl, cats and of course, books.

Not only is this sustainable home in the Philippines an architectural marvel on the inside and out—it is styled beautifully in every single room. Modern design with clean lines and surfaces melds seamlessly with a flea market/industrial vibe influenced by the owners’ travels. Shop their style below to achieve some modern and clean serenity in your space.

Name: Marni Epstein-Mervis and Laine Mervis (and Fitz the corgi) Location: Highland Park — Los Angeles, California Size: 570 square feet Years lived in: Rented, 1 year Marni and Laine’s mini one-bedroom apartment is the physical manifestation of their perfectly complementary marriage. Marni is eclectic and Laine is minimal. Marni runs a creative agency (STRUKTR), while Laine practices law in the city. Marni tends to collect, while Laine is really good at, well, not collecting.

Bright, cheerful, full of patterns and textures—Becca and Doug’s California home is a visual stunner. With items sourced from secondhand shops, the internet, and new things, too, Becca’s style isn’t tough to duplicate. Check out her resource lists for some bright mid-century, bohemian inspiration to bring some joy to your home!

Name: Brooks, Matt and Reed Location: East Nashville — Nashville, TN Size: With basement den, 1800 sq. ft. Years lived in: Owned 5 Years Brooks and Matt bought their first house five years ago and have since transformed it into a beautiful, bright and modern living space. They have done most of the work themselves in stages, with the basement being the last big project. When they first moved in, they lived out of one room while renovating the kitchen and the living room.

Name: Kathryn and Emilio Ancaya and their daughter, Claire Location: Kenilworth — Asheville, NC Size: 2,000 square feet (with 700 square foot attached studio apartment) Years lived in: Owned 7 years Kate has always appreciated the beauty of old homes, and when she saw that the architectural gem she had long admired had gone on the market, she knew there was a dream to chase.

Name: Betsy Cross and Will Cervarich, with dogs Maurice and Gingham Location: St. John’s — Portland, Oregon Size: 900 square feet Years lived in: Owned, 1.5 years Betsy and Will live at the end of a quiet street in Portland’s St. John’s neighborhood. From the outside, their 1965 home looks modest and unassuming, but step inside, and you will find an interior that is modern, open and welcoming.

Name: Emily Graff Location: Greenwich Village, New York Size: 550 square feet Years lived in: 3 years This home in Greenwich Village is full of energy thanks to bold and colorful patterns. But it also feels quite larger than its small size. The owner Emily has done an amazing job with maximizing space by utilizing a Murphy bed, smart furniture layout planning and wallpaper as a means of visually dividing the space. And her eclectic decor makes for a cozy, comfy home.

Name: Robyn and Sam, plus their two Dachshunds Carl and Prune Location: The Junction — Toronto, Canada Size: 1,400 square feet Years lived in: Owned 3 years There is much debate when it comes to minimal design and living. It seems to be a lifestyle that draws polarizing views — you either love it or you really don’t!

Name: Natalie, Bobby, Arlo the boy, and Lucy the dog Location: Texas Hill Country Size: 1,300 square feet Years lived in: 1 year Natalie and Bobby met in college and married about 11 years ago. Moving from Portland, Oregon (where Natalie studied to become an art therapist) to Austin, Texas in 2013 was a huge adjustment. “I had found out I was pregnant the day we packed up and said goodbye to all of our friends and our lovely Portland neighborhood.

Name: Kristen Hallberg Reavis and James Reavis (and Rosie!) Location: Mount Pleasant, South Carolina Size: 2600 square feet Years lived in: Owned, 2 years and some change Both originally from snowy Chicago, Kristen and her husband James moved to Charleston two years ago from Houston, Texas, for work. Kristen and James have recently been gearing up for two new additions to their family — twins!

A seamless and eclectic mix of vintage and modern has resulted in a warm, colorful, and cozy Portland home. Check out the resource lists below to shop Teresa’s style and bring some mid-century inspired charm to your home! Wall Color — Miller Paints Wall Unit — Similar: Design Within Reach Print — Mark Warren Jacques Yes banner — Secret Holiday & Co.

Name: Allen, Clara and Henry Hah Location: Austin, Texas Size: 2100 sq ft Years lived in: Owned almost 2 years. Purchased Jan 2014; moved in Nov 2014 due to renovations Allen and Clara met through a mutual friend years ago and became long distance pen pals, between San Francisco and Houston. Texas has always been home for Clara, so she was itching to move back. Allen got a job opportunity that he couldn’t pass up, so they packed up and moved to Austin in 2012.

Name: Kim Mahair Location: West Hollywood, California Size: 500 square feet Years lived in: 3 years, renting Kim Mahair is a food photographer and stylist who was given “first dibs” on her West Hollywood studio apartment after her friend, the home’s previous tenant, moved out. Years of actively coveting the petite studio’s dreamy french windows and charming details paid off.

Name: Emily Waldmann Location: Austin, Texas Size: 1,400 square feet Years lived in: Owned 3 years Austin is known for its music scene and amazing barbecue. But Austin also boasts some diverse, singular design. Deep down in East Austin is where you’ll find Seattle native Emily Waldmann and her incredible modern-meets-bohemian style. This 1967 renovated charmer features welcoming common areas, ample outdoor space, and a private master bathroom ensuite.

Name: Eva Morell Location: Raval Quarter — Barcelona, Spain. Size: 538 square feet Years lived in: Rented since February 2016 Eva’s aesthetic is a fast indicator that she works in art direction. Her current home isn’t very big, but it’s full of good design and lovely things. Having lived in Madrid, Gijon, Mallorca and Barcelona, her home also reflects her free-spirit.

This bold, modern, and somewhat rebellious high-rise space in the heart of Manhattan is filled to the brim with stunning designs and patterns and color combinations. Check out Gretchen’s resource lists for some bold art deco luxe inspiration and ideas!

Name: Alissa Lenore Minehart, owner of Lenore Design, and family Location: Newton, Massachusetts Size: 1,400 square feet Years lived in: Rented 2 ½ years Over the past two years, interior designer Alissa of Lenore Design has had the task of turning her family’s rental into a home. With an industrial feel (“overhead pipes and very little overhead lighting”), the space wasn’t an easy project to tackle.

Name: Maggie, Chuck, Katie and Will (crazy critters: Stella, Blanche and Ozzie the three legged cat) Location: Sumter, South Carolina Size: 2,400 square feet Years lived in: Renting 14 months Maggie Overby is a Louisiana native living in Sumter, South Carolina. After graduating from LSU and meeting the love of her life — Chuck — they bought their first home and Maggie caught the renovating and design bug.

Name: Sarah, Keith, Charlotte (age 9), Cormac (age 6), and Otis “My Man,” their Wheaten Terrier Location: Melrose, Massachusetts Size: About 2,200 square feet (including finished basement) Years lived in: Owned 8 years Sarah and her husband Keith moved from Boston up to Melrose, Massachusetts after getting married and having their first baby. Having a small child in the city wasn’t ideal for them, and it seemed like the right time for more space.

Name: Nisha Stevens, Tim Stevens (husband) and Kester Stevens (son, age 3) Location: Deptford, South East London Size: 1160 square feet Years lived in: Owned 4 years When I stepped into this flat-fronted Victorian terrace in South East London, it was as if I was magically thrown back in time to the ’70s. Nisha, an interior designer, and film producer husband Tim, are clearly big fans of the decade and it shows.

Name: Brett Leigh Location: Providence, Rhode Island Size: 800 square feet Years lived in: Rented 6 months I drove up to an old factory in an industrial part of town, just outside of Providence, Rhode Island. This is the kind of building that’s been re-purposed and converted into loft-style apartments, so I figured I could expect some creativity. But there was nothing that could have prepared me for the magic that is Brett Leigh’s home.

Name: Bethany Chase Location: Cobble Hill, Brooklyn Size: 750 square feet Years lived in: 5.5 years Bethany Chase is a woman of many talents. Besides being an interior designer, she’s also the author of two novels, including Results May Vary, which was just published this fall. Her Brooklyn apartment reflects her love for both literature and design, and her understanding of the deep importance of the places we call home.

Name: Antoni Yranzo Location: Poble Nou, Barcelona Size: 1076 square feet Years lived in: Owned Sculptor Antoni Yranzo creates art out of wood. His sculptures are simultaneously futuristic and retro feeling, lovely to look at. As a creative person, he needs a beautiful, unique place where he can work on his art pieces. He’s the owner of Casamitjana 15, “a studio-workshop that invites creativity, design, art and culture.

Name: Danny and Zac Location: Rome, Italy Size: 900 square feet Years lived in: Owned. Lived in since April, but it’s been in the family for over 60 years! Danny writes: “This apartment used to belong to my grandparents, and then my parents took over the rent, and now my husband and I are living in it with our mini dachshund. Three generations (and counting)! It’s a two bedroom, one bathroom apartment on the third floor of a residential building in the center of Rome.

Name: Hannah, Marc, Louisa and Izzy Location: Nashville, Tennessee Size: 3,300 square feet Years lived in: Owned 1.5 years Hannah and Marc moved into their gorgeous 1920s home a little more than a year ago. They have worked hard to update the space with fresh coats of paint, flooring and beautiful decor.

Name: Carlee and family Location: San Luis Obispo, California Size: 400 square feet Years lived in: Renting 6 years Carlee writes: “My husband and I rented a granny unit studio that was 400 square feet. We were just teenagers when we first moved in and couldn’t afford much, which is why we decided to rent it. The perk was that while it was hideous as all get out, our landlord was willing to let us do whatever we wanted to the place.

Name: Ashley, Matt, and Zucca (the cat) Spinelli Location: Central Haight — San Francisco, California Size: 1,200 square feet Years lived in: Renting 2.5 years Ashley and Matt moved to San Francisco from NYC, and wanted to live within biking distance of their jobs, while also having the ability to walk everywhere. Fortunately, the Lower Haight is centrally located within easy access to public transportation and urban thoroughfares and surrounded by four of the city’s best parks.

Name: Emily Murray, husband and two young sons Location: Edinburgh, Scotland Size: Four-bedroom Victorian terraced house Years lived in: Owned 6 years Lifestyle journalist Emily Murray, who’s also behind the fabulous interior blog The Pink House, doesn’t shy away from color. Or pattern mixing. Or pretty much any daring design element at all.

Name: Pamela Hill and Michael Castellon, their son Max, age 17, and dogs Bentley and Rosie Location: The Alphabet District — NW Portland, Oregon Size: 3,790 square feet Years lived in: Owned, 4 years When Pam and Michael purchased their 1906 historic home in one of Portland’s most desired neighborhoods, they knew they were signing up to tackle a huge project.

Name: Karie Leonardo Location: Pilsen — Chicago, Illinois Size: 1,500 square feet Years lived in: Owned 5 years All around Chicago, there seems to be a residential rehabilitation of once-commercial spaces on a massive scale. But rarely does a single person attempt it with a sole commercial property.

Name: Jennie Cohen Location: Greenwich Village Size: 450 square feet Years lived in: Owned 5.5 years This bright and airy Manhattan studio is full of mid-century charm while at the same time feeling comfortable and modern. The minimal use of vibrant color creates a startling contrast in this clean white space.