The Latest
2019

The Latest: 2019

Welcome to the hub for accessing all our latest posts! Easily sort through content by date to quickly find what you’re looking for — you’ll never miss out on the latest updates here.
Retro living room with patterned sofa, red chairs, round table, and tree-themed wallpaper.
Sarah & Chad’s Long Distance School of Style
Name: Sarah & ChadLocation: Iqaluit, Nunavut, CanadaSize: 1350 square feetLived in: 6 months Sarah and Chad (who you might remember from their House Call) make me feel lazy. I have a long list of decorating to-dos and the only thing holding me back is me! Living in a big city, my access to supplies is widespread, shopping for furniture both new and used is a no-brainer, prices are competitive and shipping costs for home improvement goods just isn’t usually a factor. Not so for these two!
Janel Laban
Dec 19, 2019
Ros and James’ English Countryside California Cottage
Name: Ros Wyatt (of Green Plum Design) and James VernonLocation: Kensington, CaliforniaSize: 2,100 sq/ftYears lived in: 9, OwnedWho else lives here: Jack, Mischa and Alfie In classic English style, interior decorator Ros Wyatt’s San Francisco Bay home features a multitude of pretty prints. A plaid throw drapes over a wing chair, gingham rambles across a coverlet, mod poppies blossom beside a bed, and cabbage roses bloom in the medicine cabinet.
Celeste Sunderland
Dec 19, 2019
Wallpaper Designer Kimberly Lewis’ Brooklyn Alcove
Name: Kimberly Lewis of Kimberly Lewis HomeLocation: Ditmas Park, Brooklyn, NYYears lived in: 1 Kimberly’s line of wallpapers are absolutely stunning—their colors, repeats and scale are so fresh and inspiring—so when she agreed to a green tour, I was thrilled!
Landis Carey
Dec 19, 2019
Michelle & Joshua’s Secondhand Compromise Apartment
Name: Michelle Pauly & Joshua Clark plus dog, Shimi, and cat, HarlieLocation: Humboldt Park — Chicago, IllinoisSize: 1000 square feetYears lived in: 1 — rented Michelle and Joshua reside in a vintage apartment overlooking Humboldt Park. As they mention in their survey, the couple must compromise on their styles in order to reach peaceful cohabitation. Joshua’s style leans more toward the 1970s log cabin vibe while Michelle favors a coastal/southwestern feel.
Jason Loper
Dec 19, 2019
Kirsten & Kyle’s Restored Bungalow
Name: Kirsten and Kyle NiemanLocation: NE Portland, Oregon Years lived in: almost 4Kristen is a home decor maven with an eye for upcycling and reclaiming cast away items from Craigslist, garage sales and friends. Her home is relaxed and beautiful with a predominate palette of grayish tones, whites, neutrals and pops of yellow. Join us for tea and a tour of this 1925 Portland, Oregon bungalow.Kristen’s interest in decor and styling is apparent in every room of her home.
Leela Cyd
Dec 19, 2019
Trace & Lisa’s Eclectic Living on Capitol Hill
Name: Trace and Lisa Location: Capitol Hill — Seattle, WashingtonYears lived in: 2.5 — rented You may remember a few of the snapshots from Trace and Lisa’s lovely apartment but it’s now time to do a full “House Tour.” Yes I did indeed misquote because the residence is not at all a house. The 800 square foot dwelling is decorated to the last inch of space, showcasing the couple’s eclectic style.
Katy Nida
Dec 19, 2019
Julie’s Unbelievable Airstream Trailer, Shed and Art Studio
Name: Julie Montgomery and son, Henry Location: Carpinteria, California Size: 400 square feet Years lived in: 3 Julie and her young son, Henry, were offered the chance to live at the base of a tropical fruit farm in Southern California, about a mile from the Pacific ocean. Included in the deal was a small studio within the packing facility to create her large–scale abstract paintings. Too good to be true, right? The only catch?
Leela Cyd
Dec 19, 2019
The Shepherds’ Sunny & Simple Remodel
Name: Trent and Carly Shepherd, our 4.5 month-old baby, Gray, our 14-year-old golden retriever, Levi and our 8-year-old cat, Phoenix. Not listed in order of preference.
Adrienne Breaux
Dec 19, 2019
Rodellee’s Tiny Vintage Studio
Name: Rodellee Bas Location: Hancock Park, Los Angeles, California Size: 450 square feet Years lived in: Rent 3 weeks Rodellee’s previous home caught my eye in her House Call, and I knew immediately that her style and choices in decor were both charming and personal. Three weeks later, she’s moved into a studio three times smaller and has created another amazing space.
Bethany Nauert
Dec 19, 2019
Joan & Jim’s Lovely, Artful Home
Name: Joan and Jim TannerLocation: Santa Barbara, CaliforniaSize: ampleYears lived in: 45 Joan and Jim live in one of the most artful, layered homes I’ve ever come across. It is at once cozy, enchanting, exuberant, chic and family-centered. Their space is truly a reflection of what full, vibrant lives Joan and Jim have led as an artist and a doctor. Join me in the hills of Santa Barbara for a unique glimpse into a remarkable home.
Leela Cyd
Dec 19, 2019
Hallie & Mark’s Hip Slice of History
Name: Hallie & Mark BurrierLocation: Frederick, Maryland’s historic districtSize: 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bath, built in 1890Years lived in: owned, 1 yearEven from the street, Mark and Hallie’s three story row house is a stunner. And perhaps even more stunning is the amount of work that the young couple has poured into restoring the turn of the century row home in just a year. While Hallie claims that there is still tons to be done, you would never guess it.
Leah Moss
Dec 19, 2019
Andrew & John’s Vintage Berwyn Bungalow
Name: Andrew Schultz & John TylerLocation: Berwyn, IllinoisSize: 900 square feetYears lived in: 1 — owned I’ve seen the way Andrew and John can create an amazing display of furniture and accessories, like the one we saw at The Vintage Bazaar. If they can do that in a big space in just an hour’s time, I reasoned, imagine what their home must look like! Andrew and John are the stylish fellows behind Study, a color and design service.
Jason Loper
Dec 19, 2019
Kristin’s Uncommon Slice of Suburbia
Name: Kristin SalazarLocation: San Diego, CaliforniaSize: 3,000 square feetYears lived in: 10 — owned We’ve seen Kristin’s ingenious concealment of her garage door opener and we turned to her when we needed a tutorial on installing glass in solid cabinet doors. Now we finally get a chance to see Kristin’s entire house.Kristin’s home is what I picture as my ideal California dream home.
Jason Loper
Dec 19, 2019
Crystal & Gavin’s House for Modernist Cats (& Dogs!)
Name: Crystal & Gavin GregoryLocation: Parkwood — Shoreline (Seattle) WASize: 920 square feetYears lived in: 2 — owned The owner and creator of Modernist Cat (featured on AT back in January) recently opened up her newly renovated home for us. Vintage feline ledges and custom-built catwalks compliment Crystal’s handmade modernist cat furniture, which blends seamlessly with the home’s MCM pieces.
Heather Blaha
Dec 19, 2019
Casey’s Modern Minneapolis Bachelor Pad
Name: Casey FritzLocation: Minneapolis, MinnesotaSize: 825 square feetYears lived in: 1 month — rented I like to think of Casey as a modern, male version of the beloved TV character Mary Richards. There he is, living his bachelor life in Minneapolis, with a cool job and, as you’ll see in this house tour, a fabulous apartment that, like Mary Richards’, I totally covet. The only thing Casey is missing is his own theme song!
Jason Loper
Dec 19, 2019
Johnelle’s Mignonne Maison
Name: Johnelle Mancha (Founder of Mignonne Décor)Location: Oakland, CaliforniaSize: 980 sq/ftYears lived in: 5 months, rented Stepping into artist and designer Johnelle Mancha’s Oakland cottage is like entering one of the great salons of 1920s Paris. Welcoming rooms, outfitted in exquisite vintage decor whisper of European aristocracy, Middle Eastern adventures, and the joys of classic American recreation.
Celeste Sunderland
Dec 19, 2019
Elizabeth’s Colorful and Adventurous House
Adrienne Breaux
Dec 19, 2019
Alexis’ Eclectic Home & Organic Garden
Name: Alexis Karpf and her fiance Nick Location: Silverlake — Los Angeles, CASize: 1200 square feet, 2 bedroom, 1 bathYears lived in: 2 — rent I met Alexis through her business partner Jeff Eyser, who you may remember from his house tour last year. Alexis and her fiance share this single level duplex home in the hills of Silverlake. They have a wonderful little yard and plenty of organic goodness ripening in their garden.
Bethany Nauert
Dec 19, 2019
Anil and Shannon’s 655-Square-Foot Two-Bedroom Loft
Name: Anil & ShannonLocation: New York CitySize: 655 square feetYears lived in: 5 years, owned How do you hide two bedrooms in a 655-square foot studio loft? With one Murphy bed in the living room and a second revealed by a sliding kitchen wall, which skims the floor on ceiling tracks. Moving a kitchen wall sounds daunting, but it’s actually quite simple. As seen in the photo above, just clear off the counter, scoot over the rolling kitchen table, and give it a tug.
Liz Vidyarthi
Dec 19, 2019
Doub’s Free-Spirited in Fishtown
Name: Doub Hanshaw and John David MahaffeyLocation: Fishtown — Philadelphia, PennsylvaniaSize: 4,500 square feet — 1 bedroom Years lived in: 2 — own Doub transformed her once run-of-the-mill garage in the Fishtown neighborhood of Philadelphia into a free-spirited space that screams fun, resourcefulness and a serious sense of style. The unassuming exterior and the raw interiror is what attracted her to the space and she was able to see a diamond in the rough.
Kristen Lubbe
Dec 19, 2019
Kirsten’s Utterly Fabulous Utah Home
Name: Kirsten + Josh Krason and son JettLocation: South Jordan, UtahSize: 1,500 square feet — owned After I saw House Call: Kirsten’s Colorful Family Home and Kirsten’s Jazzed Up TV Credenza, I couldn’t wait to see the rest of her house. Just as I expected, her home is equal parts colorful, classic, a little dramatic, and utterly fabulous! As a frequent reader of Kirsten’s blog, 6th Street Design School, I already knew that she has a fabulous sense of style.
Jason Loper
Dec 19, 2019
Bridgette & Britton’s Masculine/Feminine Vision
Name: Bridgette Buckley (BB1), furniture designer, Britton Bertran (BB2), art professional, and Mickey the dog.Location: Logan Square, Chicago, IllinoisSize: 1200 square feet, 2 bedroom in a 20-unit courtyard building; circa early 1900’s.Years lived in: 1.
Smith Schwartz
Dec 19, 2019
Corina’s Hollywood Glamour on a Budget
Name: Corina Kramer ( and her three kitties: Mojo, Mr. Pants & Snuggles)Location: Thai Town / Los Feliz — Los Angeles, CaliforniaSize: 600 square feetYears lived in: 8 months — rent Corina — an Emmy award winning hair and makeup artist — lives in a quintessential Spanish casita which she first shared in a House Call: Corina’s Starlet Bungalow.
Bethany Nauert
Dec 19, 2019
Toni and Rick’s Serenity in Stone
Name: Toni and Rick SturtzLocation: Neillsville, WisconsinYears lived in: 8 years, owned Toni and Rick Sturtz live in a cozy stone farmhouse nestled between a restored prairie and miles of towering fir and birch trees. They see themselves as stewards of the farmstead—caretakers of their 120-year-old home and the natural resources that surround it. As they carefully adapt their home to modern living, they make changes with sustainability in mind.
Therese Maring
Dec 19, 2019
Jesi & Ryan’s Eclectic Thrifty Home
Name:Jesi & Ryan Haack, with their two sons Jonah & MaverickLocation: Costa Mesa, CaliforniaSize: 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom (approx 750 square feet)Years lived in: 1 ½ years — rent Jesi and Ryan Haack are a dynamic duo of creativity, sharing a loving home with their two sons Jonah and Maverick. Each room has a DIY charm, with great thrift store finds and handmade decorations.
Bethany Nauert
Dec 19, 2019
Alison & Jeff’s Eclectic Williamsburg Railroad
Name: Alison Feldmann of TeenAngster and Jeff Bergstrom, as well as cats Bug and DagmarLocation: Williamsburg, Brooklyn, New YorkYears lived in: 1 year Perched on the top floor of a Williamsburg walkup, Alison and Jeff’s eclectic railroad was filled with warm afternoon light the day I visited. Streaming in with unobstructed access, it lit surfaces and highlighted textures, softening the space this couple has made their own.
Landis Carey
Dec 19, 2019
Roy & Liane’s Design-Build Home
Name: Roy and Liane Burns, their baby Walt, and dog Zee Location: Bluff Park — Birmingham, Alabama Size: 2,600 square feet Years lived in: 2 — owned When graphic designers Roy and Liane Burns set out to buy their first house, they sought modern, affordable, and sustainable living. After an unavailing search, they met co-founders Matthew Finley (of Matthew & Mikel’s DIY Water+Works Remodel) and Will Brothers from the design-build practice Green Bottle Workshop.
Beth Lundell Garver
Dec 19, 2019
Odd Couples: Mismatched Bedside Lamps
Two matching lamps in the bedroom? Fuggedaboutit! For a lamp lover, the bedroom’s a great place to mix it up. Combining table lamps, office lamps, sconces, standing lamps — even chandeliers — together can show off your style, shave a little off your bedroom budget and keep it modern. Our favorite new trend: mixing a standing lamp with a task or table lamp.
Abby Stone
Dec 19, 2019
Steve & Glen’s Joshua Tree Retreat
Name: Steve Halterman and Glen SteigelmanLocation: Joshua Tree, CaliforniaSize: 1,800 square feet on 5 acresYears lived in: 4 The jealousy is kicking in! Steve and Glen’s incredible Joshua Tree home, surrounding environment and pool make for a relaxed weekend getaway, just a few hours from the city. Steve is a set designer, underground filmmaker and stained glass artist and I am fairly certain this remarkable desert location plays a role in his daily inspirations.
Marcia Prentice
Dec 19, 2019
Living Large in an Airstream Trailer
Name: Matthew Hofmann Location: Coyote Canyon — Montecito, California Size Approx 160 square feet Years lived in: 6 months — owns the Airstream, rents the land After seeing Matthew Hofmann’s Before and After makeover of his retro Airstream trailer, I jumped at the opportunity to photograph it for a full tour. A licensed architect, founder of HofArc, he was able to reconfigure the original bones of this space while refurbishing it, and restoring some of the original charm.
Bethany Nauert
Dec 19, 2019
Before & After: Katherine’s Warehouse Loft Update
Katherine sent us in photos and floorplans of the update of her West Loop loft. This is a hardworking condo — it is home to a (new) family of three and during the day also accommodates two employees as a live/work space…..and the After!Here is Katherine’s info on the update: We had to overcome a dated warehouse conversion of a beautiful masonry and timber loft building. Views were compromised by the fireplace and tv alcove dividing the kitchen and living area.
Janel Laban
Dec 19, 2019
Angelique’s Feminine Vintage Harmony
Name: Angelique Hoffman & Dan, + 3 young daughters + fluffy dogLocation: Myersville, MarylandSize: 2,500 square feet —4 bedrooms, 2½ bathsYears lived in: almost 4 Some homes are lessons in compromise — Angelique’s is a lesson in harmony.
Leah Moss
Dec 19, 2019
Mary Roach’s Nest: The Curious Charm of a Writer’s Pad
Name: Author Mary Roach & Graphic Designer/Illustrator Ed RachlesLocation: Glenview — Oakland, CaliforniaSize: 1,800 square feet Years lived in: 7 — owned Mary Roach’s best-selling books, like Stiff and Packing for Mars, invite readers to unusual places such as morgues, labs, and outer space. In her books, Mary reveals the science (and humor) behind dead bodies, sex, and errr…other funky stuff.
Beth Lundell Garver
Dec 19, 2019
Jodi & Ryan’s Immaculate Whimsy
Smith Schwartz
Dec 19, 2019
Matthew & Mikel’s DIY Water+Works Remodel
Name: Matthew, Mikel and Peri the dogLocation: Vestavia — Birmingham, AlabamaSize: 2,300 square feetYears lived in: 8 months — owned To Mikel’s relief, this wasn’t the first time Matthew had decided to take on a sizeable DIY project.
Beth Lundell Garver
Dec 19, 2019
Praveen’s Innovative and Playful Home
Name: Praveen Location: SoMa — San Francisco, CaliforniaSize: 705 square feetYears lived in: 4 — rented We first saw Praveen’s Home in Small Cool 2009: Praveen’s High Ceilings. Praveen took his love of innovation and injected his playful personality to create a space where technology, art, and color play well together. By choosing a simple color combination of two primary colors these elements work together to complement his style.
Lilias Petit-Scott
Dec 19, 2019
Architect Ira Rakatansky’s Mid-Century Modern Masterpiece
Name: Ira Rakatansky & Lenore GrayLocation: East Side — Providence, Rhode IslandSize: 4 bedroomsYears lived in: 52 — owned This tour is a rare treat — a peek into the home of modernist architect Ira Rakatanksy, who designed and built the house in 1958 and still lives there, more than half a century later. Incredibly, the space seems almost as modern now, both in structure and décor, as it must have over 50 years ago.
Sarah Rainwater
Dec 19, 2019
Emily & Erick’s Modern Eclectic British Eccentric Bungalow
Name: Emily and Erick Henson, plus Ella, 11 and Johnny, 8. Also Gracie, the French Bulldog and Cub and Betty, the cats.Location: Highland Park — Los Angeles, CASize: 702 square feet (to be precise!) plus approximately 150 sf in converted garage.2 beds, 1 bath (Jack and Jill style, between the bedrooms.
Bethany Nauert
Dec 19, 2019
Matthew and Emma’s Eco Environment
Name: Matthew and Emma McGregor-MentoLocation: New York, NYSize: 650 sq/ftYears lived in: 6 months When Matthew and Emma bought their 6th floor apartment in the East Village, they knew they wanted it to be filled with natural living things and to convey the sense that “nature was taking the apartment back, like a small plant growing from a crack in the sidewalk.
Cambria Bold
Dec 19, 2019
Jeremy’s Endless Energy and Resourcefulness
Name: Jeremy (and his roommate Ralph)Location: Spanish Harlem — Manhattan, New YorkSize: 875 square feet — 2 bedroom rentalYears lived in: 5 months Jeremy’s home should look familiar to readers — House Call: Jeremy & Ralph’s Bachelor Pad. Visiting Jeremy and his roommate’s home in person confirmed that they are destined for a life of fine living.
Jill Slater
Dec 19, 2019
Sarah & Jon’s Exposed Brick Beauty
Name: Sarah, Jon and Mega the CatLocation: Noble Square — Chicago, IllinoisSize: 950 square feetYears lived in: 5 — rented Sarah & Jon hit the jackpot when they rented this gem 5 years ago. They’ve been lucky enough to have a great landlord that has allowed them to build a bedroom in their basement as well as make a few slight modifications to their space. This couple thoroughly believes in investing time and love into a space, and it shows!
Meg Lewis
Dec 19, 2019
Tommy Smythe’s Master Vignettes
Name: Tommy SmytheLocation: Rosedale — Toronto, CanadaSize: 700 square feetYears lived in: 3 — rented If you live in Canada and have the slightest interest in design, you know Tommy Smythe. Tommy is the sidekick to Sarah Richardson, one of the most high profile designers and television personalities up north. Besides working together at her eponymous firm, they star together on two of HGTV’s most successful programs: Sarah’s House and Sarah’s Cottage.
Troy Seidman
Dec 19, 2019
Mae & BJ’s Pretty Chic Pet-Friendly Pad
Name: BJ and Mae, and their family of rescued animalsLocation: Highland Square — Akron, OhioSize: 1,800 square feetYears lived in: 5 years — owned Mae and BJ’s dedication to living life to its fullest has resulted in a home that is welcoming to all and party-ready at a moment’s notice. Their ability to ballance their brood of rescued animals with a pleasing aesthetic has developed through years of trial and error.
Amanda Johnson
Dec 19, 2019
Lori & Greg’s Cottage-Style House
Name: Lori and Greg LoomisLocation: Richmond, VirginiaSize: 1,950 square feetYears lived in: 4 — owned Many of us have loved seeing the country-farmhouse-inspired style in our favorite catalogs, but we doubt any of you have seen it implemented as well as in Lori and Greg Loomis’ Richmond, Virginia home. We first saw Lori’s home in a House Call, and we love what she’s done since.
Lindsey Roberts
Dec 19, 2019
Rachel & Alfred’s Artfully Cataloged Collections
Name: Alfred & Rachel Atlas VendittoLocation: College Hill — Providence, Rhode IslandSize: 3 bedrooms + mother-in-law in converted atticYears lived in: 10 — owned The home Rachel & Al share with their two children, ages 3 and 5, and their dog in a former church meeting house is cozy and whimsical — filled with unusual and inspiring collections of natural objects and artwork.
Sarah Rainwater
Dec 19, 2019
Gene & Heidi’s Colorful Art-filled Home
Name: Gene, Heidi and Baby WyethLocation: Downtown — Brooklyn, New YorkSize: 1,285 square feetYears Lived In: 2½ years Gene recently shared his home through a House Call Gene’s Graphics & Color: Geometric Art Collection — and I couldn’t wait to share more! A perfect kick-off to our Art, Craft & Collection month, this Brooklyn family’s loft is oozing with exciting art and Gene shared one of the most extensive resource lists (including all the art!
Aaron Able
Dec 19, 2019
Lauren’s Tiny 400-Square-Foot Cozy Apartment
Name: Lauren Yarmuth Location: New York CitySize: 400 sq/ftYears lived in: 2.5, owned Lauren’s 400-square-foot apartment was classic New York real estate: a sliver of space in an old brick building, with little light and even less charm. But in just three weeks, she gave it a clean and natural makeover, putting every inch of space to use with clever storage solutions. When she bought it, Lauren explained, the building “was a dump.
Liz Vidyarthi
Dec 19, 2019
Rebecca’s Loving Living Small Home Office
Name: Rebecca Orlov Location: West Hollywood, California Size: Dining Room/Home Office – 120 square feet Years lived in: 6 weeks Rebecca Orlov is one busy woman. After a stint in San Francisco, she decided to return to Los Angeles, and in just 6 weeks created a home office that would make just about anyone envious. From this glamorous home office for one, Rebecca juggles an assortment of projects: her own design site, loving. living. small.
Gregory Han
Dec 19, 2019