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Kim Lucian

A Bay Area based photographer, blogger and all around design junkie I'm obsessed with finding beauty both in the home and on the open road.
    5 Hard-to-Kill Houseplants for Apartments with Low Light
    Don't have plant FOMO just because your place doesn't get a lot of light.
    Kim Lucian
    May 9, 2023
    Starting Out in Style: A Look Inside 10 Fantastic First Homes
    When it comes to setting up a home, we never forget our first spaces. From our first apartments in college, to our first solo space, to our first time moving in with a significant other, we set out excited, inexperienced and ready to take on each empty space and make it our own. Here are a few first homes from our house tours. TOP ROW: 1. Mara Alex’s First Home as a Married Couple: Mara purchased her first house solo, and it became her first home as a newlywed as well. 2.
    Kim Lucian
    Oct 13, 2022
    Holiday Decor Inspiration from our House Tours
    I look at the many House Tours that are featured on this site as a treasure trove of inspiration, and the holidays are no exception. Oftentimes when we shoot around the holidays, the spaces are decked out in Christmas decor and the homeowners personal style always shine through. Here are a few of my favorite examples: 1. Unique ornaments and a quirky owl tree topper make this tree stand out. From Natalie & Seth’s Organic Modern Home. 2. Pine cones and branches bring in texture and warmth.
    Kim Lucian
    Oct 12, 2022
    Versatile Style: Spotting IKEA’s Woven Pouf ALSEDA Everywhere
    This neutral, stackable, woven pouf from IKEA is a piece that pops up again and again in inspirational images, and for good reason. The piece is versatile and rings in at just $30, meaning you can stock up without blowing your budget. 1. The texture and natural feel are a perfect fit for this relaxed, light filled space. The Sunny Sweet-Scented Studio of P.F. Candle Co, Apartment Therapy 2. A stack of poufs doubles as a low slung nightstand.
    Kim Lucian
    Oct 14, 2020
    Kim’s Before Photos: Tackling a Multi-Tasking Space
    Last year I cured my sparsely furnished bedroom and loved the results. This year I decided to take on a slightly bigger project, the main living space. We live in a quintessentially petite (read: tiny) San Francisco apartment and our “living room” is also our kitchen, dining room and my home office. We’ve lived in this space for almost two years now and are starting to settle in so things have started to accumulate a bit.
    Kim Lucian
    Jul 17, 2020
    Beautiful Oversized Hanging Plants
    Plants are well known as great way to add some color, texture and life to a space, and when they also happen to be beautifully oversized hanging plants, they also bring the drama. We’ve rounded up some examples from our archives and around the web. 1. An oversized Boston Fern adds texture and brings character to the room. Gregory and Jenny’s Relaxed Hippie Bungalow Tour from Apartment Therapy. 2. Following curve of a staircase these Bears-Paw Ferns have a cascading effect.
    Kim Lucian
    Jul 16, 2020
    Music For Your Eyes: Beautifully Displayed Record Collections
    Audiophiles love their records like bibliophiles love their books, and as anyone who has tried to fit a collection of either into a small space can attest it can take some creative finesse to make it work. In a quest to make space for my own record collection I did a bit of research and came up with these inspiring images of beautifully organized and displayed vinyl collections from our own tours and around the web. 1. A low console is a stylish option and just the right size for a single row.
    Kim Lucian
    Jul 15, 2020
    Kim’s Final Reveal: It’s the Little Things
    Part of my motivation behind doing the Style Cure this year was to reclaim our main living space. It has been a whirlwind of a year for us and we pack a lot of living into not a lot of square footage. Unfinished projects, leftovers from our wedding and all of the (amazing) gifts from our guests left us with an apartment that felt like it was always almost there, but not quite.
    Kim Lucian
    Mar 11, 2020
    Lauren’s Happy, Inspired Studio
    Name: Lauren Mizrahi Location: Marina, San Francisco, California Size: 500 square feet, Studio Years lived in: 2.5 years; Rented Lauren of Live Happy Inspired brings her sense of colorful, stylish living to her home as well as her blog.
    Kim Lucian
    Dec 19, 2019
    Carly & Scott’s Colorful Collected Apartment
    Name: Scott Henderson & Carly Sciacqua Location: Central Richmond District; San Francisco, California Size: 1,000 square feet Years lived in: 2 years; Rented The newly engaged (congrats!) couple’s home is the perfect example of a successful collaboration. With Scott’s background working on architectural projects and Carly’s colorful sensibility, the space is well planned and perfectly accentuated with pops of color, quirk and personality.
    Kim Lucian
    Dec 19, 2019
    Thayer Photography Studio Tour
    Name: Thayer Allyson Gowdy Business Name: Thayer & Co Location: Bernal Hill, San Francisco Size: 500 sq feet Years in Business: 14 years The studio that Thayer Photography calls home is a great example of form meets function. Walking in, you have no doubt that actual business is conducted here — in fact, they seem ready for anything — and the most utilitarian elements, like the sealed concrete floors and custom plywood cabinets, are also some of the best stylistic elements.
    Kim Lucian
    Aug 12, 2019
    Hide That Remote! 5 Pretty Storage Boxes
    Advances in technology are making excessive wires and cables slowly go the way of the buffalo but, the remote? It looks like we may be stuck with that one for a while. So if you can’t beat it, hide it! (Along with those goofy 3D glasses that seem to come along with every new TV.) We’ve rounded up a few options that you won’t mind leaving out based on the average size TV remote (7.5”) though you may want to check them against your own. 1.
    Kim Lucian
    May 5, 2019
    Before You Leave Home: A Pre-Trip Checklist
    Coming home from a long trip can be a welcome reprieve: you look forward to sleeping in your own bed, raiding the fridge, and cozying up in front of the TV. That is, until you arrive to an overstuffed mailbox, fruit flies, and a fridge full of semi-liqified produce (not that I’m speaking from experience or anything).
    Kim Lucian
    May 4, 2019
    How To Make a Succulent Wreath
    I took a trip to the craft store a couple of weeks ago with the intention of picking up a few Christmas decorations. On a whim I decided to DIY my own succulent wreath, and walked out with my arms filled with supplies. I love the idea of decorations that can easily be modified and used year round. When the season is up I plan to remove the bow and hang my wreath outside.
    Kim Lucian
    May 4, 2019
    A Field Guide to the Farmers Market
    Hitting the local farmers market in your town has plenty of advantages over your local grocery store. By buying direct, you are getting the freshest possible produce at the best prices, plus you can better understand where your food is actually coming from. That being said, they can be a little overwhelming to navigate. Here is our field guide to get you started. 1. Come prepared. Bring bags, small bills, sunscreen, comfortable shoes and a list.
    Kim Lucian
    May 4, 2019
    Sirima’s Vintage Industrial Artist’s Loft
    Name: Sirima Sataman Location: Dogpatch, San Francisco, California Size: 800 square feet Years lived in: 2 years; Rented Walking into Sirima’s loft, I was blown away by the openness of the space.
    Kim Lucian
    Feb 20, 2019
    Jesica’s Mix and Match Studio
    Name: Jesica Ryzenberg Location: Alamo Square, San Francisco, California Size: Studio, 450 square feet Years lived in: 1.5 years; Rented When the door to Jesica’s apartment swings open, you are greeted enthusiastically and welcomed in wholeheartedly (even when you happen to show up on the wrong day).
    Kim Lucian
    Feb 20, 2019
    Natalie & Seth’s Organic Modern Home
    Name: Seth and Natalie Brookshire Location: Presidio Heights; San Francisco, California Size: 2,700 square feet Years lived in: Seth for 10 years, Natalie for 3.5; Owned Walking up to this residence you’ll be greeted by Seth, an architect, and Natalie, a floral designer. The modern, light filled space you step into feels like a hidden treasure, and for good reason. The place was designed from the ground up by Seth, and every detail was carefully considered, with flawless results.
    Kim Lucian
    Feb 20, 2019
    Jesse’s Modern Bachelor Pad
    Name: Jesse Leake, Photographer Location: Lower Pacific Heights; San Francisco, California Size: 1,100 square feet Years lived in: 10 years; Rented The antithesis of the proverbial bachelor pad, photographer Jesse Leake’s well-considered space is evidence that stereotypes are meant to be broken. A reflection of his globetrotting, artistic endeavors and eye for the offbeat, the space hits all of the right notes.
    Kim Lucian
    Feb 20, 2019
    Sarah’s Curio Filled Studio
    Name: Sarah Becker, of Sarah Becker Skincare Location: Pacific Heights; San Francisco, California Size: 500 square feet Years lived in: 6 years; Rented Upon stepping into Sarah’s apartment, your eye is immediately drawn around the room, resting on carefully arranged collections of found objects and curiosities, colorfully patterned textiles, and a collection of paintings culled from the local flea market.
    Kim Lucian
    Feb 20, 2019
    Sarah’s Modern San Francisco Loft With Global Details
    Name: Sarah Glicken of Develop Agency Location: Potrero Hill; San Francisco, California Size: 1,100 square feet Years lived in: 5 years; Owned Sarah’s loft is open and expansive without losing a sense of warmth, and keeps the relaxed sensibility of a space that feels truly lived in while still maintaining a strong point of view and style.
    Kim Lucian
    Feb 20, 2019
    Thayer’s Modern Beachy Apartment
    Name: Thayer Allyson Gowdy and Scott Paterson Location: Bernal Hill, San Francisco, California Size: 1,200 square feet Years lived in: 7 years; Owned Photographer Thayer Gowdy’s carefree style comes together with a mix of clean-lined Danish designs, eclectic accessories, and pieces sourced from her travels around the world. → Re-edited from a tour originally published in 2014 The result is collected without feeling too busy, and modern without losing its sense of warmth.
    Kim Lucian
    Feb 20, 2019
    Hope and Pete’s Bohemian Modern Abode
    Name: Hope & Pete Colling Location: Terra Linda, California Size: 1955 sq ft. Years lived in: 2 years; Owned Pulling up to Hope and Pete’s home I can’t help but notice that I’ve entered a place where all of the homes are perfectly landscaped in gravel and native plants and maintain a uniform sense of modern, minimalist design. It’s almost Stepford-ish in its perfection, if the Stepford wives took their cues from Dwell magazine.
    Kim Lucian
    Feb 20, 2019
    Erin’s Casually Sophisticated Modern Loft
    Name: Erin of Apartment 34 Location: Mission/Potrero Hill , San Francisco CA Size: 900 square feet Years lived in: 1.5 years Anyone who follows Erin’s lifestyle blog Apartment 34 will know that her style is synonymous with clean lines and tasteful restraint, with a touch of glam and global influence. Her loft follows suit with beautiful bones, and airy style and refined textures, with perfectly styled accessories bringing things up a notch or two.
    Kim Lucian
    Feb 20, 2019
    Myka and George’s Modern Abode
    Name: Myka + Georges Haddad Location: Laurel Heights — San Francisco, California Size: 600 square feet Years lived in: 6 years, rented Myka of the blog Modern Sequins shows us how great style can translate from fashion to the home. With pieces collected from years of event styling and her signature sparkle throughout, the apartment that she calls home with her husband George is only out-shined by one thing… …Her wardrobe!
    Kim Lucian
    Feb 20, 2019
    Erin’s Layered Oakland Loft
    Name: Erin Kelsey Location: Oakland, California Size: 1,500 square feet Years lived in: 1 year With a career as a textile designer, you would expect no less than beautiful fabrics and finishes of all sorts—and Erin’s loft does not disappoint. From buttery leather and perfectly worn wood, to an abundance of richly patterned rugs and blankets the loft is a test lab for layered, textured perfection.
    Kim Lucian
    Feb 20, 2019
    Danielle & Patrick’s Warm Modern Home
    Name: Danielle Rowe, Patrick Flannery and son Pete. Location: Berkeley
, California Size: 1,380 square feet Years lived in: 2.5 years; Rented The home that Danielle and Pete share with their son hits all of the right notes: it is modern but maintains a sense of warmth, lived in but not messy, collected but not cluttered.
    Kim Lucian
    Feb 20, 2019
    A Welcoming, Well-Traveled Abode With Classic Details
    Name: Caroline and Eduardo Location: North Beach — San Francisco, California Size: 1,100 square feet Years lived in: 2 years; Rented Stylist and model Caroline and her boyfriend, Eduardo, have taken a sunny San Francisco flat and made it all their own, enhancing it with items collected on their travels—like the giant papier-mâché rhino head from Mexico in the kitchen—and references to their cultural backgrounds.
    Kim Lucian
    Jan 10, 2016
    Partner
    Rebecca & Michael’s Cozy-Modern San Francisco Home
    Name: Rebecca Rosenfelt & Michael Yamartino Location: Bernal Heights, San Francisco, CA Size: 1,200 square feet Years lived in: 3 years; rented Years hosting on Airbnb: 6 years When Rebecca and Michael were apartment hunting, they never saw themselves in a big modern lofty space. So when they first saw this light-flooded Bernal Heights home, they couldn’t picture themselves living there.
    Kim Lucian
    Jun 30, 2015
    15 DIYs to Increase Your Curb Appeal
    On Apartment Therapy we spend most of our time on interiors—to us its what’s inside (your home) that really counts—but it can really pay off to give the exterior a little TLC. It’s the first thing you see before you step though the door and it can add a lot to your home’s value, should you own it yourself. With this in mind, we’ve rounded up a few DIY projects to give your place a little extra curb appeal. 1. Modern House Number DIY from A Beautiful Mess 2.
    Kim Lucian
    May 14, 2015
    DIY Jumpstart: 10 Rug Repurposing Projects
    While we love a good DIY over here at Apartment Therapy, we don’t always have the time to commit to creating something from scratch. Clever hacks allow us to take something simple or inexpensive and use it as a starting point for a project. We’ve rounded up a few such projects, taking a basic rug as a base and creating something new. 1. Striped Rug Pillows DIY via Martha Stewart. Dear Martha, you never disappoint.
    Kim Lucian
    May 13, 2015
    5 NorCal Getaways off the Beaten Path
    If you live in, or are considering a trip to, Northern California you are likely familiar with the bigger cities like San Francisco, Oakland and Sacramento, and escapes like Monterey, Napa and Tahoe. If you are interested in something a bit more unique, however, take a detour with us and check out our list of NorCal getaways off the beaten path.
    Kim Lucian
    May 11, 2015
    10 Ways to Upgrade Common Thrift Store Finds
    I love to browse the thrift shops in my neighborhood, but sometimes find myself stuck on the creative possibilities of an item. I know it has potential but am equally aware that if I don’t have a clear cut idea that I want to execute, it will likely end up in a pile in the back 0f my closet. With this in mind, I rounded up a few DIY upgrades for items I come across frequently. 1.
    Kim Lucian
    May 7, 2015
    15 Easy DIY Sewing Projects for the Home
    I have a confession to make: I received a sewing machine as a wedding gift and have yet to touch it. It’s not that I’ve never used one (though my expertise extends only to the most basic of pillow covers), I just don’t feel that I have the time to tackle another big project right now. In that spirit, I’ve scoured the web for a few sewing projects that even the most novice seamstress (or seamster) can try, and maybe I’ll even give one a shot myself this weekend. 1.
    Kim Lucian
    Apr 16, 2015
    10 Rooms that Make Black Walls Work
    I recently visited a friend and was immediately struck by their dark walls and what a great, dramatic backdrop they created for the space. While black walls do have the opposite effect on a room than the brightening, space-creating feeling that comes with white, the serious drama they create is often worth the trade. 1. A black wall is the perfect backdrop for architectural details like this white arched doorway in Cate’s Cozy San Francisco Nest, via Apartment Therapy 2.
    Kim Lucian
    Apr 16, 2015
    Florist Secrets: Insider Tips for Your Best Arrangements Yet
    We quizzed the talented florist duo Emerson and Benjamin behind Ampersand SF on choosing, arranging and preserving flowers at home. Here are their best tips (simple is often better and greenery is not to be avoided): 1. What is the best way to stretch your budget? Greenery is always an affordable way to make a bouquet extra lush, minimalistic, and fairly long lasting. 2. What’s the easiest way to create a high impact arrangement?
    Kim Lucian
    Apr 7, 2015