Name: Greg Hennes & Grey Helvey Location: South East — Portland, OregonSize: approximately 1600 square feetYears lived in: 6 months — rented Greg and Grey moved into their studio loft in January of this year. The vibe they’ve created is one of serene calm, mixed with innovation and creativity. The space is astounding, full of open air and light — it’s the ideal showcase for their Antler & Co. handmade goods.

Name: Samantha, Lindsay and UshaLocation: Downtown — Santa Barbara, CaliforniaSize: 1,500 square feetYears lived in: 2 Samantha, Lindsey and their housemate, Usha, have made a sunshine–drenched home of their own with a few coats of paint, some great DIYs and a whole lot of art work made by family members. Their laid back style is both accessible and inspiring.

Name: Penny, Petra and Sydney CortrightLocation: The Mesa — Santa Barbara, CaliforniaSize: 2,600 square feet (including a 600 square foot attached studio rental)Years lived in: 20 — owned Never have I turned a corner to face a staircase that literally reads, painted on the stairs, “And I’ll Buy You a Stairway to Heaven.” This detail leads to many more creative twists and turns, as I toured this unique home on the top of a hill in Santa Barbara.

Name: Heidi and DavidLocation: Downtown — Portland, OregonSize: 900 sq ft Years lived in: 6 months — rented When Heidi and David relocated to Portland, Oregon from Brooklyn a few months ago, they hoped to find a place in an urban neighborhood, close to the farmer’s market and city life. They found just that in an open live/work loft they share with their cat, Gypsy.