A Bright, Cheery, Eco-Friendly 1938 Rental Apartment Was Furnished with Local Art and Vintage Finds

Name: Alexandra Catalano, pet, Juan Carlos, and my fiancé, Corey Craig
Location: Toluca Lake, California
Type of home: Apartment
Size: 900 square feet
Years lived in: 3 years, renting

Tell us a little (or a lot) about your home and the people who live there: Our apartment is located in Toluca Lake, California, a quaint part of Los Angeles that has been home to old Hollywood stars such as Frank Sinatra and Bing Crosby. Our apartment was built in 1938 and at one point owned by a hairstylist who styled the hair of Toluca Lake’s most elite. His hair studio was in his apartment and had a secret entrance for clients to slip in and out. He was also known to throw a hell of a party!

Because our building is old, it has beautiful touches of the 1940s, such as a vintage ironing board that comes out of the wall, a fireplace, and a beautiful wood staircase. As a healthy lifestyle influencer for my blog Eat Cute, I spend a lot of time whipping up healthy recipes in my kitchen or working from our breakfast nook sounded by windows. I live here with my fiancé, Corey, who teaches stand-up comedy to children, and my small rescue pup, Juan Carlos. Juan Carlos spends his time cooking with me in the kitchen or watching squirrels by the window on his chair where I have a giant portrait of him.

I identify as someone who is bright, cheery, eco-friendly, and cozy. I try to reflect these values in my home through my art, furniture pieces, and design. I sourced my art from local Etsy artists, I purchased my furniture through Facebook Marketplace to cut down on waste, and chose lots of calming plants and soft rugs to keep the space cozy and inviting.

Describe your home’s style in 5 words or less: Cozy boho vibes

What is your favorite room and why? My favorite room in the home is the living room. We do everything in there from watch movies, shoot lifestyle videos, relax with friends, exercise, and even sing karaoke! I studied opera singing in college, so good acoustics are a must! I love the room because I have it decked out with plants and artwork that features photographs of places we have traveled to. It’s such a fun room.

What’s the last thing you bought (or found!) for your home?The last thing I bought was a cute bench and side table from Target. I normally buy from Facebook Marketplace but had a really hard time finding a small bench to go next to the front door.

Any advice for creating a home you love? Watch Apartment Therapy on YouTube. I have learned so much about how to style and decorate my home. Also, be very selective about what items you bring into the home and how they make you feel. I love looking at pieces that bring up certain memories or goals or feelings. Everything I look at must make me happy!

This submission’s responses and photos were edited for length/size and clarity.

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