California

Aparna Jayaraman is Indian and has always been "inspired by the bold colors, patterns, and glitz of traditional saris." But while she says color is very important to her home, "neutrals provide it the foundation to really pop."

Laura and Jason have designed the space to be like a "modern-day curiosity cabinet, and tried to evoke an overall style that blends mid-century, old British gentleman's club, and playful modernism to create a space that highlights all of our collections."

Bronwyn, who rents this 800-square-foot Nob Hill apartment, advises: "Let things evolve slowly. Invest in antiques with soul."

Amy and Jason sacrificed space so they could afford to buy something close to surfing and hiking trails. They did a gut reno on this 600-square-foot cottage, cladding it in warm wood from the ceiling to the walls and adding storage everywhere they could — under the couch, wall-to-wall cabinets in the tiny bedroom, and even vertical surfboard racks along the retaining wall outside." 

"I'm Italian American, lived in Rome for 10 years, and studied Humanities and Classics at university; these attributes reflect everywhere in my world," explains LeAnne Smith. "I love stone sculpture, architecture, pencil sketches, and gardens."

Dorshelle Guillaume is a Haitian American fashion designer and says aesthetics, style, and ambiance are really important. "My home is very cozy, clean, and elevated and I love how everything works well together."

Olivia's apartment's interior structure is Craftsman style, with built-in features including a slide Murphy bed, wall shelves surrounding the living room, a stained glass cabinet, antique push-button-style light switches, and a bathroom with a deep tub.

As a designer, collector, and artist, Darien Stokes was captivated by the unique architectural characteristics of this one-bedroom loft nestled off the bustling streets of West Hollywood, California.

Taylor Jordan says the key with rentals is "to work with and around the things you can't change." In his San Francisco apartment he worked around the original yellow toilet and tub, and in the kitchen he "changed out the cabinet hardware and backsplash for an updated, modern look."

"We live in a mid-century home that was a bit of a blank slate when we moved in," begins Julie Mak. "It has been a wonderful palette for adding the lively fabrics, patterns, colors, and lines that I love."

Ruth and her 17-year-old son moved close to the beach in the pandemic, where they made it a priority to visit the beach every day and eat dinner together five nights a week. Their San Francisco home mixes bohemian styles with beachy vibes for a clean, welcoming aesthetic.

LaToya Skinner, the owner and creative director of Lola Earl, a Sacramento-based interior design firm and retail home decor store selling sustainable, handmade, and vintage home decor and furniture, describes her home's style as cozy and soulful.

The dark, unpainted wood and the compact size of this little studio apartment gives the space the cozy, homey feel that Paige is striving for in their space. "I couldn't be happier."

Tay BeepBoop is a designer and DIY-er on social media. When she accidentally bought five gallons of paint in different colors, she gave herself the challenge of adding tons of color to her San Francisco Victorian, turning it into a one-of-a-kind home.

When it comes to creating your dream home, Dylan believes in doing it yourself. Through YouTube videos he learned how to update his California house, including uncovering and reimagining the statement fireplace, opening up the living room, remodeling the bathrooms, and more.

The best decorating advice artist Ben Cuevas ever received came from Amy Sedaris. "...[S]he says that she viewed her rental deposit as her design fee — which I think is just brilliant. If you’re renting, but plan to stay put for a while and want to really make your space your own, consider your deposit the fee you pay for being able to live in a space you truly love and can call your own."

In the past five years since AT toured Puno and Daniel's home, the loft has maintained many of its enviable qualities like gorgeous light and super cool vibes. But there have been lots of updates, too.

Amanda's apartment in the Arts District of Los Angeles sits above an old factory. Her Japanese-inspired home is filled with a neutral palette that gives the space a clean and homey feel to allow conversations between friends to flow.

Emma and David were dating long distance for two years before moving in together. As soon as they saw this apartment on Craigslist, they knew it was the one. They blended their aesthetics by adding new art and toning down colors.