A Bohemian, Eclectic, and Warm Small/Cool Space
A Bohemian, Eclectic, and Warm Small/Cool Space
Name: Sarah Hassan
Size: 510 sq ft
Home type: Apartment
Location: Santa Fe, New Mexico
Years lived in: 6 months, rented
Household: Two cats, bonded shelter siblings Marcello and Isadora
Have any design professionals worked on this space: No
Describe your space:
This space came together as a living collage of all the things I love, the decor I've coveted, and the places I've been with a nod of gratitude to my new environment of the Southwest. I've always been a maximalist, but out here in Santa Fe, I've decorated with a bit more "breath," as the airy layout of the apartment allowed me to truly create meaningful vignettes to sink into. The vision was "Midcentury Morocco," acquired through Pinterest searches, Google binges for the best deals, and my desire to create a home that screamed "mine!" while remaining a delightful cozy haven for guests.
Did you DIY anything in your space? And, if so, what's your favorite DIY?
Besides the dotted peel and stick wallpaper from Target I eyeballed the measurements for in the kitchen, I don't have any true DIYs in the apartment except for the kiva-style blanket ladder propped up on one of the pink walls in the living room, which was handmade out of cedar by my friend Ben for my birthday. It adds such a classic and timeless Southwestern flair to the space that I couldn't imagine the apartment without it. It also came in handy while I was painting said pink walls, as it is a truly functional ladder and not just a sweet-smelling decor accent!
What's your favorite product that you bought for your space and where did it come from?
In tandem with all of my plants, which add a much-needed dose of green out here in the high desert, my "mini"sectional in the living room has already brought me so much joy—and dozens of compliments!—besides being a comfortable spot to read, work, or just cuddle with the cats while watching an old movie. I bought it on Walmart.com (for under $300!) and it's designed by 9 by Novogratz, a company and line I adore. It's the perfect mix of luxe—the velvet! the emerald jewel tone!—and fully functional, and not a bad place to fall asleep. It truly anchors and gives depth to the whole space.
What inspires you?
I draw inspiration from so many things. First and foremost, the art and decor of the Middle East and then Parisian apartments, artists' ateliers, antique shops, the Southwest, and the style of bon vivant characters such as Diana Vreeland, Gloria Vanderbilt, Nancy Cunard, Betony Vernon, Serge Diaghilev, Doris Duke, and Dita Von Teese. Every place, from the interiors of English country homes to mid-century hideaways in Palm Springs, inspires a decorating element I can use on my own, like riots of color tempered with natural material to create a space to think and dream. And postcards! I love them.