Jes' Eclectic, Botanical Space
Name: Jes Dufresne
Instagram: @Hausplanthoney
TikTok: @hausplanthoney
Size: 925 square feet
Home type: Apartment
Location: Charlotte, NC
What you're looking at:
This spiral staircase leads to the bedroom + bathroom portion of my split-level loft and is the most eye-catching feature on the first floor of my apartment. (Image credit: Jes Dufresne)This spiral staircase leads to the bedroom + bathroom portion of my split-level loft and is the most eye-catching feature on the first floor of my apartment.
My reading nook features a gallery wall of collected vintage paintings, oddities, and wall decor. All of my art and mirrors were purchased secondhand.
Years lived in: 3 years, rented
Household: My dog Lady Trashmouth and my cat Coconut
Have any design professionals worked on this space? No
Do you currently live in your Small/Cool space full-time? Yes
Describe your space:
When I began decorating my space, I had (and still have) no clear vision, just an eclectic mix of aesthetics I wanted to incorporate into my space with a massive splash of greenery. The vast majority of my furniture and decor is vintage or secondhand, including the gallery wall above my reading nook, which is a combination of vintage art, oddities, or pieces from local artists. I love being surrounded by objects that bring me joy, regardless of whether or not they 'go together.' What makes my space so special is the constant love and attention that goes into keeping my living decor alive.
Did you DIY anything in your space? And, if so, what's your favorite DIY?
My kitchen was in desperate need of a (moderately) renter-friendly makeover. So, I removed my cabinet doors and tucked them away in storage, and painted the cabinet frames in the same blue I have on my accent wall to tie the space together. This DIY gave my kitchen an updated feel and required little effort. Plus, now all of my vintage Pyrex dishes are on full display.
How do you make your small space work for you and feel bigger than it really is?
I was lucky enough to be blessed with plenty of built-in storage, but accommodating an ever-growing collection of over 80-plus houseplants ranging in all shapes and sizes required some ingenuity. When I ran out of horizontal surfaces, I had to think vertically. I've got several shelves, hanging baskets, and wall units dedicated to housing my plants. Plus, plant stands of varied heights are a great way to stagger plants in a single area without it feeling overcrowded.
How does your home reflect you?
As a kid, I saw a movie where the main character had a big, creepy house with a spiral staircase and old art, and that vision really stuck with me. As an adult, I'm a collector. Not of anything specific, just whatever catches my attention. Once an object has called to me, I can't leave wherever I am without it. That's what my home is to me, a space for my 'collections.' Whether it be plants, art, little brass figurines, or just cool rocks I find, everything has a home in my home. 'Organized chaos' would be a great phrase to describe my space, my wardrobe, and my personality.