Greg’s Remodeled Live/Work Space

Name: Gregory Keith Metcalf
Location: Downtown Arts District; Los Angeles, CA
Size: 1,500 square feet
Years lived in: Less than a year; Rented

Fellow photographer Greg Metcalf and I have been friends for years. A move from the suburbs of Silver Lake to the Arts District of Downtown LA has offered Greg quite a contrast in architecture, neighborhood, and lifestyle. I jumped at the chance to shoot his new place; I love a good loft and this home exemplifies the true meaning of live/work space.

Greg moved into this industrial loft space about a year ago, approaching a new phase in his life and looking for positive change. With the help of his friend, interior designer Kendra Kay, he has transformed his home and filled it with colorful artwork, sentimental tchotchkes, and some seriously stylish furniture and clothing. “I’m living in this gritty, but developed, part of downtown. I love both of these elements! The mix of all things in the city and my life made this place my little haven in the Arts District.” As a fashion photographer living in a well-lit loft downtown, he has the capability and space to turn his home into full studio for photo shoots. (So jealous!)

The bones of his loft were created by an architect for their graduate school final project. Greg notes that when he thinks of designing a home, the most essential part is “function” and that it’s the most important element of moving into a loft space: “That’s the first tackle when you move into a true open space. I think in all homes I’ve lived in, the most essential thing is the representation of your life, whatever that may entail. Travel… Oscars…. photos of family…. the things that mean the most should be everywhere.”

The architect reimagined the standard open box floorpan and created a very inventive solution for storage and sleeping options. Normally, in an open loft you’ll be lucky if you have one closet. Fortunately for Greg, he’s got cabinetry, closets, and two huge pull-out drawers built in under his bed nook. The architect created a master bedroom sleeping nook and a little elevated office/den/guest sleeping nook by the window. There are other built-ins, too, such as metal beam shelving and a bar-style countertop off the dining area.

Beyond all this, Greg still maintains that the most important “things” in his home are the little trinkets and decorations that remind him of his dog Tank, who recently passed away, and of his Mom: “The pigs and elephants. I recently lost my best friend and dog Tank. She was my world and I called her Pig….so naturally I started buying pigs. Elephants remind me of and represent my mom. Elephants never forget, like I will never forget my mom.”

My Style: My idea for this place was based on a new beginning in my life. When I consulted with Kendra Kay (friend and interior designer), I told her, “I feel like I have the whole world in my hands”. Those were the words that created this environment

Inspiration: Travel, Life, Love, Dogs

Favorite Element: Exposed elements like the brick and beams

Biggest Challenge: Working with mid-century built-ins

What Friends Say: Do you love that color blue? It’s very masculine!

Biggest Embarrassment: The mess in, around, and on my desk

Proudest DIY: The painting. I love the big blue wall and the chalkboard wall. I’m not one to normally paint, but I felt compelled to make this space my own. Changing the colors and doing these DIY projects really connected me to the space

Biggest Indulgence: My gallery wall. I bought everything I loved and had it custom framed by Brey’s Picture Frame Shop in Glendale, CA

Best Advice: Buy things that make you happy and remind you of things, people, and places that you love. Make your space all about you and it will come together.

Dream Sources: Sunset Magazine, DWELL, Bethany’s Instagram, and of course, Apartment Therapy

• Blue wall: Sherwin Williams Rainstorm
• Chalkboard wall: Sherwin Williams Chalkboard Paint

• Light fixture: Lamps Plus
• Spun table: DWR
• School chair: DWR
• Rug: Melrose Trading Post
• Throw: Missoni

• Sofa: Craig Olsen Designs
• Studded mohair chair: Craig Olsen Designs
• Leather ottoman: Ralph Lauren Home
• Striped throw: Two Old Hippies, Nashville, TN
• Stack of trunks: TINI Furniture

• Dining table and chairs: Cost Plus World Market
• Rolling bar: Pasadena Rose Bowl
• Old ship compartment: vintage

• Vases: Room Service
• Bulldog cookie jar: Target
• Bowls: Jonathan Adler

• Min bed: DWR
• Pillows: custom by Kendra Kay
• I-Kat pouf: One Kings Lane
• Gym bag: Krochet Kids
• Duvet: Bed Bath & Beyond

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