Saying Goodbye to a Craigslist Chic San Francisco Apartment

updated Apr 30, 2019

Saying Goodbye to a Craigslist Chic San Francisco Apartment

updated Apr 30, 2019
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Name: Allison Shiman
Location: The Mission — San Francisco, California
Size: not sure about the square feet
Years lived in: 5 years, renting

“I’m so excited about having my apartment memorialized on Apartment Therapy,” Allison tells us. She’ll be saying goodbye to her beloved apartment soon…to leave on a trip around the world. “I have put so much effort and love in my little space that having it somewhere captured forever makes me so happy!”

After Allison’s company was downsized, rather than dive right back into the job hunt, she decided the best thing she could do right now is go on a world trip. But since her landlord doesn’t let her sublet, Allison has to say goodbye to this cute place to make her traveling plans come true. Don’t worry: all the lovely pieces in her home will be given to friends or sold back on Craigslist.

It’s a fitting end for a home where the majority of furniture was found on Craigslist to begin with. “When you have a limited budget, you need to get creative. I always loved vintage ’60s pieces, but even flea markets and antique stores in San Francisco are pretty expensive,” recalls Allison. “If you have time and patience, Craigslist is a great source. I set different alerts on Craigslist and waited for the items to come to me. My friends sometimes can’t believe all of my pieces are used.”

Allison describes her style as “being stuck in the ’60s.” Drawing inspiration from Mad Men and ’60s vintage posters, her apartment is filled with rich colors and bold patterns. There is even a disco ball hanging in the living room. But her favorite piece is the macrame hanging chair she brought back from Cuba. “I sit in there with a good book, swing back and forth, and dream about the past and upcoming journeys.”

By the time we shot Allison’s apartment, she had already cleared her bedrooms of their carefully collected decor. A bittersweet reminder that Allison will be bidding adieu to this home. But she’s excited for her upcoming trip and all the experiences she’ll have. Safe travels Allison!

Apartment Therapy Survey:

My Style: Stuck in the ’60s

Inspiration: Mad Men, your grandma’s basement

Favorite Element: Hanging macrame chair from Cuba

Biggest Challenge: Trying not to buy “new” items

What Friends Say: “I can’t believe this is all used furniture!”

Biggest Embarrassment: Trying to keep a white rug clean

Proudest DIY: Coffee table was hacked together using mid-century legs found on the sidewalk

Biggest Indulgence: Hiring a cleaner 🙂

Best Advice: Craigslist alerts are key if you’re looking for pieces in a specific style

Dream Sources: Article, West Elm, Etsy, Midcentury Mobler

Resources:

ENTRY
Grid art frame — Umbra

LIVING ROOM
Karlstad Sofa — IKEA via Craigslist
Couch legs — Etsy
Blanket — Heath Ceramics
Shag rug — Rugs USA via Craigslist
Various pillows — Society6
Hanging chair — Souvenir from Cuba
Green chairs, side table, teak hutch, bookshelf — Craigslist
Coffee table — DIY project
Table lamp — Antique shop
Coffee table plant — Crimson Horticultural Rarities
Black arc lamp — Allmodern

DINING ROOM
Kitchen table — Craigslist
Kitchen chairs — junkyard
Tapestry — Souvenir from Guatemala

KITCHEN
Cart — IKEA (discontinued)

BATHROOM
Shower curtain — Society6
Tapestry — Souvenir from Guatemala

Thanks, Allison!


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