A California Home Bursting with Different Styles

Name: Jamee Jones (and his six housemates)
Location: Oak Tree — Oakland, California
Size: 1,691 square feet
Years lived in: Rented 2 years

When Jamee greeted me at his doorstep before his Apartment Therapy photoshoot, he had just finished his daily commute from San Francisco, where he works at Urban Outfitters as a social media manager. He didn’t have time to pick up around his bedroom or common areas, and living with six other creatives in an Oakland home means the space would likely be bursting with stuff at every nook. But those are the things that make Jamee’s space relatable—this is what it often looks like when young, creative people live together.

Though Jamee’s second-floor bedroom and the entire home often lack bright light due to its location and surroundings, the small amount of light that seeps in throughout the day is one of Jamee’s favorite elements. Upon entering his small bedroom, it’s clear that he is a fan of vintage items: a bright-green sofa he found at Goodwill sits on one side, and his collection of vintage outfits hangs from a garment rack on the opposite side. However, he still has a 5×7 storage unit in Texas (his home state) full of thousands of outfits and treasures he collected there.

Living with other creative people means that the house common areas—such as the living room and kitchen—feature his roommates’ many different tastes and styles, but he finds inspiration in that. “For now my room is where you’ll see the biggest reflection of my style,” he says.

My Style: Colorful, eclectic, and fun. I live with several other creatives so I haven’t taken over the house with just my aesthetic. For now, my room is where you’ll see the biggest reflection of my style.

Inspiration: Definitely antique shops. They are filled with so many unique treasures. The found range of styles is really appealing to me. I like the idea of mixing it up and having a space that speaks to all of my different likings.

Favorite Element: The lighting that seeps in during late sunset

Biggest Challenge: Lack of closet space for the rest of my 1,000 other vintage and thrifted garments. I’m a bit of a hoarder.

What Friends Say: “Your room is like a museum.” People want to explore it.

Biggest Embarrassment: The tacky blinds I have yet to replace. I’m waiting for that right covering piece to speak to me. Where are you?!

Proudest DIY: The red organ bench. I scored it from Poor Honey’s in Oakland and painted it bright red for a pop of color.

Biggest Indulgence: I’d have to say the two beautiful circa 1890s Victorian Eastlake Parlor chairs. I found them at Poor Honey’s in Oakland, and luckily no one managed to buy them during the four months I had my eye on them. *hands raised in celebration*

Best Advice: Your living space should always reflect who you are as a person. Make it fun. Make it you.

Dream Sources: Antique shops. Stuff in San Francisco is a dream and I want to live there! Ugh! Also all those dreamy loft spaces that I see on Instagram and in glossy home magazines. Also, years and years of watching home shows on HGTV.

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