Alex and Sean refuse to leave any walls bare in their Oakland apartment. Though tiny, the couple says there is always room for more kitsch, color, and mid-century treasures. It’s also very likely there is not one white wall in their apartment, either. Both their childhood homes were filled with kitsch, so when they met and realized they shared a love for mid-century furniture, classic TV, and cheesy movies, it was a perfect fit. “It was great to finally find a gay guy who loved Morticia and Gomez Addams as much as I did,” Alex says. “We decorated this place together with stuff we always wanted to have, and every room has a bit of both of us in it.”

Editor’s note: I’m rerunning this tour for a second time for one simple reason: this IS the kitschiest, most pink-alicious apartment of all time. Not only have Alex and Sean been able to stuff a whole bunch of fun collections in one space, they’ve done so in a way that feels vibrant, not cluttered.

The couple’s apartment is one of those places that makes you smile as soon as you walk through the door — perhaps it’s the pink and blue walls (Alex and Sean’s favorite colors) or the tiki-inspired bar in the kitchen. For Alex and Sean, it’s a combination of every piece of furniture or knick-knack that brings them joy. “I think what attracts us most is the fun and good energy that these kitsch objects bring,” they say. “It’s a good feeling to go into your kitchen and find a pink Kit-Cat clock smiling at you!”

Our Style: Mid-century kitsch

Inspiration: 1950s, kitsch, Hawaii, vintage Disneyland, pop culture

Favorite Element: Alex: original paintings by El Gato Gomez. Sean: colors on the walls

Biggest Challenge: Alex: finding room for new acquisitions. Sean: stopping our cats from breaking and scratching everything

What Friends Say: “What a fun place!”

Biggest Embarrassment: Alex: carpet that came with the apartment and can’t be removed. Sean: cat-scratched back of the couch

Proudest DIY: We made a starburst clock with parts we found at antique shops and crafts stores.

Biggest Indulgence: We have too many clocks and can’t seem to stop buying more… we love them!

Best Advice: Say no to white walls and minimalism!!!

Dream Sources: Being alone in a secluded mid-century antique store in Hawaii

LIVING ROOM AND VANITY
Orange sofa — Therapy
Paintings — El Gato Gomez
Vanity chair — Found at an Alameda thrift shop

DINING ROOM
1950s dishware — Vernonware ( Tickle Pink)
Pink elephant tiki mugs — Munktiki
All furniture — Antique shops
Pink dining chairs — Vintage (reupholstered in pink fabric)
50s record player — Decca
Vintage clock — Vintage (rescued from the dumpster)

KITCHEN
Vintage oven — Magic Chef
Pillsbury collectors items — Vintage
50s pink pans — Club Aluminum
Pink appliances — Cuisinart

BEDROOM
Everything vintage

BATHROOM
Everything vintage

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