An Exuberant Couple’s “Decor Hunter” Home in Puerto Rico

Written by

Esteban CortezPhotographer
Esteban CortezPhotographer
Esteban is a photographer and writer in Oakland, California. When he isn't taking photos or writing for Apartment Therapy, he obsesses over his record collection and which antique store to visit next.
updated Apr 30, 2019

An Exuberant Couple’s “Decor Hunter” Home in Puerto Rico

Written by

Esteban CortezPhotographer
Esteban CortezPhotographer
Esteban is a photographer and writer in Oakland, California. When he isn't taking photos or writing for Apartment Therapy, he obsesses over his record collection and which antique store to visit next.
updated Apr 30, 2019
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Bedrooms
Square feet

1600

Sq ft

1600

Name: Sandra Lobos, Juan Carlos Ferrer, and their cat Mimí
Location: Trujillo Alto, Puerto Rico
Size: 1,600 square feet
Years lived in: Renting 4 months

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It’s a surprise that Sandra and Juan Carlos‘ apartment in Puerto Rico is so minimal, considering the two have such playful, exuberant personalities. But Sandra explains that at the end of the day, what they really want is a space where they can unwind and have little distractions — a decluttered zen with a mesmerizing view of the Trujillo Alto mountains and tropical foliage of Puerto Rico.

Sandra and Juan Carlos have only called Trujillo Alto home for less than half a year, after they left their busier and noisier neighborhood in San Juan, Puerto Rico’s capital. But the couple doesn’t regret the switch. Sandra now has a bright and airy space where she can update the Decor Hunter blog she runs, and Juan Carlos can work on his music in the spare bedroom, where his equipment is set up.

“We chose this place because we wanted an apartment with more privacy,” Sandra says. Their previous apartment in San Juan was smaller, and the couple had to deal with traffic jams almost every day during their daily commutes. Their new place also comes with a spectacular view of the Trujillo Alto mountains. “The mountains you see from the balcony are like out of a movie scene, especially on foggy days.” Considering the two are very visual people, that sealed the deal.

Apartment Therapy Survey:

Our Style: It has evolved with time, but leans towards a modern Scandinavian-inspired look with minimal vibes.

Inspiration: Design books, art, Instagram, and our constant effort for a more decluttered zen space.

Favorite Element: The natural light. We really love plants, candles and crystals. They add life and set the right vibe in each room.

Biggest Challenge: Stop buying stuff and stop making holes in the walls.

What Friends Say: We’ve heard a lot of “light”, “airy” and “fresh”— just what we were trying to achieve while taking advantage of the tropical and energizing mountain views around the apartment.

Biggest Embarrassment: Don’t look in the closets.

Proudest DIY: One of the first DIYs Sandra made for @Decor_Hunter, the carrara marble coffee table. Everything was on a budget, and also designed and planned on a napkin like every big idea.

Biggest Indulgence: Bedding sheets and the Gray Malin piece Llamas with Balloons

Best Advice: Your taste and decor trends are constantly changing, so don’t be harsh on yourself if by the time you finish arranging an area, you already want to re-do it all over again. It happens all the time (#normal).

Dream Sources: Muuto


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PAINT & COLORS
Bear Marquee – Ultra Pure White

ENTRY
Book shelf – IKEA
Raging elephant piece – DIY by Elizabeth Ortiz (aka Sandra’s mom)

LIVING ROOM
Grey sofa — Koper
Rose velvet pillows – west elm
Mustard throw blanket – west elm
Marble coffee table – DIY by Sandra
Mirrored star – west elm
Tin candle – Voluspa
Gold candle holders – west elm
Rug – Marshalls
Oil painting – DIY by Sandra

DINING ROOM
Llamas Black & White Balloons painting – Gray Malin
Dining table – Thrift store
Chairs – eBay
Silver pendant light – Casa Febus

KITCHEN
Marble trays – CB2
Mason jars – Marshalls
Bird salt and pepper shakers – west elm

BEDROOM

Dream catcher – Tropical Depression
Knot pillow – DNA Home Accents
Duvet cover – Ralph Lauren
Euro Shams – west elm
Lamps – Kmart
Night Tables – DIY
Mirror – IKEA
Ottoman – Home Goods
Marble table lamp – Home Goods
Rug – Urban Outfitters

BATHROOM
Shower curtain – Urban Outfitters
Tulum photo – Max Wanger

Thanks, Sandra & Juan Carlos!


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