A Graphic, Nature-Inspired, Small Oakland Apartment

Name: Maggie Servais, Jose Posadas and their dog George
Location: Lower Bottoms — Oakland, California
Size: 600 square feet
Years lived in: Rented 8 months

When Maggie and Jose could no longer justify paying such high rent in San Francisco, they decided to pack up and cross the bridge to Oakland—an all too familiar scenario in the Bay Area’s expensive rental market. Oakland was already familiar to them; Maggie had ties to Oakland through her family and Jose had opened up a coffee shop with a friend just a year prior near downtown. Just eight months after moving in, the couple has planted roots in a cozy, bohemian-inspired apartment.

Inspired by vintage thrift stores and various bohemian style blogs, the couple have put together a stylish home that can accommodate Maggie’s love for plants while showcasing items that remind them of family and their homes. The butterflies at the entry are from Peru, where Jose was born, while some furniture pieces are hand-me-downs from Maggie’s mom. All of these elements coming together provide the couple with a cozy home that is just as vibrant as their personalities.

Our Style: Vintage but without the kitsch, nature that’s graphic

Inspiration: Maggie’s mom, thrift stores, and the Internet, The Jungalow, Urban Jungle Bloggers, Pinterest

Favorite Element: Plants

Biggest Challenge: It’s a small space. We like stuff, but don’t like being cramped. There’s a fine line!

What Friends Say: More plants?

Biggest Embarrassment: The “Man Cave” is a wreck.

Proudest DIY: Shelves

Biggest Indulgence: Our custom-made bed

Best Advice: Storage doesn’t have to be ugly. I keep my craft supplies in ceramic containers rather than plastic boxes.

Dream Sources: Vintage items we can’t afford (usually on Ebay)

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