Jessica likes to collect things that remind her of a specific time and place, like the leather butterfly chair she got in Argentina, or the bedroom mirror she found at a San Diego thrift store. All of those mementos combined with eclectic accents — and lots and lots of greenery — are what makes her place special. “The mix of my travel finds with some modern furniture and a ton of plants makes the flat feel cozy while brimming with personality,” Jessica says. “It gives you a much richer connection to the things you have, and makes for a good story as you show guests around your home.”

And it’s true. As guests walk through Jessica’s apartment, she can pinpoint exactly where she got a specific item and tell them how she more than likely went above and beyond to bring it home. “The last time I went to Argentina, I brought back a leather butterfly chair and two rugs,” she says. “It was an adventure to get them home on the airplane!” But to her, it’s worth the extra effort, as her travel memories add a warmth in her apartment that can’t be matched.

Jessica is originally from the South, so naturally, she loves to have people over for dinner. It isn’t rare for Jessica and her friends to squeeze into the cozy, plant-filled living room with a glass of wine as they listen to records. Clearly, Jessica has succeeded in making her apartment feel personal and welcoming by only bringing in things she’s connected to — the fundamentals of making a home. “I’m so in love with and inspired by the stuff that surrounds me,” she says.

My Style: I’d say it’s very bright, bohemian and eclectic. It wasn’t an intentional thing — I’ve brought back so much stuff (small and large) from travels over the years, and they just work together.

Inspiration: This might sound cliché because I work at Pinterest, but my obsession with indoor plants really took off when I started a board. I kept saving Pins that looked like jungles… and then before I knew it I had surrounded myself with one. At least I have a few co-workers who share my interest so we can nerd out about propagating plants and watering schedules.

Favorite Element: The blue walls in the living room; they make anything look good. I can’t take credit for them though, the previous tenants painted them and when I got the apartment with a good friend, she asked the landlords not to repaint it.

Biggest Challenge: Having a tiny kitchen. Even with just two or three friends over for dinner, I feel like I’m crawling around everyone in the kitchen to cook and serve food. That’s why I’ve gotten really creative with storage — I put my extra pots and pans above the cabinets, and shelves around the kitchen hold my go-to utensils or spices. Even though the kitchen is the smallest room in the house, it’s always where friends gather for the longest. We rarely leave the kitchen table!

What Friends Say: My friends would joke about the blue walls — that was until the house got taken over by plants. Now we have something new to laugh about. But generally my friends say it’s super cozy and inspiring, and I love having guests.

Biggest Embarrassment: The kitchen feels a bit old (between the linoleum floor and the old countertops). But that’s where I think adding texture and greenery has helped. It feels cozier.

Proudest DIY: Though they’re far from being the star of the show, I made the shelves in the kitchen. I hand-sawed the wood and stained them. I did get help to hang them though.

Biggest Indulgence: I’ve never really invested in rugs (they go under your feet!) but one time I was in Buenos Aires and I fell in love with the rug that’s in my bedroom. I was talking with the dealer about South American weaving styles, and when he showed me this one, I couldn’t help myself. It was a pain to get back home though! I had to get another piece of luggage just to get it on the plane. But it’s worth it.

Best Advice: Home goods make the best and longest-lasting souvenirs. I’ve seriously backpacked South America with ceramics and pillowcases in my bag, and am so glad I did (though I had to leave behind some clothes to accommodate for space). It gives you a much richer connection to the things you have, and makes for a good story as you show guests around your home. So yeah, surround yourself with things that remind you of places and moments in time.

Dream Sources: Pinterest, flea markets and antique stores across the country. I also always love looking through the home section of the Anthropologie catalog. They’re never light on bright and bold use of color!

ENTRY
“Hard to Miss” print — Raven Roxanne
Small rug — Family antique
“Warm Geos” Print — Britt Bass
Shelf drawer — Family antique

LIVING ROOM
Sofa — World Market
Leather butterfly chair cover — Calma Chicha in Buenos Aires
Butterfly chair frame — Urban Outfitters
Cowhide rug — Calma Chicha in Buenos Aires
Drapes — Painter’s drop cloths held with clip pins from Lowes (parents taught me this)
Hairpin floor lamp — World Market
Knit floor ottoman — Amazon
Small chair sheepskin – Amazon
Hairpin table lamp — World Market
Jute lampshade — World Market
Table lampshade — World Market
Small white tables – Pier 1
Rocking chair — Urban Ore
Planter — Brian Giniewski
Pillows — Zanzibar and Paris
Hexagon pendant light — Bought from a friend
Cream lounge chair — A former roommate
Art on mantel — Etsy
Other art piece — an original from Britt Bass
Turned wood standing planter — West Elm
Hex side table — West elm
Set of vases — Yowie
Small ceramic planter and tray — Yowie

KITCHEN
Ceramics — Totem
Table & chairs — IKEA
Shelf above sink — Alameda Point Antiques Faire
Pendant light — Builder’s supply in SF
Island — IKEA
Rug — Target
Table runner — Portugal hardware store

BEDROOM
Mattress — Amazon
Duvet + shams — Parachute
Blue pillows — Nantucket in Chico
Calf hair pillows — Calma Chicha
B&W print and wooden rails — Parabo Press
Dresser — Family antique (purchased from a convent in Indiana in the ’70s)
Desk — IKEA legs
Edison lamp — World Market
Rug — Monte Argentino in Buenos Aires
Circle mirror — World Market
Brass lamp — Thrifted
Art — Britt Bass
Vogue mirror — Thrifted

BATHROOM
Hanging mirror — World market
Ruffled shower curtain — Amazon
Bath rug — Lisbon, Portugal
Standing organizer — A former roommate

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