Justin’s Warehouse Acropolis
Name: Justin Bauer
Location: Boyle Heights; Los Angeles, California
Size: 3,500 square feet
Years lived in: 2 years; Rented
Artist and Creative Director Justin Bauer‘s industrial live/work space is located on the outskirts of Downtown Los Angeles and is an open-concept lover’s dream. While most would be overwhelmed outfitting an interior as large as Justin’s self proclaimed “Warehouse Acropolis,” artistic sensibilities and an adventurous spirit make it a blank canvas with endless possibilities for creative exploration.
Justin is all about keeping an open mind when it comes to creative inspiration, so it’s fun to see the diverse range of styles he has cohesively housed under one roof. Interesting architecture, flea market finds and handmade furniture make this space a one-of-a-kind site. Imagine a capsized ship, bathed in dreamy natural light and filled with remnants of intergalactic travel and sophisticated social salons of decades past. In the bar area, a vintage piano serves as the perfect foundation for a mountain of spirits. A small trailer parked in the center of the ground floor will soon contain a spacey, star-filled lounging den a la the ’60s cult classic Barbarella. The whole place is like a giant, ever-evolving art installation.
While ample space and seating make this home ideal for hosting social events, Justin sees his space as more than just a party pad — “It’s a good place to throw a party but I also hope it’s a place for close friends to come over and be creative.”
The ruggedly whimsical space is subdivided into 7 main functional areas: a bar; a bohemian low-profile seating area; a retro TV “room;” a motorcycle garage; an art studio currently displaying three of Justin’s own large scale paintings; a mini library loft; and the dimly lit upstairs sleeping quarters. He’s done a great job making each area feel distinct, while still maintaining the open flow that makes a space of this size oh-so-appealing.
Apartment Therapy Survey:
My Style: Vintage deconstructed warehouse pop.
Inspiration: The space was really the inspiration. I needed a studio remote enough and big enough to do a variety of projects. Both my art and design tend to balance colors, pop elements, representational elements etc. So that balance is reflected here. I just wanted a mellow space to be in and get inspired by.
Favorite Element: Space Pod
Biggest Challenge: At first outfitting a warehouse without a shower etc was a semi-set back. Then filling the space was overwhelming. But I knew where the motorcycles had to go, the studio portion, the bar etc. and it became clear element by element.
What Friends Say: They usually are surprised coming off the street into this environment.
Biggest Embarrassment: I guess not having a proper fridge was for a bit.
Proudest DIY: A lot of this space is DIY, I guess there are two; I wanted to run a few lights down an area so I learned a bit about electrical work, hung a ladder and wired up lights down the prongs. The other one was the bar top itself. My bar was built previously by a good friend but moving into this space I wanted more bar top so I got some tips and did a little woodwork on a new slab of tree. Actually, the third is re-facing the kitchen and cabinets, that was my second amateur wood working project.
Biggest Indulgence: Hmm, the bath? I like water.
Best Advice: Just live in the space. It’s way better to add to it over time and continue to be creative then try to force decorate. You learn more about how you live.
Resources of Note:
– Chris Earl (www.chris-earl.com) did the bar, he makes great furniture and bar trays etc.
– District Millworks (www.districtmillworks.com) did the wood log bench, best birthday gift ever.
– Long Beach Flea; better than Rose Bowl, more mellow and easier choosing.
– Stephen Kenn (www.stephenkenn.com)
– Ebay/Etsy
ENTRY
LIVING ROOM
DINING ROOM
KITCHEN
BATHROOM
DIY
LOUNGE
Thanks, Justin!
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