A Small Rental Apartment Makes a Compelling Case for Black Wood Floors
Name: Meredith Wearsch and my cat, Ruby Sue
Location: South Bay, Los Angeles, California
Type of home: Duplex apartment
Size: 780 square feet
Years lived in: 5 months, renting
Tell us a little (or a lot) about your home and the people who live there: I live in a duplex apartment in the South Bay of Los Angeles, near Manhattan Beach. It’s just me and my Siamese rescue, Ruby Sue, so the 780-square-foot space is the perfect size. As soon as I saw the apartment, I fell in love with the black-stained hardwood floors and fireplace. The dining area came with these lovely white built-in bookshelves, and I was officially hooked.
What is your favorite room and why? My living room! I love that it’s primarily neutral—I like my surroundings to be on the “quiet” side of the color spectrum—but that it’s not boring. It contains a bookshelf that is full of the interesting ceramics and objects that I’ve collected over time, and I can honestly say that I love each and every thing that is on display. I’m very happy with the way the space has evolved.
If you could magically change something about your home, what would it be? The kitchen, for sure. It’s actually rather large, but there’s absolutely no counter space, so it would be nice to add some of that. Also, I’d love to switch out the yellow tile counters for something, anything, else!
Describe your home’s style in 5 words or less: Mindful and curated eclectic.
What’s the last thing you bought (or found!) for your home? I love CB2, but I try not to go overboard buying from any particular source. My latest purchase was the brand’s white pedestal bowl, which I styled with a black knot object to add some interest.
Which fictional character would be most at home in your place? I’d have to say Mary Lennox, from “The Secret Garden.” There’s lots of little odds and ends to play with and investigate, and there’s even a garden in the backyard full of flowers!
Any advice for creating a home you love? If you own only those things which bring you joy, you’ll feel a sense of lightness. I think that finding those things can (and was for me) a process of trial and error, but the process is necessary in order to actually recognize your style and feel that what you have truly reflects you.
This submission’s responses were edited for length and clarity.