Though Rene rents this apartment in San Francisco’s Alamo Square neighborhood, he wanted to create a space that really felt like his own. He got permission from his landlord to upgrade to the place himself, and hired Gina Gutierrez, Principal Designer of Gina Rachelle Design, to help make the space more efficient and beautiful. Considering how long he’s been in the space, that he has no intentions of leaving. Plus, the San Francisco housing marking is wild, which means Rene felt investing funds to update the small apartment would be well worth it.

We’ve toured Gina’s home on Apartment Therapy before!

Gina maximized the space by hanging his bikes on the wall, rescuing precious floor space from being used for storage and keeping the apartment feeling open. Rene works from home on a regular basis, and Gina was able to create a tidy, useful home workspace that doesn’t scream “office” nor take up too much space: She added a clear acrylic desk behind the sofa in the living room that also doubles as keyboard table. 

“My place combines the building’s Beaux-Arts elements with some mid-century modern flair,” Rene writes. “The living room is a fun, bold space for parties, movie nights, and Mario Kart tournaments. One day a week I work from home, and my living room doubles as a stylish, sunny study. The furniture and lighting bring me a lot of joy, and the plants keep it from becoming too sterile.”

Rene continues, “The bedroom is a softer, quieter space for rest and relaxation. The wall color gives the wooden furniture a subtle pop. The layered shades and curtains allow for lots of light level control, in addition to adding softness in texture and sound.”

With the multi-colored rug anchoring the living room and the beautiful, but still rather neutral, blue walls in the bedroom, this is an example of how to add color to a rental without risking not getting your security deposit back.

My Style: Mid-century, some contemporary modern, and a dash of Hollywood regency.

Inspiration: The scathing bits in Jaques Tati / Monsieur Hulot films.

Favorite Element: The multi-color tile rug in the living room. It’s essential in that it brings all of the levity, boldness, and structure.

Biggest Challenge: My living room layout; every flat surface is covered in wood paneling, room doors, pocket doors, closet doors, built-in storage, or bay windows. Gina and crew did a wonderful job working around these constraints, and the resulting design accommodates multiple uses.

Biggest Indulgence: I previously made space for four bikes. It was hard, but, I’ve cut down to two. We also decided to give the living room some pizzazz with a statement chandelier.

Best Advice: Interior designers bring a lot of skill and experience. If you’re feeling stuck, definitely consider consulting a professional.

PAINT & COLORS

• Living Room — Benjamin Moore, Gray Owl
• Bedroom — Farrow and Ball, Inchyra Blue

LIVING ROOM

• Rio Oval Spoke Chandelier — Jonathan Adler
• Belgian Flax Linen Curtains in Gray — West Elm
• Calhoun Loveseat in Taylor Golden — Joybird
• Wallace Sewell Crewel Blocks on Blocks Pillow Cover — West Elm
• Mid-Century Modern Solid Brass Grasshopper Floor Lamp — Phototonic Studio via Etsy
• Retropolitan Mid-century Modern Chair — Kardiel
• Tolson End Table in Walnut — Joybird
• Mid-Century Turned Leg Standing Planters — West Elm
• Retro Bullet Planter, Small + Medium — Hip Haven
• Clapboard White 48″ Media Console — Crate and Barrel
• Court Dining Side Chair, Hemp — West Elm
• Peekaboo 56″ acrylic console table — CB2
• Quincy Curtain Rod Set — Anthropologie
• Angel’s Block Area Rug — FLOR

BEDROOM

• Bed and Nightstands — Jeremiah Collection, Custom
• Cylinder Task Sconces — Rejuvenation
• Scout Chandelier — Schoolhouse Electric
• Mollie Hook — Schoolhouse Electric
• Gray Linen Duvet Cover + Shams — Schoolhouse Electric
• Madera Lumbar Pillow — The Citizenry
• Bike Stands — Loma Living via Etsy
• Mid-century Wood Turned Planter in White and Gold — West Elm
• Metal Framed Narrow Mirror — West Elm
• Blackout Shades — The Shade Store
• Belgian Flax Linen Curtains in Natural — West Elm
• Sculptural Window Hardware — West Elm
• Tate Walnut Bench with Natural Cushion — Crate and Barrel
• Small Planters — Nystrom Goods

Thanks, Rene and Gina!

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