A Maximalist Cincinnati Loft Has Hidden Jewelry Storage, a Brilliant Bar Setup, and Lots More
Name: Kate Beebe
Location: Cincinnati, Ohio
Type of home: Urban Apartment
Size: 745 square feet
Years lived in: 3 years, renting
Tell us a little (or a lot) about your home and the people who live there: A transplant in Cincinnati for my job—working for home decor/furniture brand Frontgate—renting provides me the luxury of a low-maintenance lifestyle. The history of this building (a former piano factory now-turned apartments) sets this rental community apart from any other apartment building in the area. Aside from being nearly 100 years old, the 13-foot ceilings and expansive windows have provided the perfect backdrop for my eclectic decorating taste.
I’ve had a fabulous time filling the interiors with both my hunted treasures and Frontgate finds. While I’ve always adored collecting art and antiques, working for Frontgate (also sister to Ballard Designs) has influenced me to incorporate more modern pieces—and pattern! It’s my goal that my space be a wonderment to every eye who enters. I want people to see something new every time they take another glance. I want them to be prompted to ask, “What is this?” or, “Why is this here?” or, “Where did this come from?”
From my neon-lit signs, to quirky framed cross stitches, to my great grandfather’s old dance cards encased in acrylic boxes—people could spend all day exploring this small space.
What is your favorite room and why? The entryway. It puts a smile on my face every time I walk through the door. I couldn’t pick a theme, so I settled for “catch-all.” The gallery wall reaches from floor to 13-foot ceiling, and spans original water colors and oils, antique ceramic plates and—yes—boxed Barbie dolls.
What’s the last thing you bought (or found!) for your home? I am obsessed with this rug I just bought from Frontgate. I love layering, and this really pulled the “living room” space together.
Describe your home’s style in 5 words or less: Collected and eclectic.
Any advice for creating a home you love? A well-collected home knows no bounds. Forget the rules, and simply build a space you love.
This submission’s responses were edited for length and clarity.