A Small San Diego Rental Is Stylish Thanks to Secondhand Finds, Including a $50 Sofa Score

Name: Annie Veron, with fiancé, and pets
Location: San Diego, California
Type of home: House
Size: 950 square feet
Years lived in: 2 years, renting

Tell us a little (or a lot) about your home and the people who live there: My home is small, yet ever evolving. I’m always on the hunt for new and old world gems. I never like to keep it the same for too long. I have a deep fascination of colorful artwork and vintage textiles. I’m also an avid deal hunter; I can never get myself to pay for something full price. All of my items in my house were purchased secondhand from Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, Offer Up, or thrift stores. I love that every item has a story behind it, whether it’s the people I met when purchasing the items or the store I found it in.

I live in the house with my fiancé, Reza, and our three small dogs. I’m an interior designer and with no formal design training; I found a design firm willing to take me on as an assistant and I’ve worked my way up to creative director. I also run my new textile design studio, Western Lune, on the side from my home. Since I work in the interior design business, I found a love for textiles and decided to make my own line of products for my pups.

I identify with bright colors and patterns. I’m always drawn to the brighter statement pieces. I also reflect my interior style in my fashion style — colorful patterns are always my go-to!

Describe your home’s style in 5 words or less: Vintage eclectic colorful old-world gems abstract

What is your favorite room and why? The living room! It features a piece of art my mom bought for me at a consignment shop when I moved into my first home by myself. She recently passed away suddenly from cancer last year and it makes me feel all the feels when I’m in the space. The room also features the best deal I’ve ever found, which is my $50 crushed velvet green couch.

What’s the last thing you bought (or found!) for your home? Similar style as this $9000 one on 1stDibs, but I bought mine off Facebook Marketplace for $50!

Any advice for creating a home you love? If you find a piece you love, buy it and decorate the rest of your space around that one item. You won’t regret it! Shop at thrift stores and utilize secondhand apps to find items you’re looking for at a discount. This allows you to redecorate your space on an evolving basis since you didn’t break the bank and can also resale that item at a discount. I always like to start with statement pieces like artwork or rugs when designing spaces. This then establishes the color palette for the rest of the furniture and makes the room come together!

This submission’s responses and photos were edited for length/size and clarity.

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