Vanessa’s New Oakland Digs

published Feb 11, 2010

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Name: Vanessa Jeschke
Location: Lake Merritt, Oakland, CA
Size: 1,000 square feet, 2 bedroom
Years lived in: 3.5 months

We discovered the home of Apartment Therapy reader Vanessa on flickr, and approached her about doing a house tour. Her clean aesthetic with careful attention to detail and cheerful vignettes throughout her home called out to us immediately. She was in the process of moving when we spoke to her in November, and promised to let us in once she was settled. Much to our delight, Vanessa has speedily made herself at home and is opening it up to her fellow readers!

(Image credit: Apartment Therapy)

(Image credit: Apartment Therapy)
(Image credit: Apartment Therapy)
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(Image credit: Apartment Therapy)
(Image credit: Apartment Therapy)
(Image credit: Apartment Therapy)
(Image credit: Apartment Therapy)
(Image credit: Apartment Therapy)
(Image credit: Apartment Therapy)
(Image credit: Apartment Therapy)
(Image credit: Apartment Therapy)
(Image credit: Apartment Therapy)
(Image credit: Apartment Therapy)
(Image credit: Apartment Therapy)
(Image credit: Apartment Therapy)
(Image credit: Apartment Therapy)
(Image credit: Apartment Therapy)
(Image credit: Apartment Therapy)
(Image credit: Apartment Therapy)
(Image credit: Apartment Therapy)
(Image credit: Apartment Therapy)
(Image credit: Apartment Therapy)
(Image credit: Apartment Therapy)
(Image credit: Apartment Therapy)
(Image credit: Apartment Therapy)
(Image credit: Apartment Therapy)
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(Image credit: Apartment Therapy)
(Image credit: Apartment Therapy)
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(Image credit: Apartment Therapy)
(Image credit: Apartment Therapy)
(Image credit: Apartment Therapy)
(Image credit: Apartment Therapy)
(Image credit: Apartment Therapy)

It’s not really much of a surprise that Vanessa was able to put her home together so beautifully so quickly after moving–she’s a graphic designer with a keen sense of balance and detail. Originally from Portland, OR, she made a stop in Seattle before finally ending up in the Bay Area three years ago. She has settled in with her dog and roommate, and quickly made their new apartment their own. Take a look at the beautiful balance of minimalism with “real life,” the soft but deliberate colors, and the cheerful vignettes filled with personality.

(Image credit: Apartment Therapy)

AT Survey:

My/Our style: Clean simple lines. Comfortable. Timeless. Modern. Color.

Inspiration: I am inspired by the urban neighborhoods that I have lived in, both in the northwest, and here in Oakland. The way that the new is layered on top of old is such an interesting aesthetic to me. Ultra modern buildings right alongside ornate pre-war structures; and the way that is is all so organic and slowly and contently evolving into something new, driven by the changing needs and lifestyles of the people living there. My training in graphic design is also a huge influence. All of the key elements of design—color, balance, scale, etc—apply no matter the application.

Favorite Element: The french doors and windows.

Biggest Challenge: Aside from everything that goes along with renting and being on a budget (the inability to paint or change fixtures and such) this was a single family home that has been divided into a duplex. As a result, the bedrooms are huge, and the other rooms are small and oddly shaped.

What Friends Say: : Mostly that my is very “Vanessa”. I take that as a complement. I hope that people feel comfortable and welcome in my home.

Biggest Embarrassment: Lack of frames for the art.

Proudest DIY: I make a lot of stuff, most of it ends up being forced onto my friends and family in the form of “gifts”. One of my goals is to have more handmade in my home.

Biggest Indulgence: I would say the Eames chairs, but they were gifts. I actually take a lot of pride in my thriftiness.

Best advice: Only bring things into your home that you love. Don’t worry so much if something “matches”. By choosing things that you truly love, your personal taste and style with show, and everything will have a since of “going” together.

Dream source: DWR, Craigslist, a local shop that sales vintage danish imports klassik by lynne, design public, velocity art and design.

(Image credit: Apartment Therapy)

Resources:

Living Room 
Art: Poster from exhibit at SF MoMa. 
Couch: Urban Outfitters 
Pillows: Matte Stephens, Chris Bettig, Lotta Jansdotter 
Coffee table: Urban Outfitters 
Lamp: Ikea 
TV Stand: Danish Mid Century Accent table from Cragslist.
Bathroom Art: Photography: my own
Travel Post Cards: Urban Outfitters 
Shower curtains: CB2 
Bath Mat: CB2

Bedroom
Art: Sky Poster: from exhibit ad SF MoMa, Tiki Print: gift from Tim Oakley, Blue Triptych: my own painting, Boy and Girl print: from Etsy  
Bed: Craiglist for $50. A simple mid-century teak platform, this is one of my favorite finds. 
Bedding: West Elm, Ikea 
Bedside table: Ikea (As-Is section) 
Lamps: bedside lamp from a local shop, Klassik By Lynne
Desk: Craigs list, Free with purchase of sewing machine.  
White Chair: DWR, gifted. 
Black Chair: Street find, painted and re-covered.
Hallway Art: Poster: Jennifer Morla, Photography: my own 
Chair: DWR, gifted.

Entry 
Poster: Ames Bros
Photography: my own

Dining Room
Art: Victoria Smith, Village, Ryan Jacob Smith, Imeus Design, Lisa Congdon, Yoshitomo Nara (postcards). Table: Ikea 
Chairs: Craigslist 
Lounge Chair: EQ3 
Credenza: Craigslist 
Cart: Ikea 
Radio: Target 
Place mates: Matte Stephens
Kitchen Art: sandra juto, Nikki McClure 
Pot and Dish Racks: Ikea

(Image credit: Apartment Therapy)

(Thanks, Vanessa!)

Images: Vanessa Jeschke

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