This Rental Apartment’s Shelf Wall Is Simple But Stunning
This Rental Apartment’s Shelf Wall Is Simple But Stunning
Name: Taylor Bennett
Location: Monroe, Louisiana
Size: 920 square feet
Years lived in: Rent, less than a year

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Art director, stylist, and event designer Taylor Bennett didn’t just design the apartment he rents in this historic building in Monroe, Louisiana, he helped design the whole thing! The building’s rehabilitation was spearheaded by architect Christie Echols and her husband Michael. Built in 1947, the building was once a department store, but today it’s made up of several apartments (including Taylor’s). And it’s filled with delightful historic industrial details.
Apartment Therapy Survey:
My Style: Honestly still trying to figure that one out. Here are a few words that come to mind: cozy, curated, layered, utilitarian. I try to keep a simple color palette so my home can change with the seasons. My space/style, like me, is always evolving.
Inspiration: A drive down my favorite road to the farm house, an afternoon spent sifting through books in my favorite bookstore in Seaside, Fl + Whiskey Cake in Plano, sitting on the green velvet sofa a dreary winter day with friends. These are the places I feel most at home. I make a short list of what I love about each and then try my best to bring them into my home.
Favorite Element: The large historic windows in my living/kitchen that overlook downtown—they fill the space with the most incredible light. When my friend Christie Echols (architect/designer) asked me to co-design this historic building with her, I picked out this space before we even had walls because I was obsessed with the windows.
Biggest Challenge: Not having windows in my bedroom or bathroom. Before moving in, I had nightmares about being claustrophobic in my room. After living here for almost a year, I’m happy to report it doesn’t bother me at all. I sleep so great because it’s so dark.
Proudest DIY: I would have to say the wood feature wall in my kitchen, although I didn’t actually build it. I did help design it. It’s easily one of my favorite parts of my home. One of my favorite creatives to follow is Billy Jack Brawner. He’s on the creative team for the “Magnolia Journal.” He has a similar wall in his Waco home and I’ve been obsessed with it since the first time he posted it.
Biggest Indulgence: My two white oversized chairs from Cisco Home. I wanted them for a good two years before actually purchasing. I don’t know if I’ll ever part with them. It’s usually where I start and end my day.
Best Advice: Don’t try to keep up with the latest trend, because you’ll always be chasing it. Just fill your space with pieces that you love, pieces that tell the story of who you are and where you’ve been.
Dream Sources: Anthropologie—all the things. Cisco Home, Six Penny Home + a few days at Roundtop with a large budget and a large trailer to bring it all home.
Resources
PAINT & COLORS
- Walls — Pure White by Sherwin Williams
- Brick Walls — Foggy Day by Dunn Edwards
- Kitchen Cabinets (upper) — Foggy Day by Dunn Edwards
- Kitchen Cabinets (lower) — Mediterranean Olive by Benjamine Moore
- Bathroom Cabinets — Mediterranean Olive by Benjamine Moore
- Trim — Foggy Day by Dunn Edwards
- Beams — Tricorn Black by Sherwin Willams
ENTRY
- Console Table — Paul Michael Company
- Glass Lamp — West Elm
- Vintage Oyster Basket — Woodstock Furniture Revival
- Ceramic Deer w/ Branches — Woodstock Furniture Revival
LIVING ROOM
- Down-Filled Sofa — Local Purchase
- White Club Chairs — Cisco Home (Paul Michael)
- Kilim Rug — West Elm
- Lumbar Pillow (Mustard + White) — Anthropologie
- “Life Script Rewrite” Art — Robin Hamaker
- Midcentury Console/Dresser — Craiglist
- Throws — Anthropologie
- Coffee Table — Paul Michael
DINING ROOM
- German Beer Table — Paul Michael
- Sign Letters — Amazon
- Vintage European Jug — Lonesome Pine
KITCHEN
- Counter Stools — Target
- Cutting Boards — West Elm, Magnolia, Star Provisions
- Kitchenaid Mixer — Amazon
- Dried Mushroom Wreath — Target
- Dishware — Anthropologie
- Dutch Oven — Le Creuset
- Rug — Walsworth & Co
HALLWAY
- Abstract Cow Art — Lissy Compton
- Rug — World Market
BEDROOM
- Bed — Jodami Designs
- Bedding + Throw — Anthropologie
- Vintage Rugs — Paul Michael
- Mumford & Sons Lyrics Art — Libby Gifford
- Wall Sconces — Target
- Reclaimed Wood Art — Jodami Designs
- Safari Chair — Walsworth & Co
MASTER BATHROOM
HALF BATHROOM
- Mirror — Hobby Lobby
- Abstract Art — Chad Schoonmaker
- Black + Gold City Map — Courtney Wetzel