A Small but Cozy San Francisco Home Was Built Around the Dreamiest Window Seat
Adrienne BreauxHouse Tour Director
Adrienne BreauxHouse Tour Director
For more than 10 years, I've led Apartment Therapy's real home content, producing thousands of house tours from around the world. Currently, I live in my maximalist dream home in New Orleans, Louisiana, with my partner, a perfect dog, and a cute cat.
published Sep 16, 2025

A Small but Cozy San Francisco Home Was Built Around the Dreamiest Window Seat

Adrienne BreauxHouse Tour Director
Adrienne BreauxHouse Tour Director
For more than 10 years, I've led Apartment Therapy's real home content, producing thousands of house tours from around the world. Currently, I live in my maximalist dream home in New Orleans, Louisiana, with my partner, a perfect dog, and a cute cat.
published Sep 16, 2025
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Bedrooms
Square feet

550

Sq ft

550

This rental apartment in San Francisco’s Nob Hill neighborhood is only 550 square feet, but it comes with quite the envy-inducing element: an absolutely dreamy window seat that overlooks the city!

Credit: Kelsea Lagerquist
"I would identify myself as somewhat of an old soul," Kelsea writes. "I have a deep appreciation for older music, decor, and art. I think that is reflected through the decor I have collected over the years."

But while renter Kelsea Lagerquist — who shares her home with her husband, Zach, and their dog, Summer — says the space had some architectural character and “overall was a blank slate,” there were some downsides, too, like an outdated kitchen.

Credit: Kelsea Lagerquist
"Our kitchen was completely renovated. We opened it up and changed the layout to work better with the space that we have. The open shelves in the kitchen we made from reclaimed wood."

“I wanted our little apartment to feel like a cozy, safe haven away from the rest of the world — and I feel like I achieved that for myself,” Kelsea writes. “We both love to travel, and I love to bring home pieces from every trip. I also love thrifting and antiquing and have accumulated most of my decor from that and family as well. I love layering in different textures and colors so it feels like there is always something to look at.”

Credit: Kelsea Lagerquist
"I think it's best not to rush decorating or furnishing a space just to fill it. I think it's more thoughtful to take time to collect pieces that best fit your style and the space," Kelsea advises.

Kelsea and Zach have been in the apartment for four years now, and did a little renovating of the space — they removed the “wall separating the kitchen and the living room to make it one big space with a peninsula countertop” when they first moved in. “I love to cook, so I spend a lot of time in the kitchen and still wanted to be able to see our amazing view and not be isolated in the kitchen.”

Resources

Credit: Kelsea Lagerquist

LIVING ROOM

  • Wooden Dresser — Grandpa built
  • Lamp — Antique
  • Striped Pillow Covers — H&M Home
  • Hanging Lanterns — IKEA
  • Couch — Burrow
  • Coffee Table — Wayfair
  • Antique Brass Frames — Thrift
Credit: Kelsea Lagerquist

KITCHEN

  • Shelves — DIY
  • Decorative Crystal Fruit Bowl — Thrift
  • Painting in the Corner — Garage Sale
  • Wine Rack — Amazon
  • Mirrored Tray — Antique Store
  • Photo of Point Lobos — Antique Fair
Credit: Kelsea Lagerquist

BEDROOM

  • Dresser — IKEA
  • Mirrors — Antique
  • Chair — Wayfair

Thanks, Kelsea!

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

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