See This Photographer’s Total Apartment Decor Overhaul

Back in June, this former personal stylist-turned-photographer got an itch to redecorate. Like, seriously redecorate. “I sold everything on Craigslist and Offer Up, and started from scratch,” Elizabeth told me. I was slightly jealous of the adventure she’d just been on. From scratch, you say? Swoon. I really do have a thing for blank slates. Over the course of the next several months, Elizabeth made regular visits to a huge consignment store in Seattle’s Ballard neighborhood for interesting pieces, surfed Amazon more often than her friends feel is reasonable, and splurged on items she knew she wanted to last. More importantly, she took her time. She’d only finished putting the final touches on it about a week before I came to snap pics—or, that morning, if you count the fresh flowers she dashed out to get last minute.

Walking into her living room, it’s on the verge of minimalism, but still feels very cozy and warm. A great couch with fluffy pillows—particularly one that happens to be that rich shade of orange—tend to do that. Elizabeth’s own photographs hang in select spots throughout her home. Her favorite (and mine) is a shot she took of San Francisco’s Sutro Baths, sitting above the couch. She also has some of her originals mingling with purchased pieces in the guest bath—turning on that light is a lovely surprise as you lay eyes on an unexpected mini gallery. And the cutest accessory in this Queen Anne condo is definitely Elizabeth’s sweet cat, Lucy, who seems to be everywhere you go. Even though she struck a few poses for the camera in the end, most of the time she wanted to be closer to me than a close-up really requires, angling for some belly scratches. Not that my arm needed twisting. For me, fluffy kitty tummies are right up there with blank slates.

My Style: Eclectic—Scandinavian and modern elements with vintage inspiration. I get ideas from Pinterest and Instagram mostly. I’m always curating the home of my dreams.

Favorite Element: I love the closed-off, loft-style of the apartment.

Biggest Challenge: Knowing that I can only do so much as a renter and sticking with decisions.

What Friends Say: I change my mind a lot and that I can’t make up my mind; that I’m a super organized clean freak; and I buy too much from Amazon!

Biggest Embarrassment: My cat is always on my kitchen table or countertops begging for attention.

Proudest DIY: Not a DIY so-to-speak, but I photographed and blew up the large print in my living room. It was taken at the Sutro Baths in San Francisco.

Biggest Indulgence: Definitely my bed from West Elm. It’s my first adult bed so I splurged on what I really wanted.

Best Advice: Invest in pieces with longevity, like your couch, a unique coffee table, or a vintage rug.

Dream Sources: Architectural Digest, Lonny Mag, and Domino.

ENTRYWAY
Papier-Mâché Entry Table — West Elm (not sold anymore)
Brass Round Mirror — World Market
White Speckled Vase and Book — Amazon
Wood Figure — Ballard Consignment
Block Print — Sofia Shu

LIVING ROOM
Sofa — Article
End Table — West Elm
Accent Chairs — Target
Marble and Brass Coffee Table — Ballard Consignment
Small Accent Table — Ballard Consignment
Two-Door Cabinet — Target
Fireplace Mantel — Etsy
Birds of Paradise Plant — The Plant Store
Lamps — Target (other one is years old so not online anymore)
Teak Wood Bowl — World Market
Greek Statue — Amazon
Plant Stand — Amazon (pot is from Homegoods)
Large Art Print — My own
Pillows — Orange — Lulu & Georgia

DINING ROOM
Open Shelf Unit — IKEA
White Tulip Table — IKEA
Bentwood Dining Chairs — Craigslist
Bar Stools — Wayfair
Woven Light Fixture — Ballard Consignment

KITCHEN
100-year-old Rug — Etsy
Artwork — Densinio, my own
Wood bowl — Vintage

BEDROOM
Bed and Nightstand — West Elm
Rug Moroccan — Overstock
Rattan Side Table — Wayfair
Artwork — Urban Outfitters
Brass Lamp — Lamps Plus
Large Floor Mirror — Homegoods

BATHROOM
Vintage Rug — Ballard Consignment
Artwork — My own and from Amazon
Macrame Wall Hanging — Etsy

OFFICE
Desk — World Market
Chair — Amazon
Artwork — The Poster Club
Tropical Leaf Mouse Pad — Etsy

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