At the end of February, just a couple months ago, I moved to LA with close to no living room furniture. I kid you not, that picture up there is exactly what it looked like when I arrived — a desk, a $10 IKEA lamp, and a confused looking dog (who just happened to pose there on his own free will).
After the past few years of moving around Southern California and Japan,Ā and acquiring no furniture in the process, I decided it was time to actually make my apartment feel like a cozy, happy home — something that would make me smile as soon as I walked in the door. I went for a bohemian modern lookĀ and feel so, SO happy with the outcome.Ā At the risk of sounding super click-baity, I really think it’s hardly recognizable now from that depressing, “before” picture up there and I’m pretty darn excited to show you around. Now, let me take you on a tour of my LA living room! š
Ta-da! This is the main area — a comfy place to hang out, work, and take naps with my pup. By the way, I have to tell you up front thatĀ as a web designer, I obsessed over this project. My boyfriend, Paul, can certainly attest to that! š Every time he came over he’d say it was like playing hide and seek because there was always something new to discover. Ha!Ā It felt like a puzzle that I was piecing together over the span ofĀ two months.Ā And as much work as it was, I enjoyed every second of it.
Ahh this chair. It’s handmade from bamboo and rattan and I love how it combines together the natural and modern look I was going for. Ā Plus, it’s comfy. #booyah
Just a pic of me being a goofball in my natural habitat. #TheUsual
This is the view from the couch, which is just my style: bright and a little quirky. Also, that credenza is one of my favorite pieces. It has some slight, geometric curves, which adds a little funkiness to it, don’tcha think? š
Monja is clearly all, “Mommmm you’re embarrassing me.” This happens a lot when you treat your corgi like a human child.
I plucked those bougainvillea from a plant outside my door. Don’t tell my landlord, k? š
By the way, those white flowers are real, promise. I feel like they look kind of fake, so I needed to clear that up before you deem me as some old lady who dusts her flowers in her spare time. š
This Apt2B couch was the very first thing I got for my living room. I knew I wanted the room to feel bright and airy, so I opted for a light grey couch to keep things light and modern. It’s really comfy, fits a few people and a dog like a charm, and has cute little mid-century legs that I love. I never thought I liked tufting until I met this couch, but I think we’re going to be real good friends from here on out.
This blue, glass lampĀ bringsĀ in a nice pop of color, doesn’t it? And that painting above it is one of my favorite flea market finds to date. š
That colorfulĀ print is probably the oldest thing in this entire room; I’ve had it since college. My friend, Jeff, is a ridiculously talented artist and photographer, so I knew I needed one of his creations. I love the way he brings color and observation into his work. He doesn’t have an online shop, but if you email him about printing any of his work, he’s more than down to do it.
The art above the couch was one of my biggest tasks. I was very meticulous in picking art that both inspired me and that fit together well. Gallery walls usually aren’t my thing because I think they sometimes look cluttered (bah, sorry!), so I spent about a decade working on it. I also scoured Emily Henderson’s blog because she has ah-mazing tips for gallery walls (and pretty much anything related to interiors!). Seriously, that woman is a genius.
Oh hai. š
Annnnnd that’s a wrap! I hope you enjoyed the little tour around my bohemian modern living room. š I can’t believe I can finally file this project under “DONE!” It was such a blast to create and I know I’ll keep adding to it over the years. It’s nice toĀ finally have a place that feels like home. š
Which part of the living room decor is your favorite? I’d love to hear!
Full list of products mentioned: monroe sofa c/o Apt2B, coffee table c/o Apt2B, moroccan rug, jute rug, woven chair c/o Forma Living, patan pouf c/o Lulu & Georgia, abstract art prints c/o Britt Bass, floor lamp, blue table lamp c/o LampsPlus, white side table c/o Sauder, throw pillows c/o Lulu & Georgia (1, 2, 3), leaf print, ponytail girl print, macramĆ© plant hanger, colorful face print, credenza, throw blanket c/o Lulu & Georgia. Anything received complimentary isĀ marked with “c/o,” but of course, I wouldn’t include anything I didn’t adore. š Thank you thank you to the brands who helped me with this big project — I’m so grateful for your support.