The Rental Apartment
The building's original gas fireplaces function as efficiently today as they did a hundred years ago.
Whitewashed bricks and a slim wooden mantel are a blank canvas for showcasing artwork and small treasures, like these original paintings by Patricia Larsen and Ron Crawford, Larsen's parents. Their works hang in both apartments.
by Megan Buchanan The building's original gas fireplaces function as efficiently today as they did a hundred years ago.
Whitewashed bricks and a slim wooden mantel are a blank canvas for showcasing artwork and small treasures, like these original paintings by Patricia Larsen and Ron Crawford, Larsen's parents. Their works hang in both apartments.
An archway leads into an eat-in kitchen, where an industrial-inspired bistro table and stools are paired with a silver Acquatinta Suspension Lamp set into a detailed ceiling medallion.
by Megan Buchanan
The bistro table, which features a reclaimed wood top, and another earthy, abstract painting by Larsen's mother anchor the dining room.
by Megan Buchanan
Original bricks from the back of the fireplace were used as the backsplash behind a freestanding professional gas range and cooktop. The far wall is lined with undercounter cabinetry, and shelves made of wall-to-wall reclaimed wooden siding hold the bulk of the kitchen's essentials.
by Megan Buchanan
Offering a bit of glitz is a Cellula Chandelier, whose long lines echo those of the shelving. A stainless steel worktop and fresh white subway tile backsplash add a contrasting modern note.
by Megan Buchanan
As a potter and artist, Larsen has an eye for texture and form that's reflected in the rental apartment's style, which feels organic, unstudied and distilled. Original wood flooring, doors and moldings; exposed bricks and mortar; natural fabrics and antique furniture exude rustic charm.
by Megan Buchanan
Light from a south-facing bay window fills the living room. The sitting space is designed to encourage daydreaming, reading, relaxing and conversation.
by Megan Buchanan
The renovated bathroom is outfitted with a soaking tub, a sleek vanity and more reclaimed wood shelving.
by Megan Buchanan
In the bedroom, a neutral palette showcases textiles Larsen found on buying trips to Mexico.
Lamp: Tizio X30, Artemide
by Megan Buchanan Lamp: Tizio X30, Artemide
In the entry, layers of paint that have accumulated over the decades on the apartment's front door have been left in place as a reminder of the building's history. An abstract floral print fabric over the glass pane in the door provides privacy.
by Megan Buchanan
A skylight fills the stairway with light that bounces off a crystal chandelier and illuminates a moody and romantic photograph by Klee Larsen.
by Megan Buchanan
A muted bouquet of dried flowers sitting on an antique set of catalog drawers welcomes visitors to the small second-floor landing. The open door on the right leads into the rental space.
by Megan Buchanan
The Family's Apartment
This apartment, referred to as "Old Havana," has a distinctly different feel. Patinated walls and ceilings serve as a backdrop for artwork, antique furnishings and neutral textiles.
by Megan Buchanan
This apartment, referred to as "Old Havana," has a distinctly different feel. Patinated walls and ceilings serve as a backdrop for artwork, antique furnishings and neutral textiles.
The furnishings are one-of-a-kind rustic and reclaimed pieces that Larsen has collected over the years. "Most of the furniture is off of Craigslist and various secondhand and consignment stores. Our whole family is addicted to treasure hunting," she says.
"There were days of stripping off all the layers of wallpaper," Larsen recalls. "The ceiling was sealed, and the walls got a skim of plaster to soften the texture."
by Megan Buchanan
"There were days of stripping off all the layers of wallpaper," Larsen recalls. "The ceiling was sealed, and the walls got a skim of plaster to soften the texture."
The dining space is next to another gas fireplace. The surround and mantel are topped with a vintage glass mirror framed by two wall sconces. A tumbleweed adds an unusual sculptural and textural element. In this neutral space, a bright orange branch is a standout accent.
by Megan Buchanan
More natural elements, such as wooden tables, a wicker chair and a natural-fiber area rug, create a sense of tranquility in the living room. Another painting by Larsen's mother, which matches the neutral color palette, is the focal point in the room.
by Megan Buchanan
A re-covered antique sofa with a hand-carved wooden frame sits beneath a second set of bay windows that overlook the peaceful street. A vintage metal reading lamp evokes the feeling of a bygone era.
by Megan Buchanan
The family's cat is right at home in the bedroom, basking in the sunlight amidst natural white and gray textiles.
by Megan Buchanan
The compact kitchen features a vintage Gurney gas stove. A dry-cured sausage, herbs, oils and syrups are at hand.
by Megan Buchanan
Right off the kitchen is a solarium, ideal for curling up and reading on rainy afternoons.
by Megan Buchanan
The Store Downstairs
In the retail café and store downstairs, Larsen has created an atmosphere that encourages visitors to explore and relax. Stacked wooden crates display a variety of local and imported goods.
The deliberately faded and worn-looking walls were created using a mixture of coffee grounds, elbow grease and lots of scrubbing, resulting in a look similar to that of an old sepia photograph.
by Megan Buchanan
In the retail café and store downstairs, Larsen has created an atmosphere that encourages visitors to explore and relax. Stacked wooden crates display a variety of local and imported goods.
The deliberately faded and worn-looking walls were created using a mixture of coffee grounds, elbow grease and lots of scrubbing, resulting in a look similar to that of an old sepia photograph.
Larsen and her family are now celebrating two years in their home and business. What was once a dream is now a success. The store has become a place where neighbors, farmers, artists, chefs and musicians gather to collaborate and inspire, and the apartment has become a welcoming family home.
by Megan Buchanan
Around the corner from the store entrance, a set of bright red entry doors — complete with the original mail slot — opens to the stairs that lead to the two upstairs apartments.
by Megan Buchanan
After Larsen bought the building, she removed a stucco exterior, revealing the original siding that since has been repaired and readied for paint. She also replaced the existing windows with wood-frame ones that are more appropriate to the age and style of the building.
Share your creative home with us
by Megan Buchanan
Share your creative home with us
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about the ikea sink in the bathroom, hum, curious to know if you've had the same experience:
I had to use this model for one week at somebody's house, and it drove me absolutely crazy - water keeps splashing into the lowered portion next to the faucet, you have to mop it all the time to prevent it from flooding, it's insane! hope it won't bother you too much.
Thank you for sharing this one!
~koolbeanzzzz