Living in Portland, it was not difficult to find an apartment that conformed to my tastes. Older brick building, possibly converted from an industrial space; stained glass; iron-work; wood floors; weird light fixtures; high ceilings; big windows; claw-foot tubs; etc. Gas ranges were somewhat unusual, but otherwise I didn’t have to add much to have a beautiful living space, and what I did have to add could readily be scavanged from the curbsides of rich neighborhoods or abandoned buildings or purchased on the cheap from reclamation co-ops, restoration stores, and numerous cozy junk shops.
Now I live in Los Angeles. Though the opportunities are greater here, the prices are quite high, and my aesthetic preferences (which put a premium on craft and history) are rarely embodied in the residential sector. So, for the moment, I supress my dreams of a spacious loft, a strawbale home, a converted church, brewpub, warehouse, school, or other industrial space. Instead I will search for ways to apply my aesthetic preferences and individual creative spirit to a small space (which I will share with my wonderful girlfriend, energetic boricua street dog, havana brown cat, two african dwarf frogs, and assorted aquatic plants and snails).
So, what I am looking for now is inspiration, ideas, materials, and other applicable resources that will lead me in the right direction. While I’d like to minimize my consumptive habits, I’m willing to spend a bit of money to have a space that I can relax in and yet feel encouraged to do the things that matter most to me. No matter how long I reside here, SoCal will never be home; however, I intend to set up one hell of a hermitage in the mean time.
Some jumping off points (please add to the list below using comments or by adding another post!):
http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/
(ooh ahh!)
http://www.webhustlers.com/nest/
(back issues have some bizzarre and genious designs within)
http://www.readymademag.com/
(decent diy mag, but I’m guessing there are better ‘zines around?)
http://www.simpleliving.net/ (sometimes less is more)
More suggestions?
