A Gorgeous New Design Spot – The House

San Francisco

When I started Apt34 (more than 12 years ago!), the primary purpose was to gather and share inspiration created by people much more talented than I. It’s still my favorite thing to do and the primary reason I’m still here after all these years. Hence why I have a little end of the year gift for you today – a tour of what has to be my new favorite home shop in San Francisco – The House by Tracy Simmons Design.

You might think that San Francisco is awash in amazing home decor stores, but that’s actually far from the truth. The gems are few and far between which is why The House feels like a breath of fresh air. Chic, swoon-worthy fresh air.

Every item in The House is hand selected by owner and highly accomplished interior designer Tracy Simmons. Many of the items she’s carrying are custom designs made exclusively for the shop. There are a variety of lovely ceramic collections speaking to the on going handmade trend, but the pieces in The House are an elevated take on the look. The ceramic fruit bowl by SIN that typically has a rustic or boho vibe in other contexts, feels elegant and refined when paired with FRAMA soaps, Aieul candles and the crisp modern fine art photography collection by my dear friend Bess Friday.

Everything from the the yummy cashmere throws by Teixidors to the 100% non toxic fragrances from LA-based Fiele are luxurious but approachable. The custom designs from Sheldon Ceramics and one-of-a-kind vessels created by ANK Ceramics beg to be to touched and admired up close. All of the textures are so warm and inviting.

Tracy and her team also use the space as their design studio, which almost makes the environment feel like you’re in someone’s home – where you want to drop by and stay for awhile! They always have a cup of tea or a little bubbly to offer you – and who am I to say no?!

The House is a fantastic addition to the San Francisco design scene and I feel lucky it arrived in time for holiday shopping – even if all the shopping I’m doing is for myself! With a soft opening this month, The House will celebrate its grand opening on January 16, 2020. I have a strong feeling only more gorgeousness is going to be added between now and then and I for one am so excited to have The House on my regular design shopping rotation.

The House by Tracy Simmons Simmons Design is located at 3307 Sacramento Street, San Francisco, California. The store is open from Monday to Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For our entire Retail Therapy archive (featuring stores all around the Bay Area and beyond) CLICK HERE.

photography by bess friday

Home Tour: Elevated and Elegant Fall Vibe

Home Tours

After two trips to Sweden this year, I have become totally smitten with their unique design perspective. And I’m not referring to the stereotypical Scandinavian minimalism nor the typical “hygge” look that’s been massively appropriated into American design of late. Those styles are certainly present in many a Swedish residence, but they also feature a mix that includes old-world and modern, clean-lined and cozy, restrained yet perfectly layered.

This apartment, belonging to interior designer Lovisa Håger is a perfect example. At first glance, you might not immediately realize it is in Stockholm. The mix of furniture styles, the use of classic designs that aren’t Scandinavian, like Serge Mouille and Atollo lamps and the moody color palette make this home seem as if it could be in Paris or Brussels.

But as your eye devours this decidedly stunning space, you do spy some tell-tale hygge signs, like those mid-century chairs upholstered in fuzzy lambswool or the classic Scandinavian midcentury credenza.

But I love that there isn’t a piece of blonde wood in sight here. Instead, deep warm wood pieces offer lovely contrast. I’m similarly obsessed with the choice to paint the molding throughout the house a sultry gray, bucking the all-white -everything Scandinavian look.

The kitchen also continues to buck the traditional color stereotypes, using dusty rose, dark countertops, more of that yummy dark gray molding.

Do you spy the split door at the end of the hallway – it’s one of my favorite things about European apartments.

Natural light is indeed critical for those long Swedish winters and thanks to a plethora of large windows this apartment has lovely light in spades. I also really appreciate the deep windowsills. They become little little extra pieces of furniture where you can keep a few favorite books or display a vignette of ceramics. The floor to ceiling curtains in this room help accentuate the ceiling height.

The traditional corner-mounted fireplace does place this apartment smack dab in Sweden. But I’m not mad about it. Swedish fireplaces are so stunning. I also love a tone-on-tone dark room. The bedroom is a perfect spot to create an extra cozy retreat.

This apartment feels warm and collected, yet not overly cluttered or fussy. Of course it benefits from amazing interior architecture, but it’s the lovely mix of textures, design styles and timeless accessorizing that makes this house feel like a home.

And bonus, it’s for sale! Maybe my little relocate-to-Sweden-pipe-dream could in fact come true. Details about the apartment are here.

images via nomad makleri

A Tile Collection Made in Instagram Heaven

Decor

I never really paid much attention to tile until I had to make so many decisions about it. I think we have seven different types of tile in This Old Victorian. Sure, you can go with your standard grade white subway tile and do ok, but why not grab the opportunity to do something really special in your space. Enter the newly launched collaboration between cult tile favorite Clé and Zio & Sons.

If you don’t know Clé, here’s a primer. What started as one of the first online tile shops in 2012, Clé has helped transform tile from being a functional backdrop to a more artful, provocative facet of our surroundings. Clé seeks out heirloom quality tiles from across the globe. Their inventory extends from classic moroccan zellige, glazed raku-fired tiles from Vietnam, rustic Italian terra cotta and carrara stone to thin clay bricks domestically sourced. I used Clé tile on my fireplace surround and couldn’t be happier with the result.

And if you don’t know Zio & Sons then you best get on Instagram stat. Everything Anthony Dargenzio touches turns to gorgeous. Anthony connected directly with Clé after he debuted his collection of rental apartments in New York’s Hudson Valley. When Anthony used Clé Tile’s Zellige design in the kitchens of This Old Hudson, the spaces just blew up on Instagram and a match in design heaven was made.

Through Clé’s Zellige tile, D’Argenzio discovered a material that was simple yet embodied both history and craft. These elements paired perfectly with his love of historical architecture and natural materials. Built to last, the brand new Zio Zellige + Clé collection is a classic yet simple design,” D’Argenzio says. “It was inspired by the Old World and driven by handcrafted texture that’s increasingly harder to find.”

Drawn upon the rich mosaic patterns of Moroccan design and working alongside Clé, D’Argenzio created an offering of two simple
shapes in four neutral shades: 4”octagons and 1” square “dots” (known as a bouchon). You can apply your own personal tastes and creativity to set a vibe all your own.

I asked Anthony the three things he loves most about this collection.

Versatility: The timeless color palette and pattern really make this product accessible to be really be used just about anywhere. Suitable for commercial and residential use. Storefronts, Pool, hotel accent walls, you name it!
Texture and artisan feel – each tile is hand crafted and unique, adding a sense of old world soul to your space.
A one of a kind mosaic, right out of the box. Saving your installer time (cutting) and you money.
Bonus: I got to visit Morocco which was so inspiring and beyond beautiful. You can see a few snapshots from that inspiration trip here.

And when I asked Anthony about what he he learned from creating his first collaborative collection his three pieces of advice were spot on.

This opened my eyes to the world of product/ material design. I want to create so many things now! We already have a few things brewing. (and I cannot wait to see what they are!)
Patience! From design to development these take time. Expect delays.
Stay true to yourself, style and brand. No one else can replicate that!

Tile offers such an easy opportunity add major personality and personalization to your space. Break out of the white subway rut and try something truly unique, artisanal and timeless. I’m already plotting the next place I can put in some tile. Deets on that project coming to you soon!

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MOROCCAN SEA SALT ZELLIGE 4″ OCTAGON/BOUCHON

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CHARRED CEDAR ZELLIGE 4″ OCTAGON/BOUCHON

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NATURAL ZELLIGE 4″ OCTAGON/BOUCHON

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An Intentional Approach to Modern Living

Decor

Hi friends! I’ve returned from my whirlwind week in Scandinavia overflowing with inspiration, fresh ideas, and so many things to share with you! I’ve gotten many a request to share a recap of my trip and tips on where to go and where to shop in Sweden & Copenhagen. If you want that too just let me know in comments or on Instagram.

But I also had a rather major aha moment while enjoying these design-soaked travels. You may not have even noticed but a couple years ago I quietly changed Apt34’s mission to “offer inspiring tips and ideas for an intentional approach to modern living.” The key word here is intentional.

It can be really easy to get caught up in the wave of want. I need to “change my house for spring.” I want these new pillows, or new bedding set or perhaps an entirely new kitchen. But have you have stopped to ask what, in fact, is your intention for “needing” these things. The more I “shopped” through Scandinavia, looking at beautifully designed pieces everywhere I went, the more I realized I actually need very little.

Instead, I began to think about the intention of our houses. Is it to feel cozy? Calm? Inspired? To be welcoming? Feel friendly? Or soothing?

So many design trends come and go (as we regularly document here), and yes, you can always get something cute at Target, but what if we didn’t cram our spaces full and instead looked for moments for our eyes to rest. To actually notice everything in our homes, rather than gloss over the details.

So as I move ever closer to calling This Old Victorian complete (SO close you guys, I thinking you might appreciate weekly updates – you interested??) I’m going to hold my intention for my version of modern living, rather than my desire for stuff, to drive the final design.

I would invite you to also think about your spaces in terms of how you want them to make you feel!

all images from H&M Home Spring 2019 collection, as a little reminder that thoughtful design doesn’t have to cost a fortune

A New Spring Collection with a Wintery Vibe You Need Right Now

Shopping

Who says everything spring related has to be pastel and frilly? I’m loving the rich tones, sumptuous texture and muted colors in the new Ferm Living Spring / Summer 2019 collection. It has me ready to clear out my house to make space for….well just about every single new piece, like right.now.

I’m trying to decide between a gorgeous bowl in brown Bidasar marble or a stunning asymmetrical side table. Since it’s going to be raining all weekend, I’m going to give myself plenty of time to shop.

There were a few other rurl good launches in the design world this week. Be sure to check them out below!

Have you seen Leanne Ford’s new lighting collection for Target? Also seriously good – and seriously affordable.

My girl Victoria of SFGIRLBYBAY fame has designed her own collection for The Inside. The twelve prints, which you can use to upholster beds, benches and side chairs have fun, poppy patterns inspired by her love of vintage and inspiration trips to France.

And if light and bright is more your thing, then you’re going to love the new line of wallpaper Taylor Sterling of Glitter Guide created for Lulu & Georgia. It’s seriously stunning.

images via ferm living

Modern Cabin Vibes in Upstate New York

Decor

After recently taking my first excursion to a snow-covered Lake Tahoe, I was reminded of how much I love the look of a wintery cabin – when done well. Case in point, Scribner’s Lodge in the Catskills. Once a kitschy 1960’s motor inn, the space has been completely reimagined into a alpine-inspired cool kids hangout.

A modern cabin looks relies on the simplest of elements. Pine. Whitewashed walls. Strong injections of black. But there’s nothing overly complicated. Utilitarian comforts are all you need, but there’s also no need to sacrifice style.

While we probably can’t live this simply all the time, it’s such a relief – a breath of fresh mountain air- when we do for even a few days. As I make my way through the Marie Kondo show on Netflix, I’m going to being taking a good look at what is absolutely necessary to have around.

So while your inbox may be inundated by brands who want you to think spring has arrived two months early, I say escape to a cozy cabin while you can still can. I’m making my reservation right now.

For more design inspiration, CLICK HERE.

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knit throw

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borge mogensen spanish chair

images via nicole franzen, colin king, remodelista, and north, the cuff

Color Coded: Winter Whites

Decor

While all-white interiors are a stalwart of Scandinavian design, as I sit in 20-something degree weather in Seattle, I’m finding myself drawn to cozier, more rustic versions of winter whites on white on white on white. I’m curious to see if you’re feeling this look too.

While there’s a bit of wabi-sabi to this look, key decisions keep the look from going to shabby chic. Modern light fixtures make a ton of difference. A classic Nelson saucer pendant lamp or maybe a vintage Noguchi (investment alert!) help keep the look current.

Clean modern lines juxtaposed with more traditional pieces mix for the perfect cozy, rather than sterile feel.

And all kinds of texture – knits, wools, linens, woods, hides, paneling, painted brick, exposed beams, they all combine to give you that nest-like feel.

People often lament that white furniture is highly impractical, but I actually beg to differ. With the invention of Oxyclean, you can get rid of just about any spill quickly and keep your whites bright for the long term.

For more color inspiration, CLICK HERE.

interiors by leanne ford / fantastic frank / the design villa

How to Create an Entry When you Don’t Actually Have One

Decor

There are so many things I love about our house, but it’s not without its design challenges. A significant lack of built-in storage. Narrow hallways. Very few contiguous walls making furniture placement a total headache. But one issue drives me particularly crazy. We don’t have a proper entry! Our front door opens directly onto our stairwell and a narrow hall – making a highly functional entryway virtually impossible to create (you can see my front hall here).

With the busy holiday season upon us, I knew I needed to solve this problem pronto. With an active family and a preschooler underfoot, our hallway could no longer serve as the “stuff dumping ground.” I’m tired of tripping over everything! So I partnered with Tuesday Morning to come up with a solution that was easy, quick and most importantly used pieces that were incredibly affordable (so important this time of year!).

Rather than cram an already narrow hall full of tiny furniture, I decided to create a “faux entry” in our front bay window. The look is light, airy and elevated, yet still offers all the functionality I desperately need.

My design started with the white cane chair I found at Tuesday Morning. I love using chairs more like tables. A stack of books offers a nice surface for additional objects – perhaps a table lamp, a basket, or in this case, a stunning brass bowl to catch house keys and other random odds and ends. I added a string of vintage glass beads found on a recent trip to LA for a little color.

To create more height, I then added in a hammered metal plant stand, also picked up at Tuesday Morning. I love the mix of materials and textures. The plant stand will offer me so many styling options as the seasons change. I love the look of tall dramatic branches, but as we move into winter I might swap in a potted plant of some kind (you can see some of my favorite houseplants right here). I’m thinking something big and leafy!

I paired my Tuesday Morning scores with a mix of other items I already had on hand, including a custom coffee table, a antique stool, and my favorite vintage candelabra. These objects make me smile every day.

I found a few more great accessories at Tuesday Morning, including a classic white porcelain bowl that will be great for holding the day’s mail. A fun egg timer will hopefully make getting a toddler out there door a little more fun. Certainly seems like a better option than the typical “you have until the count of 3!”

I love how this new set up has given a spot for the day’s odds and ends to land – rather than on the floor or my dining room table. But none of the pieces I used are too big or too permanent. I can switch things up as needed – or as the mood strikes and you know it strikes around here A LOT. I know I’ll be popping into Tuesday Morning to see what new treasure I can find on the regular. Click here to find the Tuesday Morning location closest to you.

Now I feel more organized and pulled together as December hits. Exactly what I needed as the busiest time of year descends! What do you think? Are you into this entry idea? I’d love to here how you solved similar challenges in your house.

For solutions to your design dilemmas, CLICK HERE.

Sources: chair Tuesday Morning / plant stand Tuesday Morning / favorite decor books This is Home: The Art of Simple Living, The Alchemy of Things, Thomas Pheasant / brass bowl Spartan Shop / custom coffee table Lauren Nelson Design / design book Dries Van Noten / vintage candelabra / porcelain bowl Tuesday Morning / egg timer Tuesday morning / vintage stool Elsie Green / beni ourain rug The Citizenry

original photography for apartment 34 by bess friday

This post is a paid partnership with Tuesday Morning. Thanks for supporting collaborations we’re excited about and posts that have kept apartment 34’s doors open.

How to Create a Cozy Modern Nursery

Decor

I’m going to preface this post by saying right off the bat that no, I am not pregnant. However, that does not mean I don’t continue to peruse the latest in nursery decor as I like to see where the trends are going. And then be envious of all you mamas who are having your babes now because I swear, every year, the options for babies just keep getting better and better and better.

Case in point, the newly redesigned nursery collection from one of my long-time faves, Serena & Lily, is simply gorge. When Serena & Lily approached me to pick my favorite looks from their new collection I was so excited. It’s always fun to design dream spaces and I figured some of you must be planning a nursery too!

Serena & Lily has always had stand-out style. They are known for their use of color and pattern and for their really beautifully crafted pieces. With their new nursery collection, they’ve added modern twists, clean-lined options, and unique pieces. So, I thought I might as well design a little dream nursery….you know, just in case.

To start, I love the idea of creating a gender-neutral, global nursery that isn’t based on gray. Gray has just gotten so, so tired. Been there, done that! In contrast, this look is filled with layers of different shades of brown, giving it much warmer, richer, and inviting feel.

The key with this look is texture, texture, texture. All kinds of natural materials from oak to rattan to leather and wool mix with subtle print and pattern in softer, creamier hues. While there are playful elements, I love that this look doesn’t feel saccharin. A kid’s space should still feel like it belongs with the rest of your house.

I also love the idea of mixing up materials and the look and feel of different pieces in a nursery. I’m obsessed with Serena & Lily’s new modern Nash Convertible Crib and coordinating changing table. It is SO hard to find good-looking changing tables. I particularly love that this one has that open bottom, making it feel less bulky. It still has the drawers you need to store changing supplies, but then you can add baskets or books or toys on that bottom shelf. By simply removing the changing tray, the table transitions nicely into a console after you’re no longer changing diapers, too! You always want to think about how much you you will get out of pieces that go into your nursery.

That’s why I’m also obsessed with their rattan wing chair. Disgusting-looking gliders just need to be banished at this point. There is truly no need for them! The rattan trend is still going strong and it looks so good in a kid’s space. A footrest and a couple throw pillows are all you need for a cozy spot to read, comfort, or nurse. This chair could then easily transition into another room in your house.

Lighting options offer another great opportunity to mix in more texture and another material. Serena & Lily has some awesome woven options that create that collected, eclectic feel. I love the look of both the rattan Cayman Pendant and the Headlands Pendant. Either would be awesome in a nursery, and I’d repurpose it really anywhere in the house.

Mix in playful details like a hanging chair, darling crib sheets, and maybe cute cuddly friend or two and you have a thoroughly sophisticated but wonderfully playful space for baby. It’s enough to almost make me want another one. Almost.

For more nursery and kids’ decor ideas, CLICK HERE.

This post in a paid partnership with Serena & Lily & contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own. Thanks for supporting collaborations I’m excited about and that have kept Apt34’s doors open.

photography c/o Serena & Lily

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