Name: Lenora Elizabeth CurboLocation: Northeast Los Angeles, CaliforniaSize: 1,150 square feet; 2 bedroom/2 bathYears lived in: 2 years; Rented
It’s hard to imagine a spot as serene as Elizabeth’s rustic bungalow existing mere minutes from Downtown Los Angeles. Her resourceful spirit coupled with her love of culture, history, and sentimentality have created a eclectic and whimsical atmosphere that feels warm and inviting. Biggest Indulgence: My set of George Nelson dressers from the 1940s. Biggest Embarrassment: The stuffed animal I inherited from my Mother, it’s just kind of creepy. What Friends Say: They love it! Open Slideshow
Apartment Therapy Survey:
My Style: Cozy Modern
Inspiration: I find inspiration everywhere I go. I didn’t have a lot great pieces or money to work with, so I used what I had and filled in the blanks with thoughtfully arranged thrift store finds. Updated daily with fresh tours full of photos for you to pin enjoy! That was the most money I’ve ever spent on furniture but they’re classic so they will never lose their value. Dream Sources: I’d love travel the world and fill my home with handmade beautiful things to remind me of the places I’ve been. Favorite Element: Nature
Biggest Challenge: Making the place look furnished. Open Slideshow
Open Slideshow
Elizabeth loves to travel, so it’s no wonder she’s chosen a cozy and quiet home that is perfect for unwinding after a long trip. Open Slideshow
Resources of Note:
ENTRY
Bavarian Holiday Craft: Viktualienmarkt in Munich
Silk and Canvas Flags: Graham Keegan Designs
bench, hammock chair, bird house, rocking chair, stools, table and chairs: various thrift stores and flea markets
Potted Plant Holder: The French Market in New Orleans
Poured Concrete Hanging Planter (prototype)
LIVING ROOM
Harry Bertoia Bird Chair and Jens Risom Lounge Chair by Knoll: Hive Modern Design in Portland, OR
George Nelson Dressers: Vintage Herman Miller
Crate and Barrel Sofa: Craigslist
Issamu Naguchi Lantern: Hive Modern
Coffee Table: Craigslist
Eucalyptus Stump: my yard
Antique Red Cross Anatomical Chart: Alameda Flea Market in SF
Antique Scarab Prints: Rose Bowl Flea Market
Rug: Silver Lake Flea Market
Flower Vase Ink Drawing: Wesley Younie Creative
Indigo Dyed Throw Pillow: Graham Keegan Designs
Turned Wood Bowl: Artisan in Bavaria
Throw Blanket: Pendleton Woolen Mills
DINING ROOM
Vintage German Beer Hall Table: flea market
Kartell “Componibili” Storage Units: Hive Modern
Light Fixtures: original to the house
100 Year Old Set of Works by Brett Hart: Birthday gift from my Father
Cowhide Rug: Ikea
BEDROOM
Antique Japanese Jewelry Box/Vanity: vintage store in Palm Springs, CA
Dresser: George Nelson for Herman Miller circa 1940s
Bed Frame: Ikea
Alvar Alto Night Stands/Stools: Thrift Store
Oil Paintings: Thirft Stores
Hand Dyed Wool and Linen Rug: Farmer/Artisan Market in Sante Fe, NM
Oak Vanity: local thrift store
BATHROOM
Oil painting: Wesley Younie, Portland, OR
GUEST ROOM
Vintage Sheet Set: my grandmother’s
Patchwork Quilt: Made for me by my great grandmother
Vintage California State Flag: Alameda Flea Market
Henri Lautrec-Esque Painting: inherited
Wild Mushroom Print: flea market
Pine Bed Frames: Ikea
Writing Desk and Chair: gift from a friend
Eames Rocking Chair by Modernica
Open Slideshow
Thanks, Elizabeth! Contact the editors through our House Tour Submission Form. Basically, if it’s in Elizabeth’s home, it’s got a story. Natural light bathes the space, finding its way in through various skylights and stunning stained glass windows. Many of the original details of the 1920s architecture have remained in tact. • Are you a designer/architect/decorator interested in sharing a residential project with Apartment Therapy readers? I rolled in a few tree stumps from the yard, and added a few pinecones here and there to add to the cabin vibe…
Luckily the house had so much character I didn’t have to do a lot. Look for beauty in unexpected things and be thoughtful in how you arrange them. I bought them in perfect condition from a shop in Venice Beach. Proudest DIY: I don’t actually do a lot of «DIY,» but I’m proud of what I was able to do with what I had to work with. Be it in my travels, friends homes, or different places I’ve lived. • HOUSE TOUR ARCHIVE: Check out past house tours here. She sometimes rents out her guest bedroom to lucky Airbnb-ers. Best Advice: You don’t have to go out and spend a fortune in a showroom.
