Our DTLA Loft Home Tour at The Eastern Columbia Building

I don't know why it's taken me so long to do a post on our DTLA Loft revamp, except for the fact that I probably wanted to wait because there is always more to do, right? The projects are never done and it always feels "too soon" to put it out there, except it's not! Nothing is perfect and even though my creative juices are always flowing, those changes would take lots of time and cash, which we can't spend on this place. Since Chay and I buy these properties as future investments or rental properties, it doesn't make sense to pour too much time, energy, and money into them. But, of course we want them to look awesome and represent our style. So, with some fresh white paint, light fixtures, fun pieces of furniture and a few days, we updated our loft at The Eastern Columbia Building in DTLA! 

To be honest, since the building is awesome, it didn't need much help. This building is considered "the jewel of DTLA", and for good reason. It's ornate and completely unique. It was built in 1930 and used to be a department store, and only became lofts 12 years ago. Also, Kelly Wearstler did the interior design! So yes, pretty great to begin with, but our unit was a little dark and just a tad boring with the basic light fixtures. Whenever I approach a new project, whether it be a personal one Chay and I are doing for an investment property, or for a client, I always look to see if the space can be brightened up with some basic upgrades, most of them being decor! This is of course more cost effective, as the sky is the limit if you're willing to knock down walls, or frame out new rooms etc. But most don't want to do that! If you want to get the best bang for your buck, I created a downloadable checklist to focus on these 5 things to get a room to come alive with minimal work and money that you can download for free here:

Here are some before pics so you can see what we were working with:

Before

With a few quick fixes, some different decor, and bright white paint. the loft really came to life! Check out the afters below:

After

See how the light fixture, table, art, and paint color make such a huge difference?! I love this Pendant from West Elm. You can shop it below if you love!

The photography is from Max Wanger.

Yes, these lights are from Christmas:) I love keeping them up!

This view of the ornate moulding across the way is my favorite. It reminds me of Soho.

I am in love with my Casper mattress and Parachute bedding. I linked it below in the Shop the post section!

I just love how much brighter and more open it feels now! We wanted it to have a slightly less bohemian feel and have a more modern and streamlined vibe than our primary residence you guys have probably seen on instagram. I think Chay is over all of my colors and patterns haha.

Do you guys like the revamp and if so what part about it is your favorite change? I think the paint and lighting really did it for me! As always, thank you guys for reading and the love! I will see you again in a couple days!

xo, Kim

Shop the Post

Dreamy Eclectic Kitchen Remodel-Before and After

Today is the day! I have posted bits and pieces of this insane remodel when it was still in the process of being finished, so of course, couldn't give away toooo much. It was so good I wanted the full reveal to be a surprise because it's that AMAZING. 

My brother is a general contractor and my sister in law is the most creative person with super fun and eclectic taste. One amazing thing about the two of them together is that Jeff and Kelli are inspired by many of the same things and are into interiors with lots of character that are anything but typical. You can understand why I am so obsessed with their taste and this new remodel! I love modernized versions of eclectic and retro styles. The modern lines paired with eclectic details like colorful marble tiles, unique lighting, and brass details, for example, create an artistic and unique interior that still feels updated and hip.

I could go on and on but I think you just really need to see these before and after pictures because that's why you're here. It truly is nothing short of DREAM INTERIOR AMAZINGNESS!

BEFORE

My brother and sister bought this house from my grandparents and up until this point, this is how it's always looked. Super old school lay out with old appliances and basic finishes. I honestly couldn't even imagine or comprehend how gorgeous and different it could look. 

My brother has this special gift of being able to imagine any layout and really come to conclusions fast about what layouts will look and function best. He has a contractors eye and on top of that, he has impeccable taste and truly is a rennaisance man! He knows how to do EVERYTHING from electrical to tile cutting to furniture building. Every womans dream when it comes to getting crap done around the house, am I right? (Does it sound weird that I am saying that about my brother....I just mean he's super handy to have around!) He did the entire remodel himself and didn't hire any subs (sub contractors) except for the cabinet maker.  My sister in law/ bestie for life designed all the details (not to mention took care of their 3 kids under 5 without a kitchen for two months while Jeff worked day and night!) with him and together they have created the most gorgeous, dreamy, and unique kitchen I have ever seen in person. I know they spent a fraction of the price because Jeff cut his own tile and did so much himself, so if you're thinking this kitchen looks expensive, it would be for you and I!  I'm so impressed with their resourcefulness and drive to get their dream kitchen without shelling out a ton of money. 

Okay, enough talking. Let's see the full reveal!

Drumroll please.....

AFTER

I am loving all this colored marble paired with flat panel wood cabinets that are a modern take on the midcentury cabinets of the past. The brass hardware is so warm and luxe and I'm just dying over the wall of black marble with white veins throughout.

My brother paneled the fridge to match the cabinets. I looooove a paneled refrigerator.

YES, just yes.

WINDOW SILL GOALS....I am dying over the attention to detail. So Kelly Wearstler! I just love so much!

Do you guys see what I mean now when I say it's just GORGEOUS? It is just perfection to me because its so unique and J&K weren't afraid to take risks. There is nothing boring about this kitchen but it's also not all over the place. It is completely styled with a point of view and recurring colors and patterns to pull everything together cohesively. I. LOVE.IT.

I'd love to know what you guys think. Let me know what your thoughts are in the comments below! And, if you have questions or want to contact Jeff for projects, email me for his info. Thanks guys and see you Wednesday!

xo,Kim

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