Who: Lauren West
Where: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Video of the Day
Video of the Day
Style: Midcentury Eclectic
Designer, illustrator, and mural artist Lauren West's work is filled with vibrant colors, nature, and a bit of whimsy. So it's no surprise that she brought the same cheery elements to her home and studio in South Philly.
West has lived in the apartment, which she shares with her two cats, Lunchbox and Scooter, for three years. "It's what some would call a 'railroad style' apartment, where it just goes straight back with little to no separations by a hallway or separate room," she says. "It's quirky. I noticed there is maybe, MAYBE, one 90-degree angle on the walls — everything is built slightly skewed." But for all its eccentricities, the apartment had some major selling points, including original moldings, detailed door frames, an amazing wood floor with inlaid nail covers, and, West emphasizes, lots of natural light.
The space is primarily decorated with pieces from estate sales, flea markets, and thrift stores. "I love the quality of older furniture over a lot of what's currently available," she says.
West also isn't afraid of mixing things up, which is why you'll find everything from cat sculptures to framed botanical prints on display. "I love collecting vintage weird little knick-knacks, so you'll find artfully curated clusters of tchotchkes everywhere," says West.
"My home is cozy and light. It's green and full of energy. It's inviting and so, so weird," she shares. "It's definitely me in house-form, 100 percent."
