See the Art Deco Interior in This Los Angeles Apartment

Kate Lambert has been renting this Los Angeles one-bedroom apartment for nine years, and shares it with her dog, George Banks: I am an actor, writer, and producer. I love older homes so when I found this 1930s courtyard building with high ceilings and Art Deco moldings, I was sold. I love the vintage details of my apartment, so I never wanted to work against them, but instead embrace them. In my bathroom, the tile is a yellow and black, so I had window treatments made with a yellow fabric that had leopards on them to connect with the tile.

I have a 6-year-old Havanese named George Banks (after the dad from “Mary Poppins” and “Father of the Bride”) and he is my little shadow and follows me everywhere I go.

Your surroundings affect your mood so I really focused on selecting paints and patterns that energized me (for my living spaces) and calmed me (for my bedroom). I wanted my home to reflect me — welcoming, happy, and be a place where people feel comfortable. I love blues, pinks, and greens and they are throughout my apartment. I shop for accessories everywhere from flea markets to antique markets to stores like West Elm or Anthropologie. I think if someone were to see your space without meeting you, they should have a really good idea of what you are like as a person. I have a lot of personal art framed from the illustrated first birthday card my grandfather made me to a shadowbox with a hair accessory my grandmother wore in dance recitals as a little girl.

Describe your home’s style in five words or fewer: Timeless, whimsical, eclectic, retro.

What is your favorite room and why? My favorite room is my bedroom. Every time I see it, it instantly calms me. Two of my favorite colors are navy blue and periwinkle, so I really wanted to have those in the room because I find them very soothing. I found a great duvet that incorporated both colors. The real statement in the room is the Serena & Lily wallpaper that I have on an accent wall behind my upholstered bed to create contrast. The two prints next to my bed I bought at the Rose Bowl Flea Market and are by a female graphic designer from the 1930s and they have such a great look that I felt really complemented the space.

What’s the last thing you bought (or found!) for your home? The last thing I found online was an antique French calendar. It has a great Art Deco style and little levers to adjust the date. I loved it so much and showed it my mom. A few days later, I went to buy it and it was gone. I was so bummed. Then it showed up on my birthday.

Any advice for creating a home you love? I think it’s always great to think about what you want out of the room — is it an office to inspire creativity or a serene bedroom or a living room to welcome guests? Then I like to start with a piece — be it art, fabric, or a paint color that brings you joy. You can’t go wrong when you are building the room around something you really love.

Thanks Kate!

This submission’s responses and photos were edited for length/size and clarity.
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