This Small SF Rental Sports Two Rad Fireplaces and a Retro TV Bar
ABOUT THIS TOUR
HOME TYPE: Apartment
LOCATION: Cow Hollow District, San Francisco, California
STYLE: Eclectic, Mid-century Modern, Vintage
BEDROOMS: 1
SQUARE FEET: 650
Hannah Johnson, a graphic designer and content marketer, has been renting this 650-square-foot, one-bedroom rental apartment for three years, and says she pays $1900 a month (plus $200 for a parking spot). “When life was somewhat returning to normal in 2021, I moved into my first, very own apartment. The only silver lining of Covid for me was cheaper rent prices in San Francisco,” Johnson begins.
“It was a renters’ market at the time, and I got to tour many amazing apartments. As a gal who thrifts and loves anything vintage, I immediately fell in love with this one. It had not one, but TWO fireplaces and was super quiet but was also in a lively, walkable area — the best of both worlds! I applied immediately, and the rest is history.”
“I recently turned 30 and as I’ve gotten older, I’ve come to accept my more introverted side. I love to socialize and go out with my partner or friends, but I also love a night in,” Johnson continues. “I want my home to reflect me — quirky, fun, and approachable with a bit of an old soul. This apartment has served as a refuge for me while on a healing journey, having the privacy for virtual therapy (which I acknowledge is a privilege some folks don’t have). It’s also hosted a Retro Dad-themed birthday party, which is exactly how it sounds. Socks with sandals, phone belt holders, mustaches, and a bunch of beer.”
“Since moving in three years ago, I feel so much gratitude for this space I call home. It’s allowed me to get to know myself in ways I hadn’t thought possible.”
Describe your home’s style in five words or fewer: Funky, vintage, cozy, inviting, eclectic.
What is your favorite room and why? While I love my bedroom, I have to say my favorite space is my living room. I work from home in my bedroom two days a week and being able to go into a different room and relax is so needed. It’s also a space where I catch up on TV shows, do puzzles, make art, read, and learn the Succession theme song on my keyboard.
What’s the last thing you bought (or found!) for your home? The most recent piece of decor I added to my home was a colored pencil drawing of a butterfly from my partner, who is an artist and architect. It’s a “Painted Lady Butterfly” (reminiscent of the Full House sitcom houses) to commemorate my time here in San Francisco. If my house was on fire, that’s the first thing I’m grabbing! It means the absolute world to me.
What’s your best decorating, shopping, cleaning, or organizing advice? Decorating your home takes time. Don’t rush getting everything all at once when you move someplace new, as tempting as it is. The compliments I receive about my apartment the most are pieces I took my time finding, like my TV console that double as a bar cart. I wasn’t even looking for it — it just caught my eye one day on Craigslist. Continuously browse secondhand sites, go to flea markets and thrift stores, and I promise you’ll find interesting pieces!
Resources
LIVING ROOM
White couch — Facebook Marketplace, but originally from IKEA
Coffee table — Craigslist (for $150!)
Butterfly drawing — By my partner, Franco
Disco ball globe — Ross
Lamp — IKEA
Two frames — Garage sale
Most other pieces — Thrifted
BEDROOM
Photo above my bed — Estate sale in my neighborhood
Framed art collage — From my travels to El Salvador, Sweden, Lake Tahoe, and from random thrift stores in San Francisco
KITCHEN
Fruit and veggies basket on the wall — Amazon
Thanks, Hannah!
This tour’s responses and photos were edited for length/size and clarity.
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