A Designer’s 540-Square-Foot LA Apartment Is a Master Class in Color Matching

The couple went west in January 2023 and met the warm California winter with perhaps a bit of newcomer’s luck. Set in a quiet circle of historic homes that have stood for a century, William and Kevan found a 540-square-foot, one-bedroom apartment that had maintained the mundane thrill of being impressively untouched. “It had character,” William says. “We were drawn to its 1920s history—the barreled ceiling, the large fireplace, the original kitchen cabinets—and we loved that there were windows on all sides.”

William and Kevan installed tropical print peel-and-stick wallpaper from Target on one wall of their kitchen, which had existing checkerboard floors and black cabinets. “The print could feel overwhelming on its own, but with the floor, it balances out,” William says.

William’s advice to fellow renters? Go for it, but ask first. “Don’t be afraid to try out temporary wallpaper and paint, but always check in with your property manager,” he says. “I’ve had a good history where mine have been happy to let me do modifications, especially if they add value.”

William and Kevan, who also live with their cat, Sage, and dog, Finn, imagined a place that could strike a balance between being visually interesting and deceptively practical. When new friends and neighbors arrived, ushered in from the perpetual sunlight, they hoped they’d feel welcomed into an eclectic living room that could host a good hang. A built-in nook in the hall could act as a casual bar, while a pattern-heavy kitchen could still accommodate a desk for shared work-from-home days. Sure, the bedroom and bathroom were compact, but they were primed to show off William’s knack for personality too. It was all just a matter of figuring it out.