See How a 900-Square-Foot Layout Looks in an NYC Apartment vs. a San Fran House
Real Estate
Which do you prefer?
Aug 20, 2023
This Playful Home Comes with Disco Balls, a Painted Fridge, and a Tiki BarReal Estate
It makes a strong case for painting your fridge (and your shower door!).
Feb 9, 2023
This Engineer Created Clever Storage Spaces in a San Francisco StudioTours
As an engineer, Hayley is used to innovative thinking, and she used that when designing her studio apartment. She transformed the entryway into her closet and was able to create the feel of a one-bedroom apartment by turning a walk-in closet into a bed nook.
Nov 3, 2022
A San Francisco Victorian Is Filled with Tattoo Designs, Disco, and Danny DeVitoTours
Sam's San Francisco apartment reflects his love of design and furniture. With art covering the walls, the shelves, and even a few mannequins, the home is an ode to color and design.
Nov 1, 2022
A 580-Square-Foot SF Rental Has a Lush DIY Faux Living Wall and More Fun DecorTours
Leslie and her partner, Amy, have a rainbow media cabinet, a pink neon sign that says "queer," a candle in the shape of a plus-sized woman's figure, and more in their "Sapphic, feminist, cerebral, sensual, Venusian" rental apartment.
Jun 1, 2022
A Small and Soothing San Francisco Rental Has Nancy Myers Movie VibesTours
This apartment's main selling points for Joyce were the huge windows and the natural light. "I wanted to create a home that felt equal parts like a warm hug and a peaceful retreat, so the overall decor vibe is purposely minimalistic, earthy, and neutral."
Apr 22, 2021
A 'Balinavian Boho' Style Rental Adds Personality With Peel-and-Stick Tiles Tours
Christina was drawn to this apartment's details (like the funky bathroom tile), but some details were outdated and tired, so she added removable peel-and-stick floor tiles and faux peel-and-stick subway tiles to her kitchen to give it a renter-friendly upgrade.
Jan 7, 2021
A Small Pastel Rental Includes an Iridescent Shower Curtain & Kaiju CollectionTours
Creative technologist Amy Wibowo's small San Francisco studio apartment is packed with personality, including a mermaid headboard of her dreams.
Jan 4, 2021
It's Hard to Decide What's Better in This Sunny Home: Pretty Plants or Cute DogTours
Donovan Ho's San Francisco Bay Area home is filled with fun colors, textures, eclectic home decor... and LOTS of plants.
Nov 2, 2020
This Small San Francisco Cottage Has the Dreamiest, Woodiest BathroomTours
This cottage was an earthquake refugee shack and renovated in the 1970s, and is now a cozy cottage home.
Sep 22, 2020
A Small Backyard Cottage Rental Is a Cozy, Soothing Home After a RenovationTours
Since it is off the street, nestled behind her parent's home, this little backyard cottage feels like a secret oasis outside the city.
Sep 15, 2020
4 Things to Know About Moving to San FranciscoReal Estate
Renters have a good deal of agency, for starters.
Jul 27, 2020
The Most Expensive Cities in the World for Renters Are in the USReal Estate
Everybody knows the rent is stupid high in San Francisco, New York City, and Boston — it’s one of those sad running jokes, an absurdity that’s nonetheless become an accepted fact of life at this point. But a new study by London real-estate startup Nested shows that America’s most notoriously expensive rental markets are now the priciest in the whole world.
Jul 17, 2020
Design Inspiration: Making the Most of a Bay WindowDesign Ideas
A window niche is design feature many would welcome. While this naturally lit offshoot of a room appears dreamy and wonderful, it can also be difficult to furnish. Finding a balance between maintaining functionality of the space while also integrating it into the rest of the room can be quite a challenge.Here in San Francisco, Victorians with bay windows can be found at every corner.
Jul 17, 2020
Andi’s Kitchen Renovation: The Big RevealProjects & Improvements
Before: The kitchen, although graced with beautiful large windows, left a little something to be desired. After: A new kitchen from the studs inward, including a new Kohler sink and industrial task lighting above the windows for more functionality.From Andi: Possibly the most luxurious thing is the increased square footage (we went from 95 to 170 square feet).
Jul 17, 2020
Kim’s Before Photos: Tackling a Multi-Tasking SpaceDesign Ideas
Last year I cured my sparsely furnished bedroom and loved the results. This year I decided to take on a slightly bigger project, the main living space. We live in a quintessentially petite (read: tiny) San Francisco apartment and our “living room” is also our kitchen, dining room and my home office. We’ve lived in this space for almost two years now and are starting to settle in so things have started to accumulate a bit.
Jul 17, 2020
This Apartment Has the Secrets to Beautiful, Uncluttered Small Space LivingTours
There's a reason the renters who live here have dubbed it the "Micro Casa."
Jul 8, 2020
A 415-Square-Foot San Francisco Studio Shows How to Go Glam on a BudgetTours
Abigail's specialty is turning a small living space into a home on a budget... and her teeny studio apartment is a great example!
Jun 12, 2020
This Author’s Cozy San Francisco Apartment Is Bursting With Books, Color and ArtTours
It's definitely maximalist, but not chaotic.
Apr 22, 2020
This Once-Sad San Francisco Home is Now a Wallpaper WonderlandTours
CW Stockwell CEO Katy Polsby reinvigorated her apartment in this San Francisco house with lots of patterned wallpaper and color!
Mar 13, 2020
Kim’s Final Reveal: It’s the Little ThingsDesign Ideas
Part of my motivation behind doing the Style Cure this year was to reclaim our main living space. It has been a whirlwind of a year for us and we pack a lot of living into not a lot of square footage. Unfinished projects, leftovers from our wedding and all of the (amazing) gifts from our guests left us with an apartment that felt like it was always almost there, but not quite.
Mar 11, 2020
Before & After: DIY Striped Accent WallProjects & Improvements
Not one to shy away from color (or DIYs), Chelsea took on the task of creating a striped wall in her office niche. Her take on a painted accent wall transformed an otherwise plain white wall into a statement that gives the whole space new dimension.Chelsea has made a few updates to her home since it was featured on Apartment Therapy. In this case she was able to incorporate pattern and color without using a whole lot of material.
Mar 11, 2020
This Colorful San Francisco House Is Like a "Victorian on Acid"Tours
It’s like a Wes Anderson movie that hasn’t been filmed yet or like a little Madonna Inn.
Feb 21, 2020
A 200-Square-Foot San Francisco Studio Is Teeny, But ElegantTours
There's stained glass hanging in the window, a cool David Bowie print, and a sleek bookcase smartly separating the living room and bedroom.
Jan 31, 2020
This 331-Square-Foot Tiny House Fits More Things Than We Can List in a HeadlineTours
Full-time freelance photographer and music enthusiast Ryan Tuttle lives in a small custom designed tiny house on wheels she calls the "Tuttle Shuttle."
Jan 24, 2020
This Boho Apartment Shows How to Add Loads of Color to a Standard RentalTours
From the hot pink sofa to the art, decor, plants and more, this small apartment is proof you don't have to sacrifice color when you rent.
Jan 22, 2020
A Shared San Francisco Apartment Has the Dreamiest Curved Window SeatTours
Huge windows, bay window, a black and white tiled kitchen floor, three fireplaces, stained glass windows... this apartment is full of architectural details.
Jan 15, 2020
A 440-Square-Foot Apartment Feels Larger Thanks to a Fresh and Minimal StyleTours
Inspired by Australian and Japanese design with a little California desert mixed in, we went for a natural, relaxing, minimalist aesthetic with low profiles and warm desert colors.
Jan 9, 2020
Before & After: Painting a San Francisco VictorianProjects & Improvements
When Andi, Dean and their building neighbors decided to re-paint the faded exterior of their Victorian home, it quickly became apparent that the process was not for amateurs. Located in the Alamo Square neighborhood of San Francisco, not far from the famous painted ladies, their building is over a century old.
Dec 19, 2019
Cow Hollow Home Gets a Pro MakeoverTours
Name: Broderick St. Location: Cow Hollow; San Francisco, California Size: Approximately 7580 square feet About: Remodeled in 2013. 7 bed, 7 full baths/2 half baths. My interior design firm just completed a project that I am practically drooling over. Our client gave me the ok to photograph the completed project and share it with you, so we can all drool together! The property is going for a cool $11.
Dec 19, 2019
Lauren’s Happy, Inspired StudioTours
Name: Lauren Mizrahi Location: Marina, San Francisco, California Size: 500 square feet, Studio Years lived in: 2.5 years; Rented Lauren of Live Happy Inspired brings her sense of colorful, stylish living to her home as well as her blog.
Dec 19, 2019
Jordan, Chris & Quigley’s Designer FlatTours
Name: Jordan and Chris Brown and their dog, Quigley Location: Presidio Heights, San Francisco, California Size: 1,600 square feet Years lived in: 6 months; Owned The attention to detail in Jordan and Chris’ flat is remarkable. Layers of beautiful architectural elements, smart furniture choices, and on-point styling bring character to each space.
Dec 19, 2019
Andi & Dean’s Modern Meets VictorianTours
Name: Andi Forker and Dean Enell Location: Alamo Square; San Francisco, California Size: 1,250 square feet Years lived in: 3 years; owned We followed their Renovation Diary as Andi and Dean fully gutted and remodeled their kitchen, but now the improvements have extended throughout their entire home. For this couple, the past three years have been spent fixing up their Victorian flat, room by room. With most of their major goals accomplished, they have an amazing space to show for it.
Dec 19, 2019
Alex’s Unique, Antique San Francisco ApartmentTours
Name: Alex Treister Location: Mission Dolores, San Francisco, California Size: 1210 square feet Years lived in: 1; owned Walking through Alex’s apartment is like taking a trip around the world. Her home is a gallery of pieces she’s collected over the years, including Native American artwork from Ashland, a poster from a bathroom in Tokyo, a harp from Peru, a statue from Bali, artwork from Prague and much more.
Dec 19, 2019
Agustin’s Barrio BaroqueTours
Name: Agustin SandersOccupation: Interior Designer Location: Nob Hill — San Francisco, CaliforniaSize: 650 square feetYears lived in: 3-1/2 years — rented The story reads a bit like the treatment for Harry Potter: Young man enters specialized and venerable college, learns artful sorcery and a mastery of the dark arts. He waves a magic wand, sees into the future and pulls from the past, all while channeling the skills of his mother’s craft.
Dec 19, 2019
Carly & Chip’s Resourceful & Refined HomeDesign Ideas
Name: Carly, Chip and their dog Lucy Location: Pacific Heights — San Francisco, California Size: 1,200 square feet Years lived in: 3 — rented Carly, Chip and Lucy live down the street from Alta Vista Park, in an apartment set on the hillside overlooking San Francisco. On top of their serene location, there is something about this couple’s home that draws you in and makes you want to stay.
Dec 19, 2019
Bess & Peter’s Brick & Timber LoftTours
Name: Bess and PeterLocation: South Park — San Francisco, CaliforniaSize: 1,200 square feet Years lived in: 1 year and 2 months — rented Not many couples have the pleasure of walking by the place they got married every time they leave their apartment door, but for Peter and Bess, this is indeed the case. Their apartment building faces tree-covered South Park, where they were married just a month after moving in.
Dec 19, 2019
Amanda & Lincoln’s Eclectic Modern HomeTours
Name: Amanda & LincolnLocation: Ashbury Heights — San Francisco, CaliforniaSize: 1,885 SF Years lived in: 4 years — owned Amanda and Lincoln live in a sunny Ashbury Heights flat with their two adorable daughters, dog Mango, and cats Truffle and Kiwi. From the IKEA kitchen to the giant letter “M” on their living room wall, their 1905 Victorian flat is the perfect mix of flawless styling and the comforts of home.
Dec 19, 2019
Ros and James’ English Countryside California CottageLife
Name: Ros Wyatt (of Green Plum Design) and James VernonLocation: Kensington, CaliforniaSize: 2,100 sq/ftYears lived in: 9, OwnedWho else lives here: Jack, Mischa and Alfie In classic English style, interior decorator Ros Wyatt’s San Francisco Bay home features a multitude of pretty prints. A plaid throw drapes over a wing chair, gingham rambles across a coverlet, mod poppies blossom beside a bed, and cabbage roses bloom in the medicine cabinet.
Dec 19, 2019
This 450-Square-Foot Apartment Is a Glam, Paris-Inspired Bachelorette PadTours
This interior designer's studio may be on the small side, but it has beautiful hardwood floors, picturesque windows, and original cabinetry and molding.
Dec 19, 2019
This Small San Francisco Studio Is Incredibly Bright & StylishTours
She didn't see a single piece of decor or furniture in person until it arrived, minus her curtains.
Dec 19, 2019
A Thoughtful Remodel Makes This Home Feel Bright, Well-Laid Out, and Totally TransformedTours
Before the remodel this house felt cramped. After the remodel, it feels as if it's gained 50 percent more square footage.
Dec 19, 2019
A Couple Shares the Most Organized, Functional 240-Square-Foot Studio EverTours
Every item must have at least three different uses, be used three times a week, or be used for more than three years.
Dec 19, 2019
Krystal’s San Francisco StudioTours
Name: Krystal Bick Location: Hayes Valley — San Francisco, California Size: 400 square feet Years lived in: 3 — rented Krystal Bick’s style blog showcases all of her designer duds and playful outfits. Her studio with attached kitchen and rather large closet reflects her fashion sense perfectly — eclectic, feminine, clean and glamorous. Krystal’s space is small but efficient.
Dec 19, 2019
Victorian Style in an Oakland Apartment of Wonder & OdditiesTours
Name: Caitlin Hackett and Dave McHale Location: Cleveland Heights — Oakland, California Size: 950 square feet Years lived in: 2 years; Rented When Caitlin and Dave shared photos of their home in a House Call post earlier this year, Apartment Therapy readers wanted to see more of their wonder-filled Oakland home. Stepping into their spacious two-bedroom apartment, it’s obvious that their tastes and experiences have influenced their home’s décor.
Dec 19, 2019
A Handmade, 600 Square Foot Berkeley ApartmentTours
Name: Natacha Nay and Joshua Location: Berkeley, California Size: 600 square feet Years lived in: 10 months; Rented Natacha and Joshua live on one of Berkeley’s busiest and most historic streets. Though their neighborhood is generally hectic, their home reflects a minimal way of living that contrasts with the busy street scene.
Dec 19, 2019
Fay’s Charming Grand Lake ApartmentDesign Ideas
Name: Fay Johnson Location: Grand Lake; Oakland, California Size: 1,100 square feet Years lived in: 3.5 years; Rented Looking at Fay’s gorgeous Oakland apartment, it’s hard to not feel envious. Situated on the top floor of the building, her apartment boasts features most people desire in a home: large windows that provide plentiful light all day, original hardwood flooring and a working fireplace.
Dec 19, 2019
Clara & Sam’s Warm & Inviting Rockridge HomeTours
Name: Clara of Banner Day & Sam (and their dog Morgan) Location: Rockridge; Oakland, California Size: 1,600 square feet Years lived in: 2.5 years; Owned Clara and Sam live in a 1930s cottage just a short walk from Oakland’s charming Rockridge neighborhood. After leaving a career in corporate law to start her interior design business Banner Day Consulting, Clara has been constantly pursuing her passion for design in their home, as well as for her numerous clients.
Dec 19, 2019
Alex & Zack’s Inspired Cole Valley EdwardianDesign Ideas
Name: Alex Bronstad & Zack Suhadolnik Location: Cole Valley; San Francisco, California Size: 620 square feet Years lived in: 4.5 years; Rented Alex and Zack sit tucked against bright bay windows while I take photos of their place. They’re planning a summer road trip, a sort of wilderness sabbatical, and sketching floor plans of the camper they’ll call home.
Dec 19, 2019
Annie’s Harmonious Oakland StudioTours
Name: Annie Oxenhandler Location: Adams Point; Oakland, California Size: 624 square feet Years lived in: 2 years; Rented Though a challenge at first, Annie managed to create a harmonious space with the illusion of having separate rooms in what would otherwise be an open studio.
Dec 19, 2019
Olivia’s Elegant Oakland ApartmentTours
Name: Olivia Smartt Location: Adam’s Point; Oakland, California Size: 700 square feet Years lived in: 3 years; Rented As a Bay Area photographer, Olivia likes her walls to remain mostly clear so that she can relax in her home after a long day, as her professional life is very busy and visual. Though bare in some areas, it’s clear that she has put much thought into which art, furniture and decor pieces takes up space in her elegant and minimal Oakland apartment.
Dec 19, 2019
Rebecca & George’s Hilltop HomesteadDesign Ideas
Name: Rebecca Miller & George Revel Location: Glen Park; San Francisco, California Size: 1,300 square feet Years lived in: 1.5 years Influenced by their rural roots and a shared passion for the outdoors, Rebecca and George’s Montana retreat happens to be in the heart of San Francisco. Heirloom artwork, fly fishing antiques, and vintage photographs punctuate warm rooms filled with classic furnishings and plenty of natural light.
Dec 19, 2019
Vivian & Leonard’s Converted Loft in OaklandTours
Name: Vivian and Leonard Location: West Oakland; Oakland, California Size: 1,100 square feet Years lived in: Leonard since August 2010, Vivian since December 2011; Rented Though Leonard was living in their West Oakland loft before Vivian, the two have managed to successfully bring in both of their personalities to create a rustic and organic space.
Dec 19, 2019
Carly & Scott’s Colorful Collected ApartmentDesign Ideas
Name: Scott Henderson & Carly Sciacqua Location: Central Richmond District; San Francisco, California Size: 1,000 square feet Years lived in: 2 years; Rented The newly engaged (congrats!) couple’s home is the perfect example of a successful collaboration. With Scott’s background working on architectural projects and Carly’s colorful sensibility, the space is well planned and perfectly accentuated with pops of color, quirk and personality.
Dec 19, 2019
Rena’s Global Eclectic San Francisco ApartmentDesign Ideas
Today’s tour is the second in a collaborative series curated by Jeanine Hays and Bryan Mason of Aphrochic for Apartment Therapy. They handpicked homes from around the world to share that capture the culture and style that they celebrate in their book, Remix: Decorating with Culture, Objects, and Soul.
Dec 19, 2019
Kevin & Emily’s East Bay SanctuaryTours
Name: Kevin and Emily Location: Adam’s Point; Oakland, California Size: 650 square feet Years lived in: 2.5 years; rented If Kevin and Emily had to describe their apartment in one word, they’d say it’s “thoughtful.” As soon as you step into their 650 square foot apartment—located just two blocks from Oakland’s beautiful Lake Merritt—you can see their careful cultivation of a unique decorative style.
Dec 19, 2019
Margaret Elizabeth Jewelry Studio TourTours
Name: Meg Shackleton of Margaret Elizabeth Jewelry Location: Union Street; San Francisco, California Size: 750 square feet Years in business: 7 years When you step into the studio of Margaret Elizabeth Jewelry you are taken by the similarities in style between the jewelry line and the space where it is created. Metallics with pops of color and plenty of texture set the tone in this studio workspace and showroom.
Dec 19, 2019
Krzysztof’s Modern Deco-Inspired HomeDesign Ideas
Name: Krzysztof Palacz Location: Buena Vista, San Francisco Size: 880 square feet Years lived in: 3 years; Owned House tour veteran Christopher Reynolds tipped me off about his friend Krzysztof’s San Francisco apartment. Since I trust Christopher’s eye, I didn’t ask for many details, and showed up site unseen with tripod in tow. Krzysztof first had me at the Cherner chairs, a modern classic I’ve been coveting since design school.
Dec 19, 2019
A Traveler’s 400-Square-Foot San Francisco Studio Apartment Is Simple But MeaningfulTours
Jon O'Shaughnessy is inspired by the things that make him happy—travel, the outdoors, and forests.
Dec 5, 2019