Leaving the hills of peaceful Marin for the semi-industrial estuary edge of Oakland, CA was a big shift—a true 180. But there was something magnetic about Oakland, a kind of raw, creative energy that drew me in.


The space itself—a former metal foundry converted into living quarters in the late 80s—is expansive and full of character. Three levels, sloped ceilings, huge skylights…it couldn’t have been more different from my cozy, shingled cottage in San Rafael. And it needed to be furnished quickly—an adventure all its own.

A living room with a table and chairs and a painting on the wall
A living room with a sectional couch and pillows

I stumbled on it unexpectedly, but the moment I stepped inside, I was reminded of a Belgian live/work space I’d fallen in love with years before, featured in Elle Decoration UK. I had saved those photos on my phone (couldn’t pinterest it at the time), just to revisit and admire. This new space echoed that dream so closely, it felt like fate.

A room with a rug that has the letter o on it
A bedroom with a large bed and a striped comforter
A bedroom with a bed , chairs , a table and a lamp.
A bedroom with a bed a desk and a striped rug