Meet Claire
A SoCal local with a romantically rustic touch.
Sit down, grab a coffee, and go on airplane mode while I talk interior design with my dear friend Claire.
Tucked away in a charming Spanish apartment, Claire lives with the company of her timid cat, Olive, near the seaside. After visiting her place a few months ago for a girls pasta night, I instantly knew that her place has something special.
Model. Cat Mom. Interior Design Enthusiast.
“I would say I follow the 80/20 rule for finding furniture pieces, 80 percent being vintage, and 20 percent being brand new.”
— Claire
Who are you?
“I’m Claire, I’m 25 years old, and I like to create interior design content, as well as personal lifestyle and fashion. I started out modeling when I was 18, and that’s kind of how I started my creative journey. As modeling phased out for me due to education and other work priorities, I started using design as my creative outlet. I realized I gravitated towards interiors when I got my first apartment.”
How did you find your apartment?
“I found my apartment through Zillow. Popular apartment websites are either a hit or miss. For me, I was searching daily. My apartment was not available for another month when I initially saw it, but I applied early and communicated promptly. It’s important to have patience when looking, I waited 3 weeks before I heard updates.”
What is the inspiration for your home (design, aesthetic, feel)?
“My inspiration for my home is a bit mixed, but I feel like that is essential in curating a space. The bones of the apartment are classic spanish style, so I wanted to lean into that. Along with Spanish style, I also love french country and a relaxed, mid century style. I typically stay away from bright, bold colors and stick with colors you would normally see outside. I do appreciate those who fill their entire homes with bright colors, I think that is so fun.
It’s important to do what makes you feel comfortable. I get overstimulated easily, so finding colors that grounded me was important. An important tip I have learned is let nature come in; Trees, small plants, or flowers on the table will bring the space to life. I also find myself having a great appreciation for old, rustic pieces. There are so many modern furniture websites that sell furniture “made to look rustic”. Nothing is better than the real thing! That goes for all aspects of design, most pieces that are timeless and last are vintage. It also brings in a warm, inviting atmosphere.”
Where do you go to find things to decorate your home?
“I would say I follow the 80/20 rule for finding furniture pieces, 80 percent being vintage, and 20 percent being brand new. The only newer pieces in my home are the larger ones with lots of fabric, like my Sixpenny sofa. As for vintage finds, I am always going to antique shops, searching days on end on Etsy and Facebook Marketplace. Sometimes I will spend hours on Etsy. You can find the best lighting and decor on there!”
What is your favorite original element of your apartment?
“My favorite original element in my apartment would have to be the crown molding and light fixtures, like the chandelier in my dining room. I see so many homes and apartments nowadays being gutted, turning sterile and grey. I find that to be so sad, I know for my taste I need a place that I can work with, not against. The original elements in my home made my design process a lot easier!”
What is your favorite piece of home decor you bought for your place?
“My favorite piece I bought in my home would have to be all the wood pieces. My antique pine cabinet, custom coffee table, dining table, french stool… there are too many to name! I feel like without them, the space would feel completely different. I like to have slight variations of the wood as well that compliment the walls.”
If you could buy anything, what’s your dream object?
“My dream purchase would truthfully be anything I already own. I have spent so much time carefully curating so that every single item has purpose and is loved. But, if I had to answer, it would be anything from Eyeswoon; Particularly, for the kitchen. I love to cook, so it is a dream!”
What are some accounts on IG you follow for inspiration?
“Some inspo accounts I follow on IG would be Meier_Interiors, Light and Dwell, Jennie Kayne, and Jake Arnold. I love just scrolling to find inspiration, especially on Pinterest as well!
Pinterest is where I specifically curate what I want my space to look and feel like.”
Thanks for reading,
Kiana
Follow Claire here on IG
Photography by Fanny Chu
