Photo credit: www.apartmenttherapy.com
Creating a Welcoming Space: Johnny LaZebnik’s North Hollywood Apartment
In the world of interior design, there often exists a delicate balance between personal style and inviting atmospheres. Johnny LaZebnik, who has resided in his North Hollywood apartment spanning 1,312 square feet for seven years, embodies this philosophy. “My priority when it comes to my living space is that people feel at home here,” he explains, reflecting on memories from his childhood in a friendly and warm household that friends frequently visited.
However, Johnny acknowledges that his taste diverges from the more subdued style of his upbringing. “I have more of a flair for the dramatic than my parents do,” he admits. This contrast leads to a fascinating exploration of how to blend bold design choices with an inviting ambiance. His affinity for vintage items drives his aesthetic. “I love, love, love old things, but I am fairly uneducated when it comes to name brands, designers, etc. (plus, I’m cheap), so very little here is actually ‘valuable’ in a Chairish sense,” he adds.
Rather than focusing on expensive decor, Johnny sees his apartment as a tribute to everyday moments. “Think vintage magazine covers and ads, photos from old scrapbooks, [and] framed journal entries,” he describes. By showcasing pieces that would normally languish in drawers, he creates a tangible connection to the past. This choice also highlights a philosophy of embracing imperfection in his curated collection. “When much of what you own is thrifted, passed down, or found, you learn to accept imperfection as a part of your aesthetic,” he notes.
Johnny’s journey in design is ongoing. “My best friend once asked me if I’d ever be ‘done’ with my place from a design perspective, and as nice as it sounds, I just don’t see that happening,” he shares. His regular excursions to estate sales and thrift stores constantly introduce new treasures that he seeks to integrate into his space, often necessitating sacrifices of existing pieces to maintain balance. “One day I hope to be a minimalist — to have one or two gorgeous set-pieces in each room, and otherwise have clean lines and a pared-down aesthetic,” he considers. However, the challenges of space have led him to embrace a more maximalist approach in the meantime.
Even though his apartment is somewhat standard in terms of architecture, Johnny remains determined to infuse character and whimsy throughout. He expresses a desire for a home filled with quirky architectural details, favoring styles like Victorian homes. Yet, he creatively combats the building’s limitations, particularly in one memorable space: the guest bathroom. Faced with a lack of natural light, he opted to paint it a striking shade of royal purple. “Probably my boldest choice was with the guest bathroom; I found very little inspiration online for how to glamorize a bathroom with no natural light,” he writes. His ultimate choice is significant; he values memorable over mundane: “Even if it’s a little ugly, I would always prefer ‘a little bit ugly but memorable’ to ‘a little bit ugly but forgettable.’”
Johnny LaZebnik’s apartment serves as a testament to how personal history, creativity, and a love for the imperfect can shape an inviting living space. His approach inspires others to see the beauty in both the past and the eclectic, crafting homes that resonate with character and warmth.
Source
www.apartmenttherapy.com