Houzz Tours
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My Houzz: A Home Full of Character and Finds From Across the World
A rug found in Kazakhstan shaped the décor in this San Francisco apartment
Rena Thiagarajan had only a mattress and a dresser when she moved from Chicago to an apartment in San Francisco. Though most people would consider finding a sofa to be the obvious next step, Thiagarajan began to hunt for the perfect rug. An avid textile lover, she wanted something unique and with a storied background that she could decorate around. She also loves to travel, and once she realised that textiles are one of the easiest items to roll up and pack into a suitcase, they became her go-to souvenirs from her trips. Before she knew it, she had amassed a hearty collection of colourful textiles from around the world.
The rug also played a part in the start of a new career for Thiagarajan. When another rug she bought from the same vendor as the inspirational one never arrived, dealing with the obstacles and problems inspired her to quit her job as a corporate lawyer and start Project Bly, a travel and lifestyle site that connects people around the world as friends, shoppers, vendors and more. Thanks to the opportunities for world exploration the site allows her, she has put together a globally influenced collection of art, furniture and accessories and, of course, rugs that define her cosy space.
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here Rena Thiagarajan
Location San Francisco
Size 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom
The rug also played a part in the start of a new career for Thiagarajan. When another rug she bought from the same vendor as the inspirational one never arrived, dealing with the obstacles and problems inspired her to quit her job as a corporate lawyer and start Project Bly, a travel and lifestyle site that connects people around the world as friends, shoppers, vendors and more. Thanks to the opportunities for world exploration the site allows her, she has put together a globally influenced collection of art, furniture and accessories and, of course, rugs that define her cosy space.
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here Rena Thiagarajan
Location San Francisco
Size 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom
One of the difficulties Thiagarajan faced was uncovering the rug’s history. She compares buying rugs to buying antiques – one has to really enjoy the piece, especially the story behind it. ‘This rug has obviously been used,’ she says, ‘but it adds to the character and history. I look at it like buying a piece of art: the imperfections add to it.’
An eclectic assortment of colourful art, unique furniture and decorative items, including some with interesting patterns, is scattered throughout the home, a result of Thiagarajan’s travels and eye for design. ‘Don’t be afraid to mix it up,’ she advises.
To keep things cohesive, she made sure all the patterns had at least one common thread running through them – whether it was the colour or the pattern itself. She made it a point to use colours that complemented one another but weren’t too similar.
Credenza: Mid Century Modern Finds; art: Rena Thiagarajan and Project Bly
Check out ways to add character to a new build
Credenza: Mid Century Modern Finds; art: Rena Thiagarajan and Project Bly
Check out ways to add character to a new build
Thiagarajan’s home also functions as her office and artist’s studio. Despite combining work, play and relaxation in one space, she has no problem separating functions. Home remains a comfortable and calm place where she can sit, read and just be, but it’s also a place where she can work efficiently.
The detailing and open layout are the architectural features of the apartment she most enjoys. Thiagarajan uses a second kilim rug she found online to subtly divide the dining and work space from the living area.
Thiagarajan used to have a studio in another part of San Francisco, but when she began to work from home, it became more difficult to venture there in the evenings. She describes herself as a messy painter, but her pre-1906 hardwood floors are pristine.
In the kitchen, the warm tones of the runner complement the colour of the kitchen cabinets.
Sheer red curtains bring out the warm ochre and burnt sienna notes in the painting above the bed. The kilim rug in this room provides subtle red tones to play off the brighter curtains and painting, while the simple white bedding adds a peaceful touch.
Painting: from India; pillow: from Morocco
Painting: from India; pillow: from Morocco
Chair, lamp: flea market in California
Not all of Thiagarajan’s finds come from far-flung corners of the world. The chair, lamp and repurposed jewellery hanger were found just across San Francisco Bay, and the chest of drawers is from a local DIY shop.
Jewellery hanger: flea market in California; chest of drawers: Ace Hardware
Jewellery hanger: flea market in California; chest of drawers: Ace Hardware
For Thiagarajan designing, travelling and finding one’s passion means diverging from the expected. ‘By going off the beaten path, you learn more about everything and anything,’ she says. ‘A pillow can be just a pillow, but when you know the story behind its creation, it provides a new level of meaning and significance as a design object.’
Discover ways to display your favourite finds
My Houzz is a series in which we visit and photograph creative, personality-filled homes and the people who inhabit them. If you would like your home to be featured, please send information and photos to ukeditor@houzz.com.
Discover ways to display your favourite finds
My Houzz is a series in which we visit and photograph creative, personality-filled homes and the people who inhabit them. If you would like your home to be featured, please send information and photos to ukeditor@houzz.com.
Chair, sofa: Crate & Barrel; lamp: Mid Century Modern Finds; coffee table: via Craigslist