Catie Brown, a vintage decor enthusiast and recent Stanford graduate, found herself faced with the common dilemma of limited space when searching for an apartment in Los Angeles in 2022. Despite her initial desire for a two-bedroom unit, financial constraints led her to settle for a single-bedroom apartment. However, what she found was far more than she had bargained for.
After exploring multiple rental options, Brown stumbled upon a nondescript ground-floor apartment in a 15-unit complex nestled in Mid-City, bordering Culver City. Initially dismissing it, she was pleasantly surprised by its charm upon visiting in person. The rent-controlled unit, which was available for a reduced rate due to its vacancy, quickly won her over with its multiple bedrooms, hardwood floors, and convenient location close to her workplace and gym.
During the tumultuous times of the COVID-19 pandemic, Brown found solace in cottagecore design, a trend that romanticizes country living and simplicity. Fueled by her love for historical novels and classic literature like “The Secret Garden” and “Little Women,” she transformed her apartment into what she lovingly refers to as her “Culver City cottage.” The space is adorned with vintage finds, cherished treasures, and personal touches that reflect her childhood dreams and aspirations as a novelist.
To bring her cottagecore aesthetic to life, Brown carefully curated each room with a blend of whimsical knickknacks, historical artifacts, and vintage decor. From a gold Egyptian side table passed down from her grandmother to artwork purchased during her travels, each piece tells a story and adds character to her living space. Brown’s commitment to her vintage theme is evident in every corner of her apartment, where she strikes a delicate balance between coziness and curated charm.
In her office, which doubles as a writing space for her novel, Brown incorporates subtle Irish touches that reflect the story she is crafting. An avid crafter and painter, she finds joy in creating knickknacks and personalized decor that evoke a sense of nostalgia and creativity. Her apartment serves as a sanctuary where she can escape into her fictional worlds while surrounded by the comforts of her carefully curated space.
While Brown’s apartment exudes charm and character, she acknowledges the challenges of limited space as a passionate collector. With a firm stance on not acquiring more cabinets, she faces the inevitable dilemma of parting with some of her beloved books to make room for new additions. Despite the constraints of her 1963 apartment, Brown has transformed it into a cozy haven that marries the past with the present, offering comfort and warmth to those who enter its doors.
As Brown continues to evolve her vintage-inspired living space, she remains committed to preserving its authenticity while infusing it with elements of the modern era. Her apartment stands as a testament to her creativity, passion for storytelling, and love for all things vintage. In a world filled with transient trends and fleeting fads, Catie Brown’s Culver City cottage is a timeless retreat that invites visitors to step into a bygone era while embracing the comforts of the present.
Whether she’s crafting a new knickknack, rearranging her vintage treasures, or simply enjoying a quiet moment in her cozy living room, Catie Brown’s apartment is a reflection of her unique personality, creative spirit, and unwavering dedication to preserving the beauty of the past in the hustle and bustle of modern-day Los Angeles.
