How Highboy LA Made a Mid-Century Modern Haven With Vintage Finds

Nestled in a charming 1923 Spanish-style apartment in Los Angeles, Katie and Cody of Highboy LA have crafted a home that seamlessly blends mid-century modern design with their unique personal touches.

Living in a cozy 750 sq. ft. space for over nine years, this dynamic duo has transformed their apartment into a vibrant testament to their eclectic style and passion for interior decorating.

Katie, one half of Highboy LA, is a content creator specializing in interior design, while her partner Cody manages tours for a music artist. Their combined creative energy has breathed new life into their home, reflecting their love for midcentury modern aesthetics and thrifting.

“We discovered our love for midcentury modern design and thrifting once we lived in LA,” Katie reveals. “After about 5-6 years, we finally felt as though we honed in on our personal style.”

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The couple’s journey to personalize their apartment has been marked by several standout finds and DIY projects. One notable treasure is their 3-piece teak TV console, which they acquired for a mere $150 from an older couple who initially bought it as newlyweds.

“They’re so versatile and something we’ll never part with,” Katie says, highlighting the emotional and practical value of this piece.

Another DIY success involved restoring vintage metal chairs. The project, which cost under $300, included sanding, polishing, and reupholstering, turning chairs worth over $1,000 into a lucrative investment.

Despite the many successes, their apartment isn’t without challenges. One significant issue has been the building’s outdated electrical system.

“The lack of outlets has been a real struggle,” Katie admits. “We have the place RIGGED with surge protectors and extension cords to make sure we can safely have all of our lighting and smart conveniences.”

Katie and Cody’s design approach is a mix of mid-century modern, eclectic, and maximalist styles, characterized by a rich tapestry of textures, colors, and patterns, along with an abundance of plants.

“Our style is mid-century modern inspired, eclectic, earthy, and maximalist,” Katie describes.

Their inspirations are drawn from iconic mid-century modern homes, the natural world, and their favorite internet design accounts like Tim Labenda’s.

As renters, Katie and Cody embrace the temporary nature of their apartment without compromising on personalization.

“We fully believe in putting in the creative and physical effort into your space whether you rent or not,” Katie explains.

Their solution to the rental conundrum involves reversible projects like painting and installing shelves, ensuring their apartment feels like home while remaining adaptable.

Katie’s biggest tip for fellow apartment dwellers is to embrace the character of their space.

“Paint, install shelving or gallery walls (make sure to use drywall sinkers), set up smart bulbs in all of your lighting,” she advises.

Additionally, she emphasizes the importance of sustainability and wants fellow renters to shop secondhand for their homes.

“You can find any type of furniture you want, even brand new, on second-hand sites like Facebook Marketplace,” she says. “Not only is it cheaper, but you can find vintage gems that are made worlds better than the furniture of today.”

Katie and Cody’s home is more than just a stylish apartment; it’s a reflection of their creativity, resourcefulness, and commitment to sustainable living.

Their journey offers inspiring insights into turning any space into a personalized sanctuary, no matter how temporary it may be.