Churches repurposed into homes are out-of-the-ordinary but hardly unheard-of. But what about living in achurch basement and going to Sunday School day and night, every day of the week? Los Angeles residents
Lourdes Hernandez and Zach Leigh actually got married in the upstairs of this Highland Park church then decided to buy it to live in, refurbish, and rent out.
 |
| Marisa Vitale photo / Apartment Therapy |
They first thought they’d use the upstairs as a music venue since both are musicians. But the church’s potential as a wedding venue was all too clear, and
The Ruby Street is now booked with weddings nearly every weekend. And the home they’ve built together in the basement of their income property is an amazing boho mix of their tastes, styles and interests.
Divide, conquer and cozy-up
 |
| Marisa Vitale photo / Apartment Therapy |
The biggest decorating challenge involved keeping the 1,900 square feet of space completely open but with cozy, welcoming areas.
 |
| Marisa Vitale photo / Apartment Therapy |
A friend painted the “Sunday School” sign on the reeded glass entrance door.
 |
| Marisa Vitale photo / Apartment Therapy |
The kitchen is tucked in one corner, with an IKEA island on wheels for work space and IKEA shelving for extra storage.
 |
| Marisa Vitale photo / Apartment Therapy |
A bright and cheery IKEA sofa separates the TV viewing area from an office the couple shares.
 |
| Marisa Vitale photo / Apartment Therapy |
A DIY desk allows both to work comfortably side-by-side.
 |
| Marisa Vitale photo / Apartment Therapy |
The desk was made from finished plywood with legs added. As large as the work surface is, Zach says it still fills up.
 |
| Marisa Vitale photo / Apartment Therapy |
The couple removed the actual wall that separated the stairs from the rest of the home and installed this yarn wall instead. It’s anchored by eye hooks, top and bottom, and adds just the right amount of division and whimsy to the space.
 |
| Marisa Vitale photo / Apartment Therapy |
A living room area features a vintage sofa, coffee table, and mirror.
 |
| Marisa Vitale photo / Apartment Therapy |
Three identical hanging planters and plants help separate the living room from the rest of the space.
 |
| Marisa Vitale photo / Apartment Therapy |
Friends call the place “a playground for adults,” and it’s easy to see why.
 |
| Marisa Vitale photo / Apartment Therapy |
The desk is a midcentury modern reproduction from West Elm and functions to hold bar essentials, as well as collections.
 |
| Marisa Vitale photos / Apartment Therapy |
Lourdes believes in making items you use part of the décor, so guitars hang on walls and cases stack under credenzas.
 |
| Marisa Vitale photo / Apartment Therapy |
The credenza also functions as a divider between living space and sleeping space. The couple designed the bed and had it custom-made to fit the existing nook. Lourdes says this is her favorite part of their home.
Doors where they're needed
 |
| Marisa Vital photos / Apartment Therapy |
The closet is one of only two completely walled-off-with-door areas in the home. Lots of shelving has been added to keep everything neat tidy, including Lourdes’ fun shoe collection.
 |
| Marisa Vitale photos / Apartment Therapy |
The bathroom is, of course, the other. The same artist who painted “Sunday School” on the front door painted “Clean” on the door to the bathroom.
 |
| Marisa Vitale photo / Apartment Therapy |
That marble tub is a looker, but those Pendleton towels grabbed my attention first. Such a classic stripe!
 |
| Marisa Vitale photo / Apartment Therapy |
And an indoor SAUNA!! Absolutely to-die-for!
A hefty dose of fun, funk and fantastic charm
 |
| Marisa Vitale photo / Apartment Therapy |
More IKEA shelves divide the space, and another guitar decorates a support column. But look a little closer…
 |
| Marisa Vitale photo / Apartment Therapy |
The shelves hold a collection of vintage cameras. Say
cheese!
 |
| Marisa Vitale photo / Apartment Therapy |
And just beyond the shelves is a music performance area, stage and all.
 |
| Marisa Vitale photo / Apartment Therapy |
The faux melting ice cream cone is one of Zach’s keepsakes. It was his favorite thing from his grandmother’s house.
If you want more…
 |
| Marisa Vitale photo / Apartment Therapy |
- Continue your tour of this boho home at Apartment Therapy. There’s lots more photos to see and even source info.
- Learn more about The Ruby Street. You might even want to schedule your next wedding there!
- Lourdes’ new album, Karaoke, is available through her website, Russian Red. You can also follow her on Instagram.
- Learn about The Good Form, an LA rehab firm where Zach works as a designer/builder. You can follow him on Instagram as well.
- Shop (and follow!) both my Etsy and ebay stores for vintage finds, a few of my boho DIYs, and next-to-new surplus home decor. New merchandise gets added daily, so check both places often.
- Sign up to have BoHo Home posts sent to your inbox using the subscription link in the sidebar (top right). Or follow with Bloglovin, a social-media platform that allows you to set up an account and access all the blogs you want to read in one place.
- Find additional content from BoHo Home on Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, Pinterest, Instagram, Google+, and Houzz, and give me a follow EVERYWHERE!! The more the merrier!
Posts
