Colorful Couple Turns 412-Sq-Ft Apartment into a Home

Isa Beniston and Scotty Zaletel have transformed their 412-square-foot apartment in Eagle Rock, Los Angeles, into a vibrant haven filled with unique treasures. Their love for each other is evident not only in their relationship, which has flourished over three years, but also in the creativity they bring to their home. From fruit-shaped throw pillows to over 30 animal portraits, each item carries a story of their adventures together, often sourced from local flea markets.

Beniston, 32, moved into the apartment in 2014 after graduating from UCLA. The allure of large vintage windows drew her to the stucco building, and the $1,461 monthly rent was further sweetened by its rent-controlled status. This arrangement allows her rent to increase annually by just 3%, a fortunate circumstance that has kept her in the apartment for nearly a decade. When her landlord proposed replacing the windows with smaller, modern alternatives, she declined, valuing the natural light that floods her home despite the occasional leak.

Creative Living in a Small Space

Beniston and Zaletel’s relationship is marked by shared creative pursuits, including home renovations. Their first date in 2022 involved covering the kitchen tile with blue and red checkerboard linoleum, a project that showcased their collaborative spirit. “She was cooking dinner, and I didn’t know what to do with my hands,” Zaletel recalled, highlighting the playful nature of their renovations. The linoleum flooring was sourced from Linoleum City in East Hollywood, described by Beniston as “the most fun historic shop in L.A.”

The couple has successfully merged their artistic collections, focusing on “not too good, not too bad” animal paintings, many of which were found secondhand. Their home features personal touches, like portraits of their dogs, a mutt named Pippen and a chihuahua mix called Goose. Beniston prefers not to display her own illustrations at home, finding joy in their shared eclectic collection instead.

Balancing Style and Function

Optimizing storage while maintaining character has been a priority for the couple. They have created a cozy breakfast nook, installed a hanging pot holder in the kitchen, and repurposed a vintage ironing board into a spice rack. Their innovative approach to storage and organization allows them to keep their living space functional while reflecting their personalities.

During the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Beniston painted a mural in the hallway that extends into a fabric panel adorned with flowers and whimsical animal motifs, echoing her work for her brand, Gentle Thrills. The couple also appreciates their closet space, which includes one in the hallway and another in the bedroom. To avoid stepping on each other’s toes in their compact environment, they rent a studio workspace nearby for additional storage and laundry needs.

Despite their desire for home ownership, the couple intends to stay in their rent-controlled apartment until they can buy a home. They are realistic about the challenges of the real estate market, with the median home price in Eagle Rock reaching $1.3 million, according to Zillow. “We’ll cross that bridge when we get to it,” Zaletel said, emphasizing their optimism for the future.

Beniston and Zaletel’s story illustrates the beauty of creativity and collaboration in small living spaces. Their colorful apartment serves as a testament to their relationship, showcasing how love can transform even the most modest of homes into vibrant, inviting spaces.