I'm a Fashion Editor and Just Redecorated—Step Inside My Updated L.A. Space

fashion-editor-home-294914-1629775041731-main

(Image credit: @kristenmarienichols)

After spending more time than ever at home over the last year and a half, I started thinking more and more about décor. My Instagram follows quickly grew to include more interior design accounts, my Pinterest boards were suddenly very focused on living spaces, and my browser history consisted of more furniture searches than ever before. As a fashion editor, I have always appreciated aesthetics and beautiful interiors, but my time working at home was the push I needed to redecorate.

To redesign my apartment, I worked with CB2 Interiors, whose talented team helped me create a soothing, minimal space rooted in neutral shades, plush textures, and natural materials. We took inspiration from my home mood board that includes images of Haussmannian Parisian apartments, mid-century modern design, and clean, comfortable interiors. We also focused on working with pieces I'd acquired over the years that I wanted to stay in the space, including everything from Jeanneret chairs to a tulip dining table to my dad's record player from the '70s, as well as some special new pieces I sourced. Ahead, step inside my L.A. space.

The Living Room

fashion-editor-home-294914-1629777507552-image

(Image credit: @kristenmarienichols)

As it is easily my favorite space in my apartment and the area where I spend the most time, we focused on a redesign for the living room. The beautiful sectional was the starting point, and the cloud-like couch is even more comfortable to sink into than it looks (if you can imagine that). A soft, modern gray rug grounds the room, a bouclé chair provides extra seating, and the rotating wood coffee table is perfect for entertaining. Similar to my approach to fashion, this room blends pared-back style, timeless pieces, and neutral shades.

Shop the pieces:

The Coffee Table

fashion-editor-home-294914-1629777509322-image

(Image credit: @kristenmarienichols)

The coffee table is a piece I've always struggled to find, and I actually didn't have one in my space before this. The CB2 design team recommended this beautiful piece made of acacia wood, and I love the warmth and natural texture it adds to the room. Topped off with a pedestal bowl and sculptural Georg Jensen candles, it really pulls the living room together and makes it exactly where I want to curl up for a movie night.

Shop the pieces:

The Home Office

fashion-editor-home-294914-1630353567202-main

(Image credit: @kristenmarienichols)

While I've always spent some time working at home, it wasn't until this last year that I wanted to create a dedicated space for a home office.

fashion-editor-home-294914-1630356001786-main

(Image credit: @kristenmarienichols)

The desk is an absolute dream. Not only do I love the beautiful surface made from reclaimed teak and mango wood, but I also love the size of it. It's five feet wide, so it feels luxurious to be able to spread out with room for my laptop, monitor, and morning latte. I also added a cane chair to coordinate with other pieces in my space.

Shop the pieces:

The Kitchen

fashion-editor-home-294914-1630353725235-main

(Image credit: @kristenmarienichols)

I cook often, so I spend a lot of time in the kitchen. Similar to the rest of my space, I love sticking to clean, modern lines with some organic touches. My tulip table and Marcel Breuer chairs are pieces I've had since I lived in NYC, but I'm always finding unique pieces to add in, especially tablewear.

My latest find is this beautiful wooden bowl from Olive Ateliers, whose collection of stunning objects are sourced everywhere from Morocco to Australia. The L.A.–based, female-led company just launched earlier this year but already has a cult following among the fashion and interior sets.

fashion-editor-home-294914-1630353768679-main

Shop the pieces:

Order via DM @oliveateliers. Prices are available upon request.

The Bedroom

fashion-editor-home-294914-1629777431962-image

(Image credit: @kristenmarienichols)

Similar to coffee tables, bedside tables have been tricky for me to find. That is until I spotted this beautiful acacia nightstand in a soothing gray wash. Paired with this textured lamp and my linen-finished bed, it really creates a serene atmosphere that I can't get enough of. 

Shop the pieces:

The Reading Area

fashion-editor-home-294914-1629777510170-image

(Image credit: @kristenmarienichols)

Blending in with the furniture in the rest of the apartment, this reading area is a mix of the white, tan, and black shades throughout. It's the perfect spot to curl up with a good book.

Shop the pieces:

The Balcony

fashion-editor-home-294914-1630353409866-main

(Image credit: @kristenmarienichols)

I tend to spend my mornings sipping a latte or smoothie and love spending that time on my balcony. Here, I utilized some pieces I already owned and repurposed them in a different area. This sparkle table is something I discovered on a trip to Italy a few years ago, and I love that it always reminds me of that.

Shop the piece:

Next, 7 Things I Always Wear (and 7 I Skip) After Living in NYC, Paris, and L.A.

Associate Director, Special Projects

Kristen Nichols is the Associate Director, Special Projects at Who What Wear with over a decade of experience in fashion, editorial, and publishing. She oversees luxury content and wedding features, and covers fashion within the luxury market, runway reporting, shopping features, trends, and interviews with leading industry experts. She also contributes to podcast recordings, social media, and branded content initiatives. Kristen has worked with brands including Prada, Chanel, MyTheresa, and Luisa Via Roma, and rising designers such as Refine and Tove, and her style has been featured in publications including Vogue.com, Vogue France, WWD, and the CFDA. Before Who What Wear, Kristen began her career at Rodarte, where she worked on assistant styling, photo shoots, and runway shows, and at Allure, where she moved into print and digital editorial. She graduated from the University of Southern California, where she studied art history and business, and currently lives in New York.