A Converted 1913 Garage Is Now Silver Lake's Coolest Airbnb
L.A.'s Silver Lake neighborhood — once deemed "America's best hipster neighborhood" by Forbes, take that to mean what you will — is known for its hilly terrain as well as bustling foodie and coffee culture. So when homeowner and lifestyle photographer Jessie Webster listed her 1913 Craftsman home's guest house on Airbnb, she knew it would appeal to visitors who wanted to experience hyper-local flavor. "There is so much to do in Silver Lake and the cottage is walking distance to all of it," Webster said.
The space was originally a garage, and Webster set about renovating it immediately when she purchased the property: "I knew I wanted the option to turn it into a guest house at some point, so my first project was to add a bathroom," Webster said. In order to fit the bathroom seamlessly into the small space, Webster employed the help of Los Angeles-based architect Amy Shock. For decor, Webster created a style that combines a boho look with airy minimalism.
The result is a perfect balance between hotel and home, with the feeling of a curated boutique hotel room standing alone as a studio apartment.
1. Bedroom
The light-filled guest house seems all the more larger thanks to a play on light and space, with a pitched, white ceiling. And believe it or not, that vintage-feeling leather chair is from Urban Outfitters.
2. Bedroom
Jessie Webster
Comfort is key in a room built for guests to sleep. A minimalist Nomad platform bed is outfitted in bedding from Target and West Elm.
3. Wardrobe
Jessie Webster
There's a focus on important details that can make or break a hospitality experience — like this minimal wardrobe rack from Ikea that is functional but still feels as though it's part of the space.
4. Bedroom
Jessie Webster
The framed art piece is a photograph of a young Mick Jagger taken by Jessie's father, famed rock-and-roll photographer Guy Webster.
5. Bedroom
Jessie Webster
The entire guest home has a lived-in feel, from the faded rug to the found vintage furniture. Yet, the home still retains a clean and airy atmosphere with a neutral palette.
6. Bedroom
Jessie Webster
Semi-opaque curtains from Ikea keep the breeze coming in while providing guests with privacy.
7. Bedroom
Jessie Webster
A shed door was painted white to blend into the monochromatic background. Rather than decorating with an overabundance of color, Webster used varied textures from different materials to create depth.
8. Bedroom
Jessie Webster
Details in the Airbnb are simple — in a small space, avoiding clutter is key.
9. Bathroom
Jessie Webster
Architect Amy Shock was brought on to design the bathroom, which applies the same philosophy that Webster employs in the rest of the space's design: simplicity and curated pieces are key.