News Summary
Isa Beniston and Scotty Zaletel have transformed their 412-square-foot rent-controlled apartment in Eagle Rock into a personal artistic space. Filled with unique art and thoughtful design, the couple showcases their creativity while navigating the challenges of homeownership. Despite economic pressures, they remain optimistic about achieving their goal of owning a home in the vibrant Los Angeles neighborhood they cherish.
Eagle Rock – Isa Beniston and Scotty Zaletel are a couple who have transformed their 412-square-foot rent-controlled apartment in Eagle Rock into a creative haven, filled with unique art and thoughtful design solutions. The apartment, located in a vibrant neighborhood in Los Angeles, reflects their personalities and shared interests as they work towards their goal of homeownership.
Beniston, 32, who runs a paper goods brand called Gentle Thrills, has lived in the apartment since 2014 after moving from West Hollywood. She found the unit on Craigslist and now pays $1,461 in monthly rent, which is subject to an annual increase of 3% due to its rent-controlled status. Despite being offered a renovation to replace large vintage windows with smaller modern ones, Beniston opted to maintain the charming, light-filled aspect of their home, valuing natural lighting over the occasional leaks.
The couple’s apartment is a blend of personal artifacts, including more than 30 animal portraits adorning the walls. Their love for art is represented in their collection, which consists of pieces they describe as “not too good, not too bad.” This unique aesthetic is complemented by their two pets, a mutt named Pippen and a chihuahua mix named Goose, who add life to their small space.
To optimize their limited space, Beniston and Zaletel have implemented several creative storage solutions. Their home features a cozy breakfast nook, a hanging pot rack for their kitchen, a retro pull-out ironing board repurposed as a spice rack, and various handmade storage solutions. They utilize every corner efficiently while keeping the apartment organized and clutter-free.
The couple shares a remarkable story that began with an unusual first date, where they installed blue and red checkerboard linoleum in the kitchen to assist Beniston in cooking. Their synergy extends to their home projects, although, like any couple, they occasionally have disagreements. For instance, Zaletel humorously references an Anna Nicole Smith bobblehead that Beniston is reluctant to display. Additionally, Beniston prefers not to showcase her own illustrations within their home, maintaining the focus on their collective decor choices.
Recognizing that their living space is small, they have also reserved a nearby studio workspace. This setup not only allows them to avoid stepping on each other’s toes but also accommodates their additional clothing and art pieces, making it easier to keep their apartment tidy and manageable.
As they navigate life together, Beniston and Zaletel have set a mutual goal of becoming homeowners in the future. With the median list price of homes in Eagle Rock currently at $1.3 million according to Zillow, they are acutely aware of the economic challenges ahead. Their homeownership timeline is estimated at five to ten years, and they have devised a financial plan to save money that would amount to what they would need separately if they lived alone.
Despite the pressures of rising housing costs and the risk of being priced out, the couple remains optimistic about achieving their dream of owning a home. Through their shared creativity and financial planning, they are committed to making their vision a reality while residing in a space that exemplifies their artistic tastes and love for each other.
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