Home Tour: A Colorful Plant-Filled Apartment
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A Colorful Plant-Filled Apartment in Tulsa, OK
When photographer Chuyi Wen casually showed us photos of her home while shopping in Retro Den a couple months ago, Daly and I both independently asked her if we could feature her home on our blog. It was that pretty!
Chuyi and her husband Zach have lived in their Tulsa apartment (that they share with their two cats Felix and Pumpkin) for just a few months, however, they've already transformed it into a cozy, beautiful space.
We asked Chuyi about her home and her decorating style as well as her tips for shopping vintage in Tulsa. Enjoy the interview below along with images of her beautiful, bright, plant-filled apartment.
Photography by: Chuyi Wen Photo
What do you love most about your space?
Plants! Our goal is to create an indoor jungle. When we moved in together we both got rid of many items. So what we have left and what we added after are what really reflects our personalities.
How would you describe your decorating style?
I look to compliment a mix of modern and vintage furniture while mixing in a heavy dose of greenery.
Why is having vintage important in a home?
Maybe because I’m from China. Growing up there I kind of naturally developed an appreciation for vintage pieces.
Any tips for shopping vintage in Tulsa?
Shopping vintage is like a treasure hunt for me. We like the experience of bringing home something unique and making it work with the rest of our furniture. And I believe vintage is a more environmentally friendly living choice.
Tell us about your husband's interest in macrame.
He learned macramé while in the boy scouts. He would make bracelets and keychains and sell them to other scouts. I bought House Sparrow’s plant hanger and was interested in making one of my own, so I bought the materials, but it was harder than it looks. Zach saw me struggling and said he could do it. Then he made a couple beautiful plant hangers with gorgeous knots. So now he is the designated macramé maker.
Why do you think it's important, worthwhile, to have a beautiful home?
Because home is where we spend our free time; it is really nice to have a beautiful home that reflects our personality, character, passion.
Name 2-3 of your favorite pieces in your home and tell us why they are your favorites.
First, Zach’s work table, I actually built it for him with my father-in-law’s help. I always like DIY projects, but this was the first big project I did. We had that left white drawer from Ikea, I built the 6ft long top board and the saw horse from scratch. It took a week but every time I look at that table, I genuinely feel very proud of myself.
The second piece would be the dining table. It’s foldable, a big space saver. We always want small furniture for easy transportation. This table has a lot of storage space in the middle and can be opened up on both sides to create more table space. Three sizes mode: when it’s not in use I put it down, so the whole room will be a cat playground. We open up half of it for us dining, and I also use that space for me to do artwork. We open up the whole table when there is a house party.
The yellow footstool–I love the mid-century style. I found it on a Facebook sale group. Later on I became friends with the seller; he loves plants too.
Favorite Retro Den piece?
The coffee table set. I had been looking for a coffee table for a while, because we wanted one for putting coffee cups on while sitting on the couch, but we also needed to leave enough space in that area for walking by. All furniture in that room was black. Zach had them before we moved in together. So small and stylish was the challenge. When I saw those two pieces, I knew they would be perfect!
Tell us about your photography business.
I am predominately a portrait photographer. My work is to create artful images of life’s most meaningful moments. I work with my clients to create engaging and intimate pieces that they will cherish for years to come.
Why do you love Tulsa right now?
How downtown is getting busier every day. We live very close to downtown. Zach and I have both lived in big cities (Beijing has over 20 million people) and like living near walkable/bike-able neighborhoods, where there is a lot of activity.
The desk on the right is Zach's work table Chuyi and her father-in-law made by hand.
Another one of Chuyi's favorite pieces, the dining table, folded up into its smallest configuration.
On the right, the mustard yellow mid-century footstool Chuyi scored off of Facebook marketplace. Doesn't she spread that mustard around well? *Heart-eyes*
Felix and Pumpkin basking in the apartment's natural light.
Zach working on another macrame masterpiece.
Chuyi's favorite Retro Den piece–the two-piece mid-century modern coffee table.
Chuyi's goal is to turn her apartment into a jungle. We feel she's making great progress.
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