May 30, 2025
MY SF Home®
My Little House with a Big Soul
This is the third home I’ve lived in during my three years in San Francisco — and it’s just as beautiful as the two before it. In this story, I’ll share the inspiration I draw from the space around me, the challenges I’ve faced along the way, and, of course, a few hidden gems I’ve discovered on the map of San Francisco.
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I’ve always paid close attention to the things that surround me—especially the spaces I inhabit. Given that I work remotely, I spend most of my time at home—some days, it’s probably close to 22 hours. And when you live like that, your environment isn’t just a backdrop—it becomes part of your identity, your well-being, even your rhythm of thought.
It’s also important to mention that I’m a designer. Sometimes, I feel like my heart and soul were made for design. I can’t simply buy an object without spending weeks—sometimes months—researching, analyzing, and making sure it’s the best piece of industrial design available. That means living with me isn’t always easy: I’m incredibly selective. Everything I choose to live with has to feel just right—almost like it was chosen by instinct, by something deeper than taste alone.
Since moving to San Francisco, I’ve already lived in three different apartments—and each one was meticulously designed down to the last detail. You can see the evolution of these interiors in the highlights on my Instagram.
I’m the kind of person who would rather skip dinner than skip on creating a beautiful space. Every corner of my home has to feel like a frame-worthy composition. I know—it’s not easy being (and living as) a designer.
You might not believe it, but one of the very first places I visited after moving to San Francisco was an antique shop - (my little secret list of vintage stores in San Francisco). Of course, I couldn’t leave empty-handed. The first thing I bought in my American life was an Art Nouveau coffee table from a private collection—for $1,200. Yes, the same little table you can spot in my photos. And yes, sometimes I still think I must’ve been out of my mind.
But honestly, even if I ever move to New York, I know I’ll be shipping a container full of my design pieces with me. Most likely, I’ll spend my life moving my apartment from city to city—or reselling everything at the same price or even higher, which, to be fair, I do quite often here in the U.S.
My latest sanctuary is a newly built residence called The Canyon, beautifully situated along the waterfront of Mission Rock. I was one of the very first people to apply for a unit there—literally at the top of the waitlist—and then waited a year and a half until construction was complete. When the building finally opened, I was among the first lucky ones to move in.
This home has become my heart and soul. Beyond the stunning architecture, it offers rooftop perks like a sauna, jacuzzi, and sweeping views over the San Francisco Bay. But with all that beauty comes the sobering reality of the rental market in America—especially in high-demand states like California.
Ironically, despite what it may seem, rent prices here are anything but reasonable. Tiny apartments barely larger than a prison cell often go for $2450 per month —and that’s not even the worst part. The real catch is: even if you can afford it, you likely can’t rent it without perfect documentation, steady income, and a strong credit history. That’s just how it works.
This is the reality of San Francisco. A small city with limited space and enormous competition for housing. Why? Because it draws brilliant minds from around the world, all chasing big dreams and tech ambitions. And this is exactly what creates high demand and sets the market price. We’re all here, chasing something bigger. And the city responds with high stakes for everyone.
