My Houzz: Eclectic Chic Goes Global in San Francisco

Ali Price describes her light-filled apartment in San Francisco’s Mission District as an “eclectic smattering of things that I love.” The Nashville native and cofounder of Lydali shares the home with her London-born husband, Jonny, a senior director at Kiva Zip.

Their 1912 Victorian was a single home until a former owner divided each floor into a separate unit. The interior of their unit is an ideal blend of old and new, with a few modern updates and classic Victorian details, like a bay window. The couple’s eclectic, global-chic style can be seen throughout in the mix of bohemian, colorful decor.

Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Jonny and Ali Price
Location: Mission District of San Francisco
Size: 680 square feet (63 square meters); 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom

Since moving into their home in 2010, Ali and Jonny have taken their time to decorate piece by piece, as they believe in building a collection slowly. Their sofa is a Craigslist find, and the coffee table is made from reclaimed wood from India.

Poufs: Urban Outfitters; pendant: Shades of Light


A vintage chair decorated with a pillow from Turkey sits by the classic San Francisco bay window that Ali loves.

Curtains: Ikat Ogee, West Elm


When it comes to the couple’s decorating, the one thing that is constant is Ali’s love for stories. Like her artisan e-commerce business, Lydali, most pieces in the home have a tale behind them. The framed prints on the wall are from a book by Eugene Alain Seguy that was passed down from Ali’s great-grandmother. The red and beige patterned pillow was acquired from a seamstress during Ali’s travels in Budapest.

Mirror: Abate Slatted Mirror, Anthropologie; shelf: Lack, Ikea


While many people don’t enjoy small-space living, Ali embraces it. She believes it has helped her to edit their belongings and build better habits for if and when they move to a bigger home.

Bookcase: Crate & Barrel


Both Ali and Jonny love their Lumio LED lamp, designed in San Francisco by Max Gunawan. The light can be folded and arranged in multiple configurations, and is always a conversation starter with guests.


The couple doesn’t let the size of their home deter them from entertaining; one of their favorite weekend activities is hosting brunch with close friends. They are famous for having parties that stretch from late morning to late afternoon.

Dining table: Community Thrift; chairs: Copper Real Good Chair, Blu Dot


The open space in the kitchen really helps for that, making it easy for everyone to hang out together during preparation. The couple has packed up to 30 people in their home.

Kitchen island: Stenstorp, Ikea; pendant: Halo Chandelier, Roost


This vintage poster from the Alameda Point Antiques Faire holds special significance for Jonny, as it’s a bus stop sign in a style that is ubiquitous in London and is a happy reminder of his hometown.


Since their apartment is so open, the couple wanted to keep the layout comfortable and easy. The bedroom has French doors that offer views of the commanding headboard centered on the opposite wall.

Bed: Pondicherry in Bark Diamond, Serena & Lily; pendant: Shades of Light


In the bedroom Ali stuck with unusual patterns in neutral colors that complement one another. “I realize that while color and pattern are awesome, you need to make sure that it’s on the neutral side,” she says. “Bright patterns and colors can get tiring, especially when they’re packed in tight together.”

Wallpaper: Anthropologie (no longer available)


Large windows keep the golden sunlight constantly streaming, filling their bedroom with a consistent warm glow.


The entryway features a repurposed vintage church pew from nearby Sonoma and a boucherouite rug from Morocco. The gallery wall displays a new collection; it’s packed with vintage finds and frames gifted by friends.


Ali and Jonny, seen here, offer this advice for others who are living in a small space: “You want everything that surrounds you — that you interact with on a day-to-day basis — to be something you love,” she says. “Make sure everything you have in your space is something that is useful and beautiful.”

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