Inside the DIY-Filled Rental of a Graphic Designer Who Makes Moodboards for Everything
If you’ve ever wondered what the home of a ceramicist, painter, or writer actually looks like beyond perfectly curated Instagram squares, The Makers: Inside the Homes and Studios of Inspiring Creatives has the answer. The new book by Genevieve Rosen-Biller and Bed Threads takes you behind the scenes of artists’ spaces around the world—think sun-drenched Australian cottages, moody New York lofts, and countryside retreats brimming with character. Expect layered textures, well-worn worktables, and rooms that tell a story, each one offering a peek into the minds of the creatives who inhabit them. Whether you’re looking for design inspiration or simply love a good behind-the-scenes moment, this book is a must-have for anyone who believes that where you live is as much an expression of artistry as what you make.
In one of the chapters, graphic designer Jessica Marak shares her Los Angeles apartment filled with small DIY touches and a kaleidoscopic style. Here, Rosen-Biller gives readers the background on how this well-loved rental came to be. It’s proof that you don’t need a forever home to create a space that feels like you.
Far from dreading being stuck in front of a computer all day, graphic designer, photographer and content creator Jessica Marak finds constant inspiration from her screen. “I wouldn’t be the creative person I am today without the countless hours of sitting in front of a computer screen,” she says.
“I always start on the computer, which is why I’m so grateful I chose the graphic design path. I can’t create without it! When I’m buying furniture or picking out paint colors I’m in Photoshop. When I’m starting a branding project I’m in Illustrator. When I’m creating social content I’m in Premiere or Lightroom.”
Jessica and her husband moved from New York to Los Angeles over a year ago, immediately falling in love with the arched doorways, casement windows and dark wood floors of their rented apartment.
In an effort to personalize the space, they swapped out all the light fixtures and gave a few rooms a new lick of paint. “I created a moodboard, of course, based on a few themes including ’60s modernism, Spanish warmth and playfulness. My husband Garrett and I love to have fun, so we wanted our home to be a reflection of that. We ended up with a lot of quirky shapes, rounded corners, and squiggles, but mixed in natural woods, marbles and sophisticated colors to balance out the playfulness.”
Her collection of vintage colored glasses takes pride of place within one of her favorite pieces: a post-modern stucco shelf in the dining room. “It was one of the first pieces we brought into the space and it fits perfectly. After living in such a small space in New York, it’s such a luxury to have somewhere to display my collection.” she says.
Most of her creative magic happens in the office/guest room. “I haven’t had a designated creative space in so many years, so it feels so good to have a place where I can work on projects and make a mess and then close the door behind me.”
And her secret to a well-styled home? “Fresh flowers. They add a pop of color, but also give a whole new life and energy to the space. I love going to the flower market and buying really unique, out-there flowers. My favorites are push-pin proteas.”
Excerpted with permission from The Makers: Inside the Homes and Studios of Inspiring Creatives by: Genevieve Rosen-Biller and Bed Threads. Published by Hardie Grant North America, February 2025.
