Meow Meow

Ever wonder what happens when a “shitty robot” inventor turns her gaze inward? Prepare to be amazed. Simone Giertz’s 630-square-foot (that’s 58 sqm for our UK friends!) Los Angeles pad isn’t just a home; it’s a living, breathing testament to ingenious problem-solving, a playful sculpture, and frankly, an absolute dream for anyone obsessed with clever design. Forget everything you thought you knew about small-space living – Simone’s about to blow your mind.

For Simone, home isn’t just a place; it’s a sanctuary, a “house that spoons me,” a much-needed cozy cocoon after a life filled with adventurous (and sometimes chaotic!) work. And get this: she once renovated and lived on an old tugboat in Stockholm, Sweden! So, it’s no surprise she sees her tiny L.A. abode not as a constraint, but as the ultimate “design challenge,” a clear invitation to push boundaries and make every single inch count. Her mantra? Pure gold: “Everything is awesome, but it’s like everything is custom”. She’s fiercely protective of her home’s “weird” charm, actively avoiding the dreaded “Home Depot flip” in favor of embracing its beautifully imperfect, “winged-it” history. Can we get an amen for character over sterile perfection?

For four years, this house, shared with her adorable crew – Scraps the dog, Futs the cat, and foster pup Tobin – has been Simone’s personal laboratory. Her creations are next-level. Case in point: that utterly charming thread spool side table. Yes, it looks like a giant thread spool, because Simone has a soft spot for “big versions of small objects” in a petite space. But wait, there’s hidden storage for knitting yarn! And then there’s the Plamp (pot-lamp, get it?!). This living, breathing light fixture uses actual plant leaves as a shade, constantly growing and evolving, needing re-hanging as it snakes upwards. It’s truly a stroke of genius, marrying nature with function.

Let’s talk about the hallway dilemma – a uniquely American architectural challenge, especially when you’re used to Swedish design. Simone tackled it head-on, completely rebuilding her loft staircase to include clever shoe storage and two integrated cabinets for jackets and bags. Genius! But perhaps even more breathtaking is her stained glass window. Her very first stained glass project, mind you, replaced light-blocking doors, bathing the room in glorious sunshine. And the backstory? It’s a sweet, slightly quirky tribute to a lemon tree she’d, ahem, accidentally killed. You gotta love that level of dedication!

When it comes to small spaces, storage and multi-functionality aren’t just good ideas; they’re essential. And Simone’s jigsaw puzzle table? It’s a full-blown masterclass! Think two interchangeable tabletops, built-in bench seating, and storage galore. This bad boy can comfortably fit seven people – all thanks to a charming Swedish saying: “if there’s heart room there’s butt room”. Then there’s the brilliance of her mechanical fruit bowl, designed to perfectly adjust its size, solving the age-old problem of too much or too little fruit. Even her humble IKEA cabinets got a glow-up, with routed ridges adding a custom farmhouse vibe – proof that a little ingenuity goes a long way.

Simone’s bedroom is a masterclass in making every square inch work. Instead of battling a cramped layout, she built a brilliant platform bed that literally elevates her sleeping space, creating a cozy “treehouse” feel. But the magic’s underneath: hidden clothing storage, suitcases, and even a secret spot for Tobin’s bed! This elevated design inspired a custom headboard with embedded lights and plush inlaid felt – talk about dreamy. And if you’ve ever wrestled with a bulky coat rack, you’ll swoon over her invention, Coat Hinders. These genius hangers fold in half, hugging the wall and freeing up precious space. Best part? You can snag them for your own home at yet.store, her product company!

This house isn’t just a static structure; it’s a vibrant, “constant experiment,” a living laboratory where every object is tested, tweaked, and either earns its permanent spot or gets a graceful retirement. Case in point: her adorable prototype chair complete with a built-in staircase just for Scraps to comfortably join her on her lap! Even the most mundane details get the Simone treatment – from custom floor vents to a truly fabulous “dedicated toilet paper shelf” that proudly puts rolls on display. For Simone, design isn’t about perfection; it’s about purpose, even if it’s “not always ‘pretty'”. Her philosophy? “I’d rather have weird than boring and ugly than boring”. And honestly, we’re here for it.

And yes, there’s the workshop, lovingly (or perhaps not-so-lovingly!) dubbed the “butthole of the house” – a purely functional zone with zero aspirations of prettiness. This just underscores Simone’s unwavering commitment to practicality. Yet, despite the occasional “winged-it” detail, the overwhelming feeling her home imparts is one of incredible warmth, endless ingenuity, and a deep, personal connection. In her own beautiful words, it’s the “perfect space,” a “creative canvas,” and even a “spa for my brain”. Simone Giertz isn’t just an inventor; she’s a visionary making her small corner of the world truly her own, offering priceless inspiration for anyone ready to transform their space from merely functional to absolutely magical.