Felix Lopez and Life partners Joseph Rogers have dwelt in their tidy and well-appointed Dallas studio for four years. While short on space, their house is a vibrant reflection of their relationship. It has not always been that way. The two admit they have very different layout aesthetics; as Rogers says, “When we moved in, designing our studio reflected the growing pains of the relationship. When the relationship grew more powerful, the apartment really came together.”
Rogers works in style retail as a sales partner and merchandiser, and tends to scrutinize little design details. Lopez works for a furniture business and is more worried about the overall flow, atmosphere and application of a room. The couple learned the value of coming into a layout compromise after moving together.
in a Glance
Who lives here: Joseph Rogers, Felix Lopez and their puppy, Copper
Location: Dallas
Size: 950-square-foot studio
Sarah Greenman
“My favorite thing to do in our apartment would be rearrange the furniture,” says Lopez (shown here on the left). The residence is in a state of flux, with bits being transferred in and out. “With this few square feet, you need to be choosy.”
Rogers (at right) brings layout inspiration from his grandparents, who always had little but inviting homes. “I guess that is why I’m so attracted to antique bits and cozy furniture,” he says.
Sarah Greenman
Before signing the lease to their studio, Lopez made sure that the landlord would allow him to paint the walls. “Color is very important to me, and that I wanted the room to express who we are,” he says.
The pair is in the process of choosing a new paint color for your living room, since they’ve recently acquired this brown leather sofa in Rogers’ sister. Lopez is leaning towards a lighter color that will pop against the new furniture.
Wall paint: Mocha, Valspar; coffee table: Haverty’s
Sarah Greenman
Lopez painted the fireplace trim to serve as a background for a first painting cooperation. “A friend gave me this terrible picture — it was downright frightening, but I really liked the colors. I dripped white paint over the top to create an abstract bit,” he says.
Sarah Greenman
Favourite recordings, such as by David Bowie, Madonna, Fleetwood Mac and Tina Turner, hang as art over a wall-mounted multidisc player.
“I love that red chair,” says Lopez. “If I’m not cleaning or cooking, I could be found firmly planted in that chair.”
Chair: Cost Plus World Market
Sarah Greenman
Music is a big part of the life of the couple, so here they’ve carved out area for their album player and collection .
Accent table: Hemnes, Ikea
Sarah Greenman
The couple found this classic hutch with orange shelves in the Caribbean Dallas antiques shop Lula B. Italian plates candle sconces and art fill the walls, along with a wooden accent table rests in the edge of the dining room area for additional surface area.
Table: Pier 1 Imports; dining chairs: Cost Plus World Market
Sarah Greenman
The interior windows of the room open into the bedroom area. A chandelier in the window framework sheds light on both areas.
Chandelier: Habitat for Humanity ReStore
Sarah Greenman
The end of the room features a sunroom with slanted windows. While it’s the only source of natural lighting in the studio, in addition, it radiates extreme heat during the harsh Dallas summers.
“The trick to living in a little area like ours is organization,” says Lopez. “I truly feel that anyone can reside in a little space should they have the right tools. Get up things off the floor and make use of your walls well.”
Drafting desk: Ikea; armoire: Lula B’s
Sarah Greenman
A curtain that is crinkled functions as a screen to separate the living area and bedroom. As a fashion enthusiast, Rogers collects bust types, admitting, “I simply can not seem to eliminate them. My cupboard is full of these.”
Sarah Greenman
An oversized and distressed white framework, an artificial merchandising prop from Rogers’ office, stands against the back wall. Reclaimed windows from a Habitat for Humanity resale outlet double as a headboard.
A small bright blue vanity with faceted glass drawer pulls displays a scented candle and classic boxes made from beveled glass. Layered mirrors lean against the wall to create attention and reflect light.
Bedding: Ikea
Sarah Greenman
To motivate the couple’s morning routines, they included a perky yellowish hue for their small bathroom. A freestanding shelving unit provides much-needed storage area.
Sarah Greenman
“Living in a small area is a process, and communication is key,” says Rogers. Deciding on a hanging with an closet is a notice to Rogers that Lopez will be on dinner duty. It is a little reminder to both of them that you don’t need a home to feel in your home.
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