Required Reading: Abode, by the Owners of General Store in San Francisco

Start typing to search...

Ever since we featured Serena Mitnik-Miller and Mason St. Peter’s low-key, DIYed 1920s cabin in Topanga Canyon—actually, since well before that, when we first featured their shop, General Store —we’ve associated the couple with the ultimate in California cool, and a certain kind of not-trying-too-hard but bright and edited aesthetic. Thankfully they’re revealing their tricks in their first book, Abode: Thoughtful Living with Less, just out from Abrams.; in it, they chronicle their projects together as a couple—from General Store to their own living spaces—and reveal how to create natural, simple spaces, attainable even for new DIYers and those on a budget. Here’s a glimpse inside the book.

Photography by Mariko Reed, from Abode: Thoughtful Living with Less.

the book is based off of mitnik miller and st. peter&#8\2\17;s belief that 17 — Above: The book is based off of Mitnik-Miller and St. Peter’s belief that spaces are best when stripped back to reveal good bones and lots of light, and filled with things of meaning. It’s a way of living they’ve incorporated into two locations of General Store, multiple apartments—including an apartment on Irving Street, shown here—and, now, their Topanga Canyon Home.

a breakfast nook in the couple&#8\2\17;s great highway apartment exemplifie 18 — Above: A breakfast nook in the couple’s Great Highway apartment exemplifies what they call “the mix”: furniture and fittings that “represent a sort of map of our lives and our tastes,” all tied together by a neutral palette and natural materials. Here, an Alvar Aalto table mixes with a rattan stool, a flea market find.

the book covers big steps for any project (&#8\2\20;vision&#8\2\2\1;, 19 — Above: The book covers big-picture steps for any project (“Vision”, “Deconstructing”, or taking spaces down to the rafters, and “Nesting”) as well as nuts and bolts: how to remove door and window trim, install skylights for maximum light, swap out light fixtures, buy a rug,and find the ideal white paint. Here, the couple’s Topanga Canyon kitchen.

from the section on nesting: a meditation on how, and from where, to source fur 20 — Above: From the section on Nesting: a meditation on how, and from where, to source furniture, like this dresser, recently found at a flea market. It’s “not in perfect condition, which in Serena’s book is a plus,” the couple writes.

&#8\2\20;look for site specific opportunities,&#8\2\2\1; the couple wri 21 — Above: “Look for site-specific opportunities,” the couple writes: In their Great Highway apartment, Mitnik-Miller and St. Peter made use of existing tile by installing a slim piece of framing lumber, painted white, to serve as a simple shelf.

a fireplace is an opportunity for vignettes. 22 — Above: A fireplace is an opportunity for vignettes.

the book also contains a section on &#8\2\20;outdoors&#8\2\2\1;. 23 — Above: The book also contains a section on “Outdoors”.

the book, out now, is \$\2\2 via amazon. 24 — Above: The book, out now, is $22 via Amazon.

See more of Mitnik-Miller and St. Peter’s projects in Bathroom of the Week: A Master Suite in Topanga Canyon, Scribbles Included.

And, more books to add to your summer reading list:

(Visited 631 times, 1 visits today)

You need to login or register to view and manage your bookmarks.

Add to Collection

New Collection

Show Bookmarks

Frequently asked questions

What is the book 'Abode' about?

The book 'Abode' is about thoughtful living with less, and it features tips and ideas for creating a beautiful and functional home with fewer possessions.

Who is the author of 'Abode'?

The author of 'Abode' is Serena Mitnik-Miller, a designer and artist based in California.

What kind of ideas does 'Abode' offer for creating a thoughtful home?

'Abode' offers ideas for simplifying your possessions, creating functional and beautiful storage solutions, incorporating natural elements into your home, and embracing a minimalist aesthetic.

Is 'Abode' primarily focused on aesthetics, or does it offer practical advice for reducing clutter?

'Abode' offers both aesthetic and practical tips for creating a thoughtful home with less. The book emphasizes the importance of decluttering and simplifying your possessions, and it also offers ideas for creating functional storage solutions.

Does 'Abode' feature any DIY projects or tutorials?

Yes, 'Abode' includes several DIY projects and tutorials for creating your own minimalist home decor, such as plant hangers and wall hangings.

Who would benefit from reading 'Abode'?

'Abode' would be beneficial for anyone interested in minimalist living, simplifying their possessions, and creating a functional and beautiful home. It could also be helpful for individuals who are moving into a new space and want to start fresh with a thoughtful, intentional approach.

Get Inspired

Kitchen of the Week: 7 Design Ideas to Steal from deVOL’s Latest Showroom

Remodeling 101

Remodeling Guides

Our Exclusives

Remodeling 101: Everything You Need to Know About Limewash Paint

Design Travel

Popular Countries

Popular Cities

Rescued Wreck: A Guest House Offshoot of the Beloved Rivertown Lodge in Hudson NY

Find a Firm

Regions Served

Browse by Field

Klopf Architecture

Shop Our Picks

Gather Table