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Delaney Rowe’s LA Loft Is Perfectly Designed for Immersive Dinner Parties
Every renter knows that breaking a lease is usually more hassle than it’s worth. But when you come across that perfect property, all practicality can fly out the window. That’s exactly what happened to Delaney Rowe, an actress and comedian with a massive TikTok following for her witty writing. After settling into an apartment in West Hollywood, she found herself spending most of her time on the East Side. The long trips across town every weekend became tiresome, but she was ready to tough it out until her lease ended. Then, while casually browsing Craigslist, she stumbled upon a dream loft in Echo Park. It was located in a converted office building where she’d once applied for a job a decade ago—definitely fate, she says. “I saw it the next day—me and a bunch of bros—and I won out.”
Rowe had always dreamed of living in a loft, and the location was perfect. But what ultimately convinced her to make the move was how ideal the space was for hosting. “It’s something I take great pride in,” she explains. Rowe asked herself: Could she host a dinner party for more than 16 guests? Could her friends relax and carry on conversations while she worked in the kitchen? Could the loft be cozy for two as well as 20? The answer was an enthusiastic yes.
“I like when a home is collected over time. I wanted this space to evolve with me,” Rowe says.
The apartment’s well-equipped kitchen was a huge draw for her. “I finally had a dishwasher and a garbage disposal—everything you spend your twenties living without,” she shares. With three refrigerators—one for food, one for wine, and a “hangover fridge” stocked with Gatorade, water, and tequila—Rowe ensures her guests are always taken care of. “As much as I buy gold salt and pepper shakers for myself, I also buy them because I want people to come over, see them on the table, and get excited about the evening,” she says.
Despite its appeal, the apartment did come with a few quirks. As it had once been an open-plan office, there were no walls. Rowe’s “bedroom” is marked by a black accent wall and separated from the dining area by a woven room divider. The wall next to the dining area is a functional garage door, which she opens on warm nights when she’s hosting friends. Throughout the loft, soft colors, warm neutrals, and plush textures define the decor. Rowe consciously avoided the “I-bought-it-all-at-once” look. “I like when a home is collected over time,” she explains. “I wanted this space to evolve with me.”
And it has. The open shelving displays mementos from brands she’s collaborated with, fashion show invitations, and framed text messages from friends, while a mix of self-made and acquired art adorns the expansive walls. Rowe brought over little from her former apartment, preferring instead to curate a fresh collection of vintage and new pieces to fill the loft, starting with a Sixpenny sectional. Nothing in the space is too delicate. “I don’t want people to worry about taking their shoes off or spilling wine,” she says. “Comfort is key, and I don’t want anyone to feel like they have to be careful.”
As a creative entrepreneur, Rowe splits her time between this apartment and a studio in Manhattan. Although she had always dreamed of living in New York, she quickly fell in love with LA while studying at USC. “I live in LA when I need to recover,” she says. “I designed this apartment to relax me and to be a comfortable retreat for when I need downtime.” This home is where she connects with friends, spends holidays, and recharges—and that restorative energy is reflected in the design. New York, by contrast, is for work events, creative sparks, and inspiration.
When Rowe hosts, though, she focuses more on the experience than the space itself. While setting the perfect table and cooking a delicious meal may earn hostess points, Rowe believes the key to a successful party is having guests stay, mingle, and make new connections. Her kitchen shelves are stocked with wine glasses and coupe glasses—enough for each guest and a few unexpected additions. She likens the evolution of her apartment to Kevin Costner’s iconic line from Field of Dreams: “If you build it, they will come.”
