Fresno Famous

From a real estate view, here's what you need to know about Iron Bird Lofts, the latest residential/commerical development in downtown's Mural District: it has 16 three-story townhomes, 48 lofts and 16 two-bedroom flats, ranging from 900 sq. ft. to 1,600 sq. ft. and is a magnet for those young artistic types (and others wanting to live downtown). There's a cafe downstairs and lots of public art. Of course, we wanted a closer look, so Famous barged in on a couple of residents for a returning feature we call “Home Invasions.” No one got duct-taped to a chair.

Floyd Sanchez and Hilary Malveaux,  downtown dwellers, entrepreneurs with design firm Anti Laboratories

Stats: Three level live/work space with attached garage, at the Iron Bird Lofts.

Moved in: December 2009

The essentials: Couch and love seat, from Macy's home; book shelf, found in the trash; office tables, custom-constructed by Abe Lopez.

Design philosophy: Hillary "We like clean lines. We like modern, but not too sparse." Floyd "Whatever it takes to get the job done. And part of the job is to look good.

Favorite place to shop: Hillary "Target. It's my second home." Floyd "I hate Target."

Favorite design element: Hillary "There's two. The floors and the windows." Floyd "I like the exposed ceilings."

Favorite piece of furniture: Hillary "The love seat and the sofa. I picked out the living room pieces first and everything went from there." Floyd "The office chairs. They're Eames chairs. Well, they're supposed to be ... they look like it."

Favorite design blog or Web site Hillary "Design sponge." Floyd "Apartment Therapy Unplggd. It's all about un p-l-u-g-g-e-d. I don't want any wires. Anywhere."

How much would you spend on a couch? Hillary"$1,000."