Editor's Note: In a CultureMap continuing series, Houstonians from all walks of life tell us about their favorite room at home.

Few could have a greater appreciation of historic Isabella Court than Terence O'Neill, director of the city's Office of International Communities. He has lived in the eccentric Midtown gem for two years, having fallen in love, almost at first sight, with the Spanish Colonial Revival style building.

In fact, most of those who live in the mixed-use stucco structure, completed in 1929, are passionate about its history and enamored of its stylistic architecture. It has long been home to artists and something of a bohemian crowd, that was once known for its rowdy parties in the romantic interior courtyard. Things are quieter now in the building that earned a National Register of Historic Places honor in 1994.

Clearly, the living room in O'Neill's 800-square-foot dwelling is the center of this Lilliputian universe. With the help of interior designer Jerami Datillo and with a $500 budget, O'Neill has created a richly-appointed living space that is inviting and surprisingly open. And it is a respository for O'Neill's clever shopping.

"Everything is different, but we made it work," he said. "A great example is my vintage Chesterfield sofa paired with this desk from IKEA and amber Lucite chair by Kartell. Each is different, but they complement each other in both form and function."

"I have all of this," O'Neill said as he surveyed his collection of antiques and artworks, much of it splendid resale shop finds. All of "this" includes an Antonio Ciccone drawing, a major find for $25 in Montrose. "I just have an eye for bargains," he explained.

In fact, the tufted black leather sofa that faces the east window, flanked outdoors by a shade tree, was a garage sale find. The carved Italian altar pillars were a gift from a friend. The Mao poster from his trip to China, the nautical mirror and the circa 1945 Hermès scarf (framed and seen in the kitchen through the living room door) are all magical pieces that O'Neill has collected over the years. Pieces that Datillo has cleverly worked into a beautifully-organized design — one that makes O'Neill feel right at home.

"If you look for quality things, and find a good designer, you can create a beautiful livable space. You don’t need lots of money, but just a good eye and lots of imagination. Most of my stuff comes from estate sales, thrift shops — I love The Guild Shop on Dunlavy! —or from my travels to other places."

“With a tight schedule of back-to-back meetings and evening events, I need my down time and a place to get away and unwind. My living room is that place,” he said.