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Name: Laura
Location: Brooklyn Heights, Brooklyn
Size: 600 square feet studio
Years lived in: 7

After more than five years living in a studio apartment, Laura thought it time to move on to an apartment with more than one room. But when she surveyed her real estate options, she realized that she already had a great situation. It just needed some growing up.

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In addition to maturing tastes, Laura had a practical impetus for taking steps to upgrade. She was about to start working from home and she wanted to feel good about spending a lot of time within the same four walls. The addition of a refined and beautiful small home office in the corner of her studio was the beginning of great things.

With the help of her designer, Laura added a lot of color to what was previously a very bland palette. Bold steps like a flaming red couch and beautiful bedding boldly transformed her apartment from its 'before' to 'after' status.

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Apartment Therapy Survey
Style: International, warm, cozy

Inspiration: I was really inspired by a couple of major trips that I took over a year ago to Argentina and China. Moroccan prints resonate with me, so I tried to incorporate them into the space as well.

Favorite Element: When it comes to my main living space, I'm gaga for my big red couch. It is an older piece that I had reupholstered in this fiery fabric. I think it really gives the living area a colorful anchor.

Biggest Challenge: Dividing the bedroom space from the rest of the room — I wanted it to feel open and airy, but I still wanted some separation. The Chinese-influenced screen we found was the perfect compromise.

What Friends Say: It's vibrant and welcoming. (And, everyone wants the shower for themselves!)

Biggest Embarrassment: Formerly, I had some well-worn pieces that I was still hanging onto from IKEA — furniture I brought to NYC right after college.

Proudest DIY: My proudest DIY moment came in the earlier phase of turning this apartment into my home. I personally removed the nasty wallpaper from the bathroom and kitchen — by hand, since steamers weren't cutting it. I never want to do that job again.

Biggest Indulgence: No question. My biggest indulgence was my spa shower. Rain shower, massaging hand-held and four side sprays. Since I've gotten it installed, I think I'm officially the cleanest woman in New York!

Best Advice: Be open to every and any option. At first I was resistant when my designer Keith Carroll suggested wallpaper in the hall. Now, I can't imagine my entryway without it.

Dream Source: My decorator took me to a small “in-the-know” antiques dealer. Can't reveal Keith's industry secrets, but I did get my desk there, as well as my folk art still life of peaches.

Resources:

MAIN ROOM & ENTRYWAY:



BEDROOM AREA:


BATHROOM:


For more details on Laura's bathroom, check out Laura Throws a Shower Shower

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Images: Jill Slater

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