But a friend suggested she check out Montclair, New Jersey, and coordinated some viewings for a few apartments there. “I figured there was no harm in looking to play along,” Tamiko begins. “The first apartment I saw had potential but didn’t sing to me. It was an easy ‘no, thank you.’ Then we walked into my existing apartment, a Pre-War building, built in 1930, and I was blown away!” 

That was 14 years ago, and it’s clear that Tamiko still loves all the elements that first attracted her to the space. “The French doors and the amount of space was unexpected. An actual dining room to decorate for dinner parties and holiday gatherings. A large kitchen I can fit a small kitchen island into and store all of my porcelain/ceramic collections. There’s an entry/foyer in the apartment! A mini railroad hallway that connects the entry and kitchen. It just kept getting better and better,” she describes of the bright apartment (there are 12 windows total!).

When it came down to it, Tamiko says the pros of this place just outweighed the cons. “The cons were no closet space, a teeny-tiny bathroom, and a smaller primary bedroom,” she explains. But they were no match for Tamiko. “I love a challenge and it took several years to get the decor exactly how it was meant to be with many trial and errors, as decorating was not my forte as of yet. I’ve learned what my genuine aesthetic is that makes me feel comfortable in my space and authentic to my personality.”

• Dining Room — Benjamin Moore “Evening Sky”

• Console — Joss and Main (it’s not available anymore but this is very similar)
• Mirror — Amazon
• Area Rug — Joss and Main (it’s not available anymore but this is very similar)

• Hiutton Sofa — Room & Board (discontinued)
• Sofa Cushions — Kravet Workspace
• Lumbar Cushion — Etsy
• Carpet — Crosby Street Studios
• Marble Topped Pedestal Coffee Table — West Elm
• Brass Gem Side Table — West Elm
• Silhouette Pedestal Drink Table — West Elm
• Emerald Green Velvet Drapery — Amazon
• Side Table Custom Table Skirts — Etsy
• Greens Toby Brass Accents Table Lamp — Lamps Plus
• Hobnail Pitcher — A Wanderlust Home

• Dining Table — Pottery Barn (not available anymore)
• Dining Table Centerpiece Floral Arrangement — Studio Nectar
• Desk — IKEA (not available anymore)
• Cabinet — Crate & Barrel (not available anymore)
• Safavieh Carpet — Amazon
• Tablescape decor — A Wanderlust Home
• Custom Roman Shades — Amazon
• Mirrored, Brass & Lucite Console — Wayfair (not available anymore)
• Solid Wood Bench — Wayfair (not available anymore)
• Scalloped Trays — A Wanderlust Home
• King Louis Back Side Chair (Set of 4) — Walmart

• Kitchen Island — Birchlane
• Countertop Portable Dishwasher — Amazon
• Victorian Ruffled 9”L Footed Bowl — A Wanderlust Home
• Turkish Carpet — Etsy

• Custom Bed (The Felicia Bed) — A Wanderlust Home
• Bedding — Serena & Lily
• Lady Artwork — Joss & Main

• Grasscloth Peel & Stick Wallpaper — Amazon
• Scallop Area Rug — A Wanderlust Home
• Cotton Pinstripe Curtains — Etsy

Thanks, Tamiko!

This tour’s responses and photos were edited for length/size and clarity.

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