A Clever Paint Idea Makes This 86-Year-Old Home Look Anything but “Lifeless”

“I convinced my husband to make the leap to NYC on a whim — no job lined up, just a dream and the determination to figure it out,” Jenny, who regularly posts on TikTok, explains. “My passion for design runs deep.” 

For the first three years in New York City, the couple (plus their two dogs, Buster and Tom) lived in a one-bedroom flex apartment in the Upper West Side neighborhood. Moving to the city presented many opportunities for Jenny, including working remotely for Urban Revival, exploring real estate, and doing interior photography, all while running a jewelry business, The Clarico. 

As if Jenny didn’t already have enough on her plate, she began considering moving. Her real estate background ensures she’s always tuned into market trends, and when their lease renewal was approaching, she spotted a space that caught the couple’s attention. 

“Immediately, I knew it was a total steal for the location and square footage,” Jenny says of the one-bedroom apartment. “My husband and I toured it, and by the next day we had signed the lease!” 

It’s been one year since the family moved in, and Jenny has used her creativity to make their 1939-built rental apartment functional but also jaw-droppingly stunning. “Creativity has always been the driving force behind everything I do, and designing my home remains my favorite creative outlet,” Jenny shares. 

• Ceiling Light, Gu10 Modern Ceiling Spotlight — Amazon

• Lounge Sofa Trundle Sleeper — Crate and Barrel
• Woven Silk Lattice Pillow — Rejuvenation
• Sweater Rug — Revival 
• Josh Young x Williams Sonoma Home Jardiniere Pillow — Williams Sonoma
• Scalamandré Animal Pillow — Williams Sonoma
• Henn&Hart 32″ Wide Rectangular Accent Cabinet in Natural Black — Amazon
• Coffee Table — Vintage 
• Side Table — Vintage 
• Lamps — Vintage 
• Walnut Media Console — Old CB2

• Chairs — Vintage 
• Table — Vintage 
• Art — Me
• Hokku Designs Parsi Storage Bench — Wayfair 
• Pendant — Old Urban Outfitters 

• Seagrass Rug — Etsy
• MEXO Modern Glass Chandeliers, Sputnik Chandelier Black Pendant Lighting — Amazon

• Striped Bedspread — Zara Home
• Metal Nightstands — Vintage/Thrifted
• Chinoiserie Folding Screen — Vintage
• LED Metal Stand Desk Lamp — Zara Home
• Lee Dresser — Lulu & Georgia 
• Desk — Vintage 
• Paynesville Top Grain Genuine Leather Swivel Home Office Task Chair — Wayfair
• Headboard — DIY with Schumacher Velvet Fabric 
• Jute Rug — Safavieh

• Vintage Runner — Etsy 
• Honey-Can-Do BTH-05079 3-Tier Metal Bathroom Shelf Space Saver — Amazon

Thanks, Jenny!

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

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