A 400-Square-Foot NYC Apartment Has Renter-Friendly Tile and Countertop Ideas in the Kitchen

Name: Sarah Norman and Sunny the cockapoo
Location: Soho — New York City, New York
Type of home: Apartment
Size: 400 square feet
Years lived in: 1 year, renting

Tell us a little (or a lot) about your home and the people who live there: I live in a small one-bedroom apartment in Soho. When I moved in, I was going through some tough stuff, starting from scratch, and totally overwhelmed. Decorating is not my thing but, needing a fresh start, I enlisted a friend, interior designer Jenn Kelly, who gets a real high out of this stuff, handed her my credit card, and asked her to make it look like a grown up lives here (something I can’t say about my previous apartments). I love the result, and have a new appreciation for how beautiful spaces. and great organization can make a real difference in life. I am a young professional (I work at Google) and live with my 10-year-old cockapoo Sunny, who goes everywhere with me.

My identity is definitely reflected in my home. I am an avid Democrat (I have made numerous appearances on TV news as a political commentator) and feminist and you’ll see nods to those values in the art featured throughout the apartment (RBG is represented at least three times). My personality is easygoing and sometimes that translates into messy, so one of my favorite things about the apartment is that we created a space for everything, which makes it easy to stay organized. It’s not just a reflection of who I am but who I aspire to be. I have a tea organizer that I am in love with and when I need a little motivation, my boyfriend says, “Be the person who has the tea organizer.” Works every time.

Describe your home’s style in 5 words or less: Modern eccentric

What is your favorite room and why? My favorite room is the bedroom. I have this beautiful green headboard that adds a touch of glam, and looks so nice with the wood nightstands and gold accents. My white/gray bedding feels simple and relaxed with some amazing throw pillows for contrast. Whenever I walk in, I think “I can’t believe this is my room.”

What’s the last thing you bought (or found!) for your home? This Waterworld painting. I am in love!

Any advice for creating a home you love? Let go of the idea of what you’re supposed to do and think hard about how you’ll use the space. Since I work from home, it made more sense for me to use the “living room” as an office, and I keep all kinds of things in my kitchen that don’t really belong there but prevent clutter in other areas. Also, cute baskets and jars are the best investment — they hide your clutter and add character.

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

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