A 550-Square-Foot Brooklyn Rental Is Filled with Furniture That’s Been Given a Second Life
Name: Kira McBride and two cats
Location: Sunset Park — Brooklyn, New York
Type of home: Apartment
Size: 550 square feet
Years lived in: 9 months, renting
Rent: $1690 per month
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Tell us a little (or a lot) about your home and the people who live there: My two-bedroom apartment was decorated with a lot of love and creativity. I filled my home with objects I made, and furniture I gave a second life to (i.e., with paint). I worked hard to create a curated environment with a lot of personality on a budget.
My identity is reflected in the art that I create, as well as the art I collect. I surround myself with work made by friends, and my own ceramics. My palette is pretty light/pastel, as I don’t get any natural light — I want to create the illusion that there is a lot of light in the room. Every room is slightly color-coordinated and I bring certain colors into each room to create uniformity. Everyone who comes in my home says that every room accurately represents my personality.
Describe your home’s style in 5 words or fewer: Warm, eclectic, DIY, artisanal.
What is your favorite room and why? My favorite room is my living room — I spend the most time there. I keep my favorite pieces on display as well as my favorite plants. The cats also love it because I keep all their blankets on the couch. It’s warm and welcoming and the first thing you see when you come into my home.
What’s the last thing you bought (or found!) for your home? The last thing I found was a tiny, low-to-the-ground, corduroy armchair. I shampooed it and then sewed caps on the arms where there was fraying.
Any advice for creating a home you love? Find furniture that isn’t overpowering and doesn’t crowd your space.
Paint your furniture! it will give pieces you wouldn’t normally look at a second life.
Put your favorite colors in your home. I made an active effort to make pale pink and light turquoise a theme in every room.
Find pieces you think are fun. It’s important to have your home reflect your personality.
This submission’s responses and photos were edited for length/size and clarity.
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