“I wasn’t sold on it at first, but my broker (and dear friend James Michael Angelo) pushed me to really think on it,” Trinh writes. “We put in an offer, and I was really excited to renovate the place (even though I heard so many nightmares about the process).”

The space had some original elements that attracted her. Not only was the 700-square-foot, two-story apartment located in Manhattan’s dreamy West Village neighborhood, but it was also constructed by the same architect who built Grand Central Station, Trinh shares.

“I loved the high, 10-foot ceilings on the first floor and could see the potential of renovating the whole space and making it mine,” Trinh writes. “While, for some, a basement bedroom is a deal-breaker, it was a bonus for me! I love it to be pitch black when I sleep, and I usually don’t hang out in my bedroom.” 

After closing on her new one-bedroom home, Trinh started reimagining the space — a task she didn’t take lightly. She put together a presentation for her architect, J7 Design, outlining exactly what she was looking for and where she wanted to incorporate certain details into the space. The architect’s response? That she was the best client ever. 

“The brief was simple: combine Parisian charm with New York resourcefulness. I lived in Paris for four years and really loved the old-world Haussmannian style.”

It only took seven months to renovate the space completely, and Trinh was able to move in — with her dog, Augie — in November 2019. However, after spending more time at home during the pandemic, she got to know the space and decided to repaint and redecorate. Since her apartment tour went viral on TikTok, she signed up for interior design courses to see if it’s something she wants to pursue long-term.

• Living room — Benjamin Moore “Linen White”
• Bedroom — Benjamin Moore “Linen White”
• Dressing room — Farrow & Ball “Setting Plaster”

• Print art, Alaina and Edward — Josh Young Design
• Marla ottoman set — Home Depot

• Mario Bellini sofa in Nettle Olive — Eternity Modern
• Yamaha digital piano P71 — Amazon
• Lugshiree accent chair — Amazon
• Soft checkered rug — West Elm
• Quinn mini desk — West Elm
• Mid-century modern petal dining chair — West Elm
• Vonluce piano bench — Amazon
• Crosley bookcase — Home Depot
• Seletti mirror — Farfetch
• Marine floor lamp — Soho Home
• Faceted drink stand — West Elm
• Grace 30 chandelier — Visual Comfort
• Commissioned Marie Antoinette art — Michael Mapes 

• Drake kitchen island — Pottery Barn 
• Clarkston metal barstool, Studio McGee — Target 
• Trash can — Zara
• Shoe rack — Yamazaki 
• Drome lamp — Lamps Plus
• Kirksey faux cowhide rug — Wayfair

• Barcelona bedframe — Bassett
• JWDA bedside lamp — Lumens
• Serenity bedside table — Cura Home
• Isla buffet — Anthropologie 
• Cloud Cotton bedding in Natural — Parachute
• Maribo storage ottoman 32” — Article
• La Jolla hamper — Serena & Lily 
• Mini Syrma pendant lights — Visual Comfort
• DuzyDesigns dresser lamp — Etsy
• Seletti lipstick mirror — Farfetch 
• Oil painting art — Peyton Kramp

• Chris Loves Julia rug — Wayfair
• Hovet mirror — IKEA
• Art wall — Andy Blank, Nelly Duff

• Dark Floral II wallpaper — Ellie Cashman

Thanks, Michelle!

This tour’s responses and photos were edited for length/size and clarity.
Share your style: House Tour & House Call Submission Form