This Small Yonkers Rental Apartment Makes Room for Music

Christina Long has been renting this apartment for five years, and shares it with her two cats, Emery and Vivi: I moved up to Yonkers from the NYC inner city about five years ago. I was commuting downtown to work every day on 5th Avenue until the pandemic when I began working from home and really updating my apartment style to make it more comfortable to work here.

Small spaces get used in so many ways, so I’ve done a lot to increase storage and accommodate my pets and their furniture. It’s taken a couple years to really build up select items that give my apartment personality, from clever lamps and rugs to natural wood side tables.

Describe your home’s style in 5 words or fewer: Warm, bright, and playfully colorful.

I have a graphic design background, run a heavy metal magazine, and play different musical instruments (violin, mandolin, banjo) so it’s important to me to incorporate all these different interests into my space.

I collect a lot of handmade posters, prints, and zines from local artists so you’ll see one-of-a-kind artwork framed all over the apartment and stacks of books everywhere. I always felt bad my cats couldn’t go outside, so I’ve built out a houseplant collection we can all enjoy.

What is your favorite room and why? My fave room is definitely the living room. I’ve organized it in a way that it can really reset me after a busy day in NYC. I become surrounded by my fave things: art, lighting, and books that all reflect my identity as a queer Black woman.

What’s the last thing you bought (or found!) for your home? (Include links if you have them!) I’m really happy with some little ceramic coasters and dishes I found at Anthropologie recently.

Any advice for creating a home you love? Try not to follow random trends; let the things that excite you drive your personal style. It might not look like anyone else’s place, but it will make you feel safe and secure in your home.

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