A NYC Rental Was Furnished on a Budget, Thanks to Street Finds and Facebook Marketplace

Name: Lauren Clark, my tall-drink-of-water partner, and our two adorable kitties
Location: Astoria, New York City, New York
Type of home: Apartment
Size: 2000 square feet
Years lived in: 1 year, renting

Tell us a little (or a lot) about your home and the people who live there: This penthouse apartment in Astoria was an absolute stumble-upon. When I first had a viewing I had no idea it had 13-foot ceilings or took up the entire top floor of our apartment complex. I knew filling the space and softening the hard corners would be a (fantastically exciting) challenge, and we did so by filling it with a variety of plants and long, flowy curtains to emphasize the airiness of the height. Then, we filled it with bohemian art to bring in creativity and an inspiring gallery feel. I am a purpose-driven strategist focused on driving social change; my incredible partner (and best friend of 10 years!) is a writer (with a knee-slapping blog); our cats are Pie (who lives for food, especially cheese) and Pippy (a very-special kitty who sometimes bites her own tail).

Describe your home’s style in 5 words or less: Bohemian, chic, lively, authentic, arty.

What is your favorite room and why? The open living room is by far my favorite place in the world to be. I’m grateful every single day for the creativity it induces and the beautiful moments of tear-inducing laughter it has housed.

What’s the last thing you bought (or found!) for your home? One piece we just DID buy new is our blue U-turn record player. We’re pumped about it and can’t stop playing First Aid Kit’s “Stay Gold.”

Any advice for creating a home you love? We have FUELED this apartment through street finds and Facebook Marketplace finds. I’m an absolute believer that there are very few things you need to buy new to have exciting and eclectic decor.

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