Amanda’s California-Inspired New York Apartment

published Jul 21, 2015
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(Image credit: Anita Jeerage)

Name: Amanda Holstein and her dog, Auggie
Location: Greenwich Village; New York, NY
Size: 400-450 square feet
Years lived in: 1 year; Rented

Amanda lives on a great street in Manhattan, full of life and energy. When you walk into her apartment, you are immediately transported from the iconic Greenwich Village neighborhood to somewhere calm and relaxing. She has fit her colorful, laid-back style into a classic New York apartment beautifully.

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Floor plan – not to scale (Image credit: Anita Jeerage)
(Image credit: Anita Jeerage)

Originally from New York, Amanda spent some time in California before moving back east. She brought back a bright aesthetic, but even with the beach-inspired elements, her apartment also celebrates its New York characteristics– like the exposed brick wall in the living room.

Another iconic New York City element is the limited square footage. Fortunately, Amanda knows how to take advantage of every inch of space! Even with items tucked away in each crook and corner, her home remains open and uncluttered. Amanda is a full-time blogger and her apartment showcases some great DIY projects, which fit seamlessly with personal photos and household items. It is amazing to be in the living room and see it function as a workspace, serve as a spot for entertaining/relaxing, and hold a bookcase full of shoes.

Given her love of California, it’s no surprise that Amanda is moving back to San Francisco this summer. She’s planning to sell most of her furniture (including the beautiful green couch) and start fresh in her new home. Perhaps we’ll get to see another tour soon!

(Image credit: Anita Jeerage)

Apartment Therapy Survey:

My Style: Colorful, beachy, 70s California

Inspiration: The California lifestyle has always inspired both my fashion and my décor. I love bright whites, rustic woods, and pops of beachy colors like blues and greens. I also love mixing in bohemian elements from the 70s, so you’ll notice a mix of beachy/boho.

Favorite Element: My bright green couch against the brick wall, outlined by twinkle lights. It’s bold, yet still cozy and definitely my favorite place to hang out in my apartment!

Biggest Challenge: My bedroom felt like the biggest challenge because it’s just super small. It barely fits my full size bed, so I had to figure out where to fit a dresser, side table, etc. After some experimenting, I found the best arrangement and decided to use my dresser as part of the entryway to give my bedroom a bit more space.

What Friends Say: My friends say my apartment is well-styled but still very cozy and welcoming. I always want my place to feel warm and homey!

Biggest Embarrassment: Let’s just say you don’t need to look under my bed ;). That’s where the extras seem to hide!

Proudest DIY: The mirror above my dresser in the entryway! It used to be yellow with flowers on it and didn’t match my style. I spray-painted it white and glued on some shells. I love how it turned out and it really suits my apartment now!

Biggest Indulgence: I’d say I do a pretty good job of finding affordable furniture, but my weakness has to be candles. I go through candles so quickly and good ones can get expensive!

Best Advice: Start with the larger pieces, like your couch, rug, and coffee table, and go from there. If there’s one larger piece you absolutely love, start with that and base the rest of the room or apartment around that.

Dream Sources: I would love to eventually own a couch from Restoration Hardware! I’d also love an authentic Native American rug. I’m a huge fan of Anthropologie as well- I have lots of their décor and textiles, but I’d love to purchase their unique furniture, too. One day!

Resources

(Image credit: Anita Jeerage)

ENTRY

  • Mint shelf: Urban Outfitters
  • Mini piano: flea market
  • Dresser: Overstock.com
  • Dresser knobs: Anthropologie
  • Mirror: DIY/flea market
  • Candleholders: gift from trip to Germany
  • Basket: San Francisco boutique
(Image credit: Anita Jeerage)

LIVING ROOM

  • Couch: Urban Outfitters
  • Large pillows: Z Gallerie
  • Small pillow: Anthropologie
  • Throw blanket: Zara
  • Chest/coffee table: Pier One
  • Flower vase: World Market
  • Geode: Z Gallerie
  • White candle: Anthropologie
  • White/metal bookshelf: Container Store
  • Native American print: Art.com
  • Gold/canvas frames: Target
  • White candleholders: World Market
  • Gray bud vase: Jonathan Adler
  • Turquoise glass bottles: flea market finds
  • Blue/white picture frame: Anthropologie
  • Coral structure: Z Gallerie
  • White bud vase: Jonathan Adler
  • Wood boxes: Container Store
  • Side table: Target
  • Lamp: Target
  • White bookshelf (with shoes): Container Store
  • Desk: DENY Designs
  • Wood chair: World Market
  • White furry throw: H&M Home
  • Wood crates: Brooklyn Flea
  • Beach prints with wood frames: DENY Designs
  • Colorful/wood box: DENY Designs
(Image credit: Anita Jeerage)

KITCHEN

  • Wood/metal shelf: Urban Outfitters
  • White tray: Z Gallerie
  • Coffee cart: World Market
  • Dishes (plates, bowls, mugs): Anthropologie
  • Rug: Urban Outfitters
(Image credit: Anita Jeerage)

BEDROOM

  • Headboard: Target
  • Pillows: DENY Designs
  • White blanket: Zara
  • Cart: World Market
  • Buffalo print: DENY Designs
  • Console table: One Kings Lane
  • Colorful boxes (large and small): DENY Designs
  • Lucite jewelry organizers: Container Store
  • Gold box: Goodwill
  • Gold bowl: Goodwill DIY
  • Antique perfume bottles: flea market find
(Image credit: Anita Jeerage)

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Thanks, Amanda!