Bold Colors Transformed This “Vast, White Concrete Canvas” into a “Vibrant, Playful Sanctuary”
Bold Colors Transformed This “Vast, White Concrete Canvas” into a “Vibrant, Playful Sanctuary”
“As a photographer, I was on the hunt for a space that could double as my home and studio,” begins Averie Cole, who’s been photographing weddings for 10 years. “When I walked into this apartment, the soaring ceilings and flood of natural light had me sold instantly. Plus, being smack dab in the heart of downtown Jersey City, with all its awesome bars and restaurants, was a huge bonus.”

Can't-Miss House Tours Straight to Your Inbox
Keep up with our latest house tours each weekday with our House Tour of the Day newsletter
It’s those moments that remind me why I put so much thought into my home, why I make it colorful, vibrant, and full of personality. Here, I get to do more than work. I get to share, celebrate, and create."
“I actually had a photo studio on the third floor of this very building for a couple of years, but it was pretty tight on space. After my marriage ended, I started keeping an eye out for a place where I could both live and work. I stayed in touch with the building manager, and when this larger unit became available, it was like everything fell into place.”
“What really sealed the deal was the building’s backstory. It’s a heritage-listed warehouse that’s worn many hats over the years — about 20 years ago, it was a storage facility before being transformed into residential lofts. Moving in here wasn’t just about finding a cool apartment; it was about joining a vibrant community of creatives. The place is buzzing with painters, interior designers, furniture makers, photographers, cinematographers, and fashion designers; it’s this collective energy that makes living here so special,” Averie continues.
“Before I moved in, my home was this vast, white concrete canvas — an empty loft brimming with so much potential. It had this industrial vibe, with soaring ceilings and raw finishes, and it just begged for color and life. I remember walking in and immediately picturing how I could transform it, and honestly, I started dreaming up ideas the second I signed the lease.”
“Now, it’s a completely different world. My home is this vibrant, playful sanctuary that brings me so much joy every day. It’s full of bold colors and whimsical details that celebrate my inner child. Painting and designing this space was more than just decorating — it was therapy. I poured all my energy into it while navigating the end of a seven-year marriage, and for the first time I had the freedom to express myself without compromise. Every wall tells a story, reflecting my growth, my resilience, and this newfound sense of independence.”
“What makes the space feel truly personal and meaningful are the walls covered in art created by some of my closest friends. It connects me even more deeply to my home and celebrates the incredible, creative women in my life,” Averie explains. “One of my oldest and dearest friends from Australia, Sarah McCkloskey, has her work featured prominently on my walls, serving as a beautiful reminder of home and where I come from. Then there’s Rebecca Johnson, a newer friend I met whilst living in Jersey City, whose art is feminine, whimsical, and full of beautiful vibrant colors. I was especially drawn to all the pink in her work! Being surrounded by their art fills the space with warmth and inspiration. It’s more than just a collection of paintings — it’s a celebration of the joy and strength my community brings me, and it makes my home feel alive in the best possible way.”
Resources
PAINT & COLORS
- Entryway — Benjamin Moore “Big Country Blue” and “Exotic Fuchsia”
- Living Room — Benjamin Moore “Full Bloom” / “Pink Peach” / “Dahlia” / “Frosted Berry” / “Sterling” / “Mango Punch” and “Springtime Peach”
- Hallway — Benjamin Moore “Pink Cherub” / “Pink Peach” and “Morning Sunshine”
- Kitchen — Benjamin Moore “Full Bloom” and “Springtime Peach”
- Bedroom — Benjamin Moore “Just Peachy” and “Conch Shell”
- Bathroom — Benjamin Moore “Pink Peach”
ENTRYWAY
- Sofa Bloke 60 inch — Bludot
- Shelves — Room and Board
- Hydroponics System — Gardyn
- Art — Sarah McCkloskey
LIVING ROOM
DINING ROOM
- Vintage Table — Facebook Marketplace
- Paintings — Rebecca Johnson
KITCHEN
- Rug — Etsy
- Glass Storage Jars — Amazon
- Malaysian Tiger Fridge Wallpaper — Spoonflower
- Mug Stand — DIY
- Colorful Mugs — Mud Witch
BEDROOM
- Lockers — Mustard Made
- Bed — Wayfair
- Mattress — Casper
- Wardrobe — Thrift Store
- Rug — Etsy
Thanks, Averie!
This tour’s responses and photos were edited for length/size and clarity.
Share your style: House Tour & House Call Submission Form