Adam was coming from a minimalist studio already in the neighborhood. Gabriela was coming from the East Village, where she could walk to her office in Astor Place. They both were tired of packing overnight bags, and after five years of dating, knew it may be time to combine forces. Adam convinced Gabriela to move to Brooklyn—with an even longer commute—in exchange for rooftop dinners and a master closet.

Adam and Gabriela found that they have different styles and influences for their personal aesthetics. But moving in together required both of them to make some compromises: Adam learned to love the plants, colors, and decor that Gabriela added to the apartment. And Gabriela cut down on her belongings and embraced a simpler lifestyle while keeping her fun, vibrant touch.

Our Style: Adam – Minimalist
Gabriela: Modern Eclectic

Inspiration: Adam – Voyeuristically looking at other apartments! It’s kind of an obsession. I’m very attracted to minimalism and efficiency; extra space often means extra (unnecessary) stuff. I like knowing where everything is, and knowing that everything we keep in our space has a specified purpose or aesthetic.

Gabriela – The colors of Mexico. My family’s from there and my childhood home in Pennsylvania has always been filled with bold art and vibrant textiles. I also work in fashion and get excited about putting together color palettes and assorting fabrics; there’s a surprising amount of overlap between dressing a person and dressing a space.

Favorite Element: We agree on this one! The big window! There’s a row of beautiful townhouses across the street that look like they’re from San Francisco. We like watching people wait in line for Emily’s or trying to catch the B26 bus.

Biggest Challenge: Adam – I love Gabriela’s style and I’m well aware she has the better eye of the two of us. So overall, I’d say it’s just staying out of the way and letting her create the home she envisions. My main contribution is asking the question: Do we really need this?

Gabriela – Keeping things simple. I’ve come to appreciate the clean lines and orderliness that Adam finds comfort in; left to my own devices, there may be multiple gallery walls and a plant on most available surfaces. My mom has been really generous in gifting us with the large pieces that invite interest and color while maintaining the simplicity Adam loves.

What Friends Say: “Who painted this?” And the answer is Gabriela’s mother, Marisa Gallegos.

Biggest Indulgence: Probably the espresso machine. But that’s also the most necessary indulgence.

Best Advice: Adam – I think it’s important that the things you keep around you are actively adding value to your life. It may sound obvious, but actively going through your possessions and letting go of what you don’t need (or even want that much) can be such a mentally refreshing experience. I’m not dismissing the value of tchotchkes, memorabilia, birthday cards, ticket stubs…But at some point, you lose track of these things and they become junk. Take a weekend to donate or throw out what you don’t need and see where that leaves you.

Gabriela – Take your time! You may be eager to have everything in place a week after moving in, but that can lead to shortcuts and unnecessary compromises. By taking smaller steps you’ll be gentler on your wallet in the short term, and make better decisions for your space in the long term.

LIVING ROOM
Carson 5-Shelf Bookcase – Target
Take 5 Modern Clock – MoMa Design Store
Mondrian Coasters – MoMa Design Store
Samsung M5 Wireless Speaker – Samsung
Wood Bench — Wine & Hammer
Vox AC30 Tube Amp — Vox Amps
Yamaha P105 Digital Piano — Yamaha
Modkat Flip Litterbox — Amazon
Silver Dome Light – Brand Unknown
Antique Glass Coffee Table – Brand Unknown

KITCHEN
Coffee Cups of NYC Print — Knowlita
Glass Teapot Infuser – MoMa Design Store
Breville Grind Control Coffee Maker – Seattle Coffee Gear
Breville Barista Express Espresso Maker – Sur la table
Sauder International Lux Bar Cart – Amazon
Glenn Bar Stools – IKEA
Clara Walnut and Clear Glass Rectangular Dining Table — LampsPlus
Andes Sofa – West Elm
Rug — Moroccan Travel finds

BEDROOM
Grid-Tufted Upholstered Bed — West Elm
Askvoll 6-Drawer Dresser – IKEA

BATHROOM
Dragan Bamboo Soap Dispenser — IKEA

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