Plants Thrive with This Apartment’s Double-Height Floor-to-Ceiling Windows

Sara Justus has owned this two-bedroom apartment for three years: I take a lot of pride in finding things in thrift stores or when on trips to make my place feel unique and a collection of memories that make me happy. I think surrounding yourself with things that can remind you of the people and places you love is an essential part of decorating.

I moved from New York City during the COVID-19 pandemic. I had been living in a studio and had a lot of plants that continued to die. Natural light was very important to me when I moved, so I was lucky to find a home with floor-to-ceiling windows, where my plants now thrive!

I love putting together rooms to be useful, but that also have character. For example, my guest room is also my office (I work remotely). I removed the closet doors and put the bed against the closet wall to maximize space in the room so I could fit a couch and desk, which was important to me in my everyday life. I didn’t want the room to feel unfinished, as I have a bed coming out of a closet, so I put temporary wallpaper behind the bed to bring it to life more.

I love colors and being bold. I am impulsive person and I think you can see this in my home because of the bursts of color.

I took a lot of risk with some online purchases and hoping all the colors work together (as well as look like what they do behind a computer screen). I’ve been lucky that I’ve been happy with some of the more impulsive purchases and how they work in the room.

I also love art and the outdoors. I think you can see this in my walls generally being covered with pieces as well as the plants I surround myself with.

Describe your home’s style in five words or fewer: Cozy and colorful.

What is your favorite room and why? My living room — it’s very open and bright. I like to have people over and open the doors to my balcony.

I can lean into the string lights and airiness of my place.

What’s the last thing you bought (or found!) for your home? I recently re-did my balcony! It now has flooring rather than a concrete base as well as a bar and chairs. I love to now work, eat, and meditate on my balcony. The flooring has made it a much more relaxing area.

Any advice for creating a home you love? Lean into things that make you feel something — whether that’s art, or a certain type of color. Don’t be scared of knickknacks being clutter if they bring you back to a memory or place. Trust your gut.

Thanks, Sara!

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