This Renter Made a Basic Apartment Designer-Level Chic (Without Going into Credit Card Debt!)

“The previous tenants had lived here for 17 years and it showed its wear, but the fireplace and bay windows in the dining room sold me. It had carpet everywhere but the kitchen, and one of the first things the property manager said was, ‘We’re tearing up the carpet and refinishing the wood floors.’ Music to my ears!” Alex writes.  

When Alex first moved in, they described it as a pretty basic space “in a good way” — a place with a lot of room to be able to add their own personalization. Although it took some trial and error to get the home to where it is today. “The dining room has been painted three times. Furniture has come and gone. My friends used to joke when they come over, asking what was new or what furniture had moved since last time,” Alex jokes. 

“I can be a bit impulsive in my own home. I’ll see one paint color or inspiration image and suddenly it’s all I can think about. That’s how I wound up with the pink and green combo in my living room, and the wallpaper in my kitchen.”

But all that trial led to the home Alex has created today: a cozy, warm, maximal, and welcoming space. “The best compliment I get is that my friends feel perfectly at home here. It’s been an exploration of my personal style and finding myself. I felt very lost when I moved into the apartment. It’s been a canvas for myself and my personal identity,” Alex admits.

“Having that freedom to do what I wanted, when I wanted, and how I wanted was so liberating. I’ve always loved color and drama. When I lived in a studio, I painted it black. My apartment has gotten warmer and cozier as I learned how the light fell in it throughout the year. It doesn’t get stellar natural light, and I’ve learned to embrace it,” Alex explains.

“What was a game-time decision made in the throes of a breakup turned into a home I’ve loved every minute of being in.”

• Living Room Walls — Benjamin Moore “Rose Silk”
• Living Room Ceiling — Benjamin Moore “Strawberry Yogurt”
• Living Room Trim — Benjamin Moore “Vintage Vogue”
• Dining Room — Benjamin Moore “Vintage Vogue”
• Bedroom — Benjamin Moore “Black Forest Green”
• Hallway — Benjamin Moore “Spring Lilac”
• Kitchen/Office — Benjamin Moore “Cedar Grove”

• Coat Rack — Amazon
• Dresser — Facebook Marketplace
• Art — Thrifted, Museum Gift Shops
• Record Shelf — Found in the Alley
• Chrome Chairs — Facebook Marketplace, from the ’70s
• Sofa — Facebook Marketplace, Arhaus Kimpton Sofa
• Coffee Table — Passed Down from my Grandmother
• Chartreuse Chair — Passed down from an Ex’s Parents

• Table — Facebook Marketplace, Discontinued IKEA
• Round Table — Estate Sale
• Woman Lamp — Found in the Alley
• Dresser — Facebook Marketplace
• Bar Shelves — Found in the Alley
• Small Table — Facebook Marketplace
• Bookshelves — Nathan James 

• Island — Facebook Marketplace, Discontinued West Elm
• Wallpaper — US Wall Decor
• China Cabinet — Facebook Marketplace

• Bedframe — Wayfair
• Nightstands — AllModern
• Duvet — Pottery Barn
• Armoire — Facebook Marketplace
• Lampshades — Thrifted
• Reading Lights — Facebook Marketplace

• Desk — Facebook Marketplace
• Chair — Passed Down
• Wicker Storage Baskets — IKEA

Thanks, Alex!

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

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