Thanks to Pocket Doors, This Renter Calls Her Home’s Layout ‘Optional Open Concept’
Name: Hattie Kolp and my cats
Location: New York City, New York
Type of home: Apartment
Size: 1500 square feet
Years lived in: My entire life, renting
Tell us a little (or a lot) about your home and the people who live there: I grew up in this apartment; it became mine when my parents retired and moved out of the city. They asked the landlord to switch the lease to my name, and he agreed! I work as a special education teacher by day, but I have devoted my nights, weekends, and summers for the past two years to making this place my own, undoing the damage from previous tenants, and restoring it back to its original condition.
I’m proud to say I’ve done the majority of the work myself, but I had some help from my dear friend with my favorite project yet: tearing down the walls that had been put up to cover two sets of pocket doors! This apartment used to be dark and divided, and now with all the doors open, it feels light and fluid.
Describe your home’s style in 5 words or less: Bright, classic, dreamy.
What is your favorite room and why? It would have to be the guest room, which used to be my childhood bedroom. I basically designed this room to be the opposite of what it was when I was growing up (cluttered and purple) and I just feel so zen every time I walk in.
What’s the last thing you bought (or found!) for your home? I purchased an art download from one of my favorite online shops, BFF print shop. I had it printed on an oversized stretched canvas and I made my own frame from the molding I had leftover from the wall.
Any advice for creating a home you love? Don’t rush it! Whenever I bought something while “trying” to fill a space, I ended up selling it a few months later. Take your time; only buy things that give you all the feels!
This submission’s responses were edited for length and clarity.
