“I decided to put my stuff in storage for a few months and traveled to England. I spent some time in London, The Cotswolds, and Dorset,” Claudia writes. “While I was there, I had a broker touring apartments for me and helping apply to places back in Brooklyn. I got denied from 10 or more. Landlords don’t love freelancers, and I kept getting beat out by couples with two incomes. I decided to come back to New York and start looking in person because I knew the only way I’d get accepted somewhere was to win over the landlord. Which is exactly what happened.” 

“After two-plus months of looking on Streeteasy every day, I finally found this apartment,” Claudia says of this 400-square-foot Brooklyn space. “The listing photos were tragic, but I spotted the massive windows with original shutters and, of course, the pier mirror. The home was built in 1900 and was originally owned by a doctor and his family. I toured it the next morning, became BFFs with the broker of the building, and got accepted soon after.”

“I moved in on November 4, 2023, and got to work making updates almost immediately. I had the walls painted a fresh creamy white color, installed floor-to-ceiling shelves, and made some renter-friendly updates to the kitchen. I love how tall the ceilings are and all of the original dark moldings. I feel like the months of getting denied by other apartments was all so I could find this place. We were made for each other!” Claudia explains.

• All Paint — Benjamin Moore “Mannequin Cream” 

• Chandelier — Pooky
• Sofa — IKEA
• Green Stool — GreenRow

• Throw Pillow — H&M Home
• Lamp — Pooky

• Headboard — Lulu and Georgia
• Bedding — Piglet In Bed
• Rug — Lulu and Georgia

• Wood Hooks — H&M Home

Thanks, Claudia!

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

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