Downsizing Didn’t Stop This Renter From Styling a Bold, Comfy Blend of Modern and Antique

Name: Britt and two rescued greyhounds, Dobby and Nellie
Location: Playhouse Square Neighborhood ⁠— Cleveland, Ohio
Type of home: Apartment
Size: 773 square feet
Years lived in: 2 years, renting

Tell us a little (or a lot) about your home and the people who live there: This apartment is an external reflection of my internal journey ⁠— I moved here out of necessity (I had gotten divorced and had to sell my 4,000-square-foot house and downsize to a place I could afford ⁠— on an extremely tight timeline, and at the start of the pandemic). This unit fit the bill. After mourning the loss of my large house and its objects (which I did plenty of, at first), I chose to embrace the idea of flying “carry-on,” but in my life. I began to find enjoyment in paring down, which was incredibly freeing. I’m far from a minimalist, but it feels good to have a home that’s truly only filled with items I’m passionate about ⁠— even my toilet brush is pretty!

My home embodies my personality through the use of traditional antiques used in a modern way (an antique china cabinet now houses all my jewelry, for instance, and a dining room hutch designed to hold formal dinnerware is instead the keeper of my computer printer, tools, and picture-hanging supplies. A Victorian tea trolley doubles as my nightstand). Moreover, I have a great love of classical portraiture, prints, and an appreciation of iconic furniture and wallpaper; but I also love trendy pieces that wink at the audience and let them in on the joke.

Above all else, I’m incredibly decisive and on the whole, so is my apartment. There’s nothing half-done or accidentally chosen ⁠— it’s all intentional.

Describe your home’s style in 5 words or less: Curated, bold, comfortable, luxurious, fresh

What is your favorite room and why? I love my hallway! Specifically, the view of it upon first entering the front door; the space showcases a ton of art in what would otherwise be an unremarkable space. It was one of the things that drew me to the apartment, actually. I go wild for a decorated hallway.

What’s the last thing you bought (or found!) for your home? I recently purchased a canvas from Society6 called “So Extra” from an art collective named Side Dimes (created by art director Mikayla Lapierre). The mash-up of irreverence and tradition is incredibly appealing to me.

Any advice for creating a home you love? You can’t love your space if it’s being haunted —by gifts you didn’t love but feel too guilty to give away, cast-offs from relatives, or that chair your ex-spouse insisted on purchasing and that you’re now stuck with. I only started loving my home once I had exorcised it. I also highly recommend hanging mirrors, mirrors, MORE mirrors, plus meaningful photographs and artwork. It makes such an impact!

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

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