Apartment

Inspired by the fashion of the '80s and '90s, mid-century designs, and cool movies, interior designer Serafima Gavrilenko took this two-bedroom apartment with no bathroom and turned it into a stylish two-level studio with an incredible walk-in closet.

"The stained glass that borders my three gigantic windows is a gem in and of itself, and combined with the decorative fireplace, exposed brick, and massive wood sliding doors, the room feels like a historical experience of living in Brooklyn," writes Karys Rhea.

New York Times bestselling author Sarah Knight’s husband, musician Judd Harris, used to say that she wants to live in an opium den and that he wants to live in a spaceship. “Eventually we settled on what we call ‘funky mid-century modern,’ which gives him a lot of clean lines and me the ability to accessorize with color and texture.”

Dorshelle Guillaume is a Haitian American fashion designer and says aesthetics, style, and ambiance are really important. "My home is very cozy, clean, and elevated and I love how everything works well together."

Lisa and Eddie slowly transformed this space, layering textures of lush rugs and velvet, an antique mirror kitchen backsplash, and moody blue French wash walls to create this 516-square-foot retreat. "The space is small so we had to be thoughtful about the placement of absolutely everything."

Caity Birmingham, a production designer for movies and TV and a prop stylist for commercials and photoshoots, loves color and fits a TON of it into her 680-square-foot Brooklyn rental apartment.

Olivia's apartment's interior structure is Craftsman style, with built-in features including a slide Murphy bed, wall shelves surrounding the living room, a stained glass cabinet, antique push-button-style light switches, and a bathroom with a deep tub.

Katharina fulfilled her dream of owning a home as a single woman. "I worked from finishing school until the day the papers were signed to give myself this security for retirement and to protect myself from rising rent costs," she writes.

"As a first-time homeowner I was excited to make my mark in a way that I was never able to do when renting. I love the simplicity and brightness of Scandinavian design, but also bright colors and pop art," writes Jen.

The incredible custom wallpaper in this colorful Chicago condo was designed before the owner ever moved in.

Brigette Muller, known as @hummusbirrd on IG and TikTok, may only rent her 560-square-foot NYC apartment, but she’s invested in her own happiness by designing and renovating it to fit her style.

Kate and her husband loved this small unit's natural light, original details (like molding and inlaid hardwood floors), and location, despite not having been updated in many years. "We knew we wanted to keep as much of the original charm as we could, while also updating it to bring in natural elements and modernize the space."

When Antoinette purchased this home, the interior needed a lot of work! The biggest challenges were creating functional living spaces in such a small space and finding solutions for the exposed, unattractive features.

As a designer, collector, and artist, Darien Stokes was captivated by the unique architectural characteristics of this one-bedroom loft nestled off the bustling streets of West Hollywood, California.

This tiny one-bedroom apartment was quite outdated. Agathe and her partner did the entire renovation themselves while working full-time, which meant they had to sleep in the kitchen for nearly two months!

Most of the art in Julia's apartment is either of Black women or created by Black women. "I grew up surrounded by Black art so all of my art makes me feel at home," she writes.

Even though Laura Mullaney’s rental apartment is small, she knew the layout had a ton of potential when she first moved in. “I was also super impressed with the amount of storage for such a small space.”

Photographer Breeana Dunbar has shaped this 560-square-foot one-bedroom apartment into the perfect home, including turning part of the living room into a bedroom for her son.

Taylor Jordan says the key with rentals is "to work with and around the things you can't change." In his San Francisco apartment he worked around the original yellow toilet and tub, and in the kitchen he "changed out the cabinet hardware and backsplash for an updated, modern look."

Just a few of the incredible DIY projects writer Caroline Mullen has completed INSIDE her small rental apartment: kitchen shelves, the kitchen floor, a TV console, a bar cabinet, a tool and supply cabinet, and more!

"I filled my home with objects I made, and furniture I gave a second life to (i.e., with paint)," writes Kira. "I worked hard to create a curated environment with a lot of personality on a budget."

"Being a natural light photographer I have this strong appreciation for the conversation the sun has in a space," writes Taylor Baldwin of her 800-square-foot Philadelphia rental apartment.

Designed by Rosario Candela in the 1930s, Isabel’s apartment building has a rooftop terrace with 360 views of midtown and the East River. But that’s not what sold her on the apartment. “I fell in love with the classic black and white foyer tile marble the instant I walked in the apartment,” she writes.

Monica Johnson is a psychologist and the host of the podcast, Savvy Psychologist, and has infused this apartment with color and different elements that inform their identity and interests as a person.

When Tyler and Sam moved to Colorado from New York, they fell in love with the gorgeous views of mountains everywhere. They took this inspiration into their own home with natural pieces and paintings of mountains for a beautiful, welcoming space.

After losing her mom, grandfather, and aunt fairly close to one another, Ruthie used her apartment as a space where she could honor and remember them with photos and knickknacks that bring happy memories.

Caroline Danehy, Chief Brand Officer and co-founder of sustainable clothing and lifestyle brand, Fair Harbor, accomplished a dream when she found this 500-square-foot, one-bedroom walk-up apartment in an old building with history and charm.

Aude and her cat, Charlot, live in their triplex in Montreal. Focusing on keeping the original architecture with archways showing off the living room, Aude has kept the beauty of the space while adding in her own style.

Abby and her husband, Christian, have been living in their Chicago home for two years, and they have one piece of advice for you: Treat your home like a museum. With rotating pieces of art, they never tire of their rental apartment.

Mumi Mihanovich, the creative director of fashion label Jazmin Chebar, used her work in fashion as inspiration for the bold Argentinian apartment she shares with her family. "For example, I was inspired to choose the colors of the carpet in the living room by a woolen scarf I loved," she says.

Alley and Ty's communal spaces "lean Scandinavian and minimalist, with the intent of fostering a calm space to recharge and connect."

Amanda Hicks says her two-level rental apartment is tiny, but just perfect for herself and her dog, Harlow. "I've surrounded us with books, plants, and positive vibes," she writes.

Zubaida is originally from Bangladesh and is currently completing her MBA at NYU. She and her cat, Mushu, live in a one-bedroom apartment in Hell's Kitchen, which is carefully curated with cute, unique objects in every corner.

Dotun's Crown Heights apartment is filled with bright yellows and oranges that bring the space to life. Inspired by Early West African graphic design and pop art, Dotun believes in bringing in pieces from your travels to make a space your own.

After going through a breakup and having to move out, Hayley committed to making her next life chapter about celebrating herself, starting with living alone for the first time. She found her home on the Upper East Side and began curating a collection of clean neutrals that keep her home looking pristine.

When Olivia moved into her Virginia studio apartment, it was her first time living on her own. Since moving in, she's hosted many Friendsgivings, dinner parties, and brunches, bringing her friends together in a small, cozy space.

When Jennelle moved into her place for the first time, she realized buying everything at once would be expensive. So instead, she slowly collected things from the curb, Facebook Marketplace, and places within her budget to create a beautiful New York apartment that nods to her parents who immigrated from Jamaica.

Civil engineer, ceramicist, and design and art lover Katarzyna Kowalska worked with architects Kalina and Robert Juchnevic, founders of blok585m2, to maximize the space of her 355-square-foot apartment, located in a four-story apartment block designed by a famous Polish architect couple in the 1960s.

Nina Haines, founder of the Sapphic book club Sapph-Lit, painted cabinets purple, installed marble contact paper to countertops, added a squiggle-shaped painted accent, and more in her Brooklyn rental. “There are colors and patterns and kitschy touches everywhere. My friend once commented that it looks like Lizzie McGuire threw up everywhere," she says.

Stylist and professional organizer Iris Miyasaki and her partner Erin refreshed their Seattle condo for two months, taking out the ugly dated carpet, and redoing countertops, backsplash, light fixtures, and hardware.

After spending a "less than romantic" weekend in Paris years ago filled with rainy and chilly weather, Gemma and Jordi decided to give it another go when they moved into their Paris apartment, adding plants and artwork that gave their home that "I'm in Paris" feel.

Kayla works in HR at Apartment Therapy and has turned her home into her sanctuary. Working with a small space and budget, she used the color palette of her neighborhood to bring to life her gorgeous bohemian home.

Rachel and Ethan are a Texas couple living together for the first time in this duplex. With rent prices going up in Austin, Rachel and Ethan have saved money by scouring local vintage stores and Facebook Marketplace to make their home as unique and stylish as they are.

After working with designer Natalie Dubrovska from Dubrovska Studios, Bogdan and Mariia were able to hone in on what they love about design. Natural materials add small touches of peace and fulfillment to a home that blends industrial with coziness.

Talia and her partner bounced from sublet to sublet in Berlin before they finally found their home. When they moved in, it was filled with standard white IKEA furniture that didn't add much life to the home. So they added in pops of color to make the place feel like their own.

Meher immigrated to America ten years ago and never believed she'd be living on her own in New York. When she was finally ready to take the leap, she created a vision board of everything she wanted in her apartment. Just as she was about to settle, she found the perfect spot that she's decorated with items and color palettes from all over the world.

When Calvin moved into his Manhattan apartment, he recruited the help of his friend Colton Ackerman to bring his home to life. Calvin's home now is covered in fun murals that make every inch of the place a work of art.

When Hannah first moved into her London apartment, it was beige everywhere. Using wall paint, hacking IKEA pieces and thrifted furniture finds, and even painting the boring beige tiles in the bathroom, she was able to create a truly colorful, one-of-a-kind home... on a budget!

Brendan and Kiersten got married in July and have been living together for six years. They moved into their current apartment two years ago with their Corgi, Lottie. Being lovers of books, they transformed their second bedroom into a library and office space that would make any bookworm jealous.

Clare, who is the founder of POP Bakery, describes her home's style as colorful and eclectic, with lots of vintage, pattern, and art on the walls!

At first, designer Linda Cava only meant to replace her 10-year-old bedframe. But then she swapped out a bedside table to fit the new bed's style, next decided to trade the old sofa for a larger sectional... and then a mix of paint updates, vintage furniture elements, and more made her small home feel completely refreshed.

Sophie made it her mission to make her flat stand out from other London flats. "Flats in London are often just that: flat… a big box with little boxes inside. But not my flat, and that’s why I love it," she writes.

Fiona's Downtown Toronto apartment isn't afraid to break every rule. With a shower featured prominently in the kitchen and cool vintage furniture and accessories everywhere, this home highlights its unique quirks.

Sebastian is the founder of home goods online store, Sixta, which is named after his grandmother and great-grandmother. He has decorated his home with objects from his store that tell the story of his heritage.

Grace's apartment has high ceilings and endless character, and parts of her identify are reflected and celebrated in every corner of her home. "I like softer colors and sometimes muted ones. Most of my apartment has been furnished by Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace."