This Colorful NYC Apartment’s Design Is Packed with Renter-Friendly and Budget Ideas
This Colorful NYC Apartment’s Design Is Packed with Renter-Friendly and Budget Ideas
Full-time content creator and interior decorator Maitri Mody knew this one-bedroom apartment was going to be good when she went to see it and there was a line of 20 people waiting to take turns to view. “It’s a great-size apartment for NYC in a really good neighborhood, Brooklyn Heights; apartments in this neighborhood are hard to come by. I fell in love with the pre-war details like the original marble fireplace, crown moldings, and bay windows,” the woman behind popular Instagram account Honey I Dressed the Pug writes. “I offered a little over the asking rent in order to beat the competition and get the apartment.”
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When Apartment Therapy toured Mody’s last home — a 450-square-foot studio apartment — it was full of cheery pastel colors on every inch, and her new home is the same. “I help people add joy and color to their space through quirky and fun decor and design,” Mody, who specializes in rentals and small spaces, explains of her design style, which also happens to be easy on security deposits.
“All the renovation in my place is renter-friendly and on a budget,” Mody explains. “I am still working on little projects in my space even after 10 months of moving in; it’s an ongoing process. But the initial big changes were made within the first three months. This included painting, which is one of the most budget-friendly ways to transform a space and does not require much expertise and can be done on your own. I also used peel-and-stick wallpaper and got a couple of light fixtures swapped by an electrician.”
Mody guesstimates that the budget on painting and wallpapering this space was only about $1000, but the effect is much more expensive-looking. And while Mody is a whiz at picking color palettes, it doesn’t mean she always loves every first choice. “I did end up using a couple of colors initially that I didn’t love later, but it’s just paint and you can always paint it back to white or another color,” she explains. “Most people don’t realize this, but a coat of primer and two coats of a different paint can cover up any color. Color is a powerful way to bring joy to a space and get a serotonin boost every time you enter your home.”
Resources
PAINT & COLORS
- Yes Colours “Joyful Lilac,” “Joyful Pink,” “Friendly Pink,” “Calming Green”
- Claire “Pop,” “Lemonade,” “High Vibe”
- Benjamin Moore “Serenity”
LIVING ROOM
- Mario Bellini sofa in Chenille Dusty Rose — Eternity Modern
- Floria velvet chair in Lime Green — Urban Outfitters
- Alana bookshelf — Urban Outfitters
- Waverly bean mirror — Urban Outfitters
- Tabitha desk — Urban Outfitters
- Desk chair — Article
- Floating shelves in fun shapes — Curious Hawaii
- Checkered rug — Berber Stuff
- TOVU makings rainbow door mat in entryway— Amazon
- SmartHook ColorZ coat hook in entryway — Amazon
- MCS Metal over the door mirror in entryway— Amazon
DINING ROOM
- Dining table — Blu Dot
- Panton Verner replica chairs — Modterior
- Locker — Mustard Made
KITCHEN
- Kitchen cart — Urban Outfitters
BEDROOM
- Pendant lamp — Alora Mood Lighting
- Pax closet system — IKEA
BATHROOM
- Toilet paper holder — New Made LA
- Towel ring — New Made LA
- Shower curtain — Society6
Thanks, Maitri!
This tour’s responses and photos were edited for length/size and clarity.
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