“I had a major career change and found my passion for design through experimenting and taking risks within my home. In doing so, I think it’s helped me to find myself and find my voice,” Minetta begins. “When you’re designing your own space, you really have to ask yourself the questions:  Who am I? How do I want to live? What are the most important things to me?” 

When Minetta first moved into this rental apartment, she says she doesn’t think it had been updated since the 1990s! “It was very plain, drab, and devoid of any character or personality,” she begins. “Now, I think the space really represents my personality well. It’s bold, vibrant, colorful, and full of patterns and unexpected mixes. It doesn’t adhere to conventional rules or expectations.”

She reports that her apartment is a “mix of high and low, custom and thrifted, old and new (a $40 dresser that I’ve had for 16 years, my bedroom lamps, bench and other pieces that I brought with me from Chicago), and lots of DIY. I think this mix is what gives the space personality and soul.”

“I think what’s unique about my home is that I’ve created this amazing space to suit my personal needs, but I also share it with complete strangers. I travel extensively and when I’m away, I offer my home to guests who are visiting NYC. This has been tremendously fulfilling for me because I get to share the space, my neighborhood, and a unique experience — a home away from home.

• Sofa, rug, pillow, mirror — Wayfair
• Coffee table and credenza — Thrifted
• Curtains — The Shade Store
• Lamps and desk — Overstock and then DIY and painted
• Desk chair — Crate and Barrel
• Bookcases — Custom and then DIY and painted
• Art — Street vendor and then locally framed
• Storage boxes — IKEA

• Wallpaper — Wayfair
• Chandelier — West Elm
• Valance fabric — Mood Fabrics NYC
• Red Chinoiserie jars — HomeGoods and TJMaxx
• Celling paint — Custom blend from leftover Ben Moore samples
• Floor — DIY Stencil
• Rug — Bed Bath and Beyond
• Fridge — DIY Custom Painted
• Art in hallway — DIY

• Headboard — DIY
• Dresser — Thrifted
• Vintage wallpaper — eBay
• Curtains — Locally made
• Lamps — Thrifted
• Shades — DIY
• Wall sconces — Wayfair
• Masks — Local African Market
• Bedding — Bed Bath and Beyond
• Bench — Thrifted and DIY
• Light fixture — Z Gallerie
• Pillows — DIY
• Chinoiserie artwork — eBay and locally framed
• Bench — Thrifted and reupholstered
• JuJu Hat — Etsy

• Bedding, curtains, and desk — DIY
• Rug and wallpaper — Wayfair
• Small Dresser and lamps —West Elm
• Chandelier — Bed Bath, Beyond
• Juju Hat — Etsy
• Desk Chair — BBB+ Custom Seat
• Red Dresser — DIY
• Mirror — Target

Thanks, Minetta!

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

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