Maitri's Colorful, Eclectic Space
Name: Maitri Mody
Website: https://www.honeyidressedthepug.com/
Instagram: @honeyidressedthepug
TikTok: @honeyidressedthepug
Size: 400 square feet
Home type: Studio
Location: New York, NY
What you're looking at:
This is my bed, but one might mistake it for my pug's bed. I wanted to be able to look out of the window onto the busy Manhattan avenue, hence the bed placement. Due to the high bay windows, I can often see airplanes flying at night or wake up to a beautiful blush/orange sunrise in the morning or watch the snow falling. I recently painted the checkered pattern on the wall, which adds a really fun pop of color. (Image credit: Maitri Mody)This is my bed, but one might mistake it for my pug's bed. I wanted to be able to look out of the window onto the busy Manhattan avenue, hence the bed placement. Due to the high bay windows, I can often see airplanes flying at night or wake up to a beautiful blush/orange sunrise in the morning or watch the snow falling. I recently painted the checkered pattern on the wall, which adds a really fun pop of color.
This is my dining nook. I just had a little space to play with so I chose this narrow bar table, which also gives me an option of storage -- very essential for a small space like mine. I wanted to separate this area from the rest of the kitchen, so I painted this arch, which kind of sections it off. I covered my fridge with pink peel-and-stick floral wallpaper that can be seen at the entrance.
Years lived in: 2.5 years, rented
Household: With my pug :)
Have any design professionals worked on this space? No
Do you currently live in your Small/Cool space full-time? Yes
Describe your space:
This is my first ever solo apartment, which makes it very special. I lived with my family in a tiny apartment in India and never had my own room so never got to decorate. I got married and moved to the US so never got to go all out and make the space my own. So when I separated two years ago, I was going through a challenging time in my personal life along with the pandemic. I wanted my space to be happy and positive. And it turned out to be exactly that. It's fun, eclectic, cheerful, and cool. I think everyone who walks into my apartment always takes a few minutes to look around and smile.
Did you DIY anything in your space? And, if so, what's your favorite DIY?
My pink dresser is a DIY, it's also my first and favorite one. I painted an IKEA dresser pink and changed the knobs. It completely transformed this dresser that I was otherwise going to get rid of. I recently also made a tile table, I had to try it out for myself. I would say it's the toughest DIY I have ever attempted. But, the table turned out great and love it in my space.
How do you make your small space work for you and feel bigger than it really is?
My favorite storage solution is colorful lockers, they add a fun pop of color to my space, hold a lot of stuff, but still make the space look clean. The top of the lockers can be styled with fun art and decor. I also tried to utilize the high ceilings so I could save on floor space. My IKEA Pax wardrobe system is the perfect example of that. I made my space work for me by not always following the rules. I placed my desk in the kitchen as opposed to the living room, but this really helped me utilize my big kitchen and save space in my small living area.
How does your home reflect you?
I grew up in Mumbai, India.This reflects through the use of colors in my space. Minimalism is not my style. I have grown up surrounded by colors and chaos, which reflects in the eclectic decor and the way I mix colors in my space. I have also lived in London for a few years, which is where all the pink comes from. I certainly could not get the pink London doors out of my head. I studied and worked in fashion, which is why the color palette of my space also reflects the colors that are in my closet.