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Apartment Therapy's Small/Cool Contest

Tessa's 550-Square-Foot Apartment in New York

Apartment Therapy's Small/Cool Contest

Tessa's 550-Square-Foot Apartment in New York

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Home Type

Apartment

Location

Queens, New York

Style

Colorful

Vintage

Bedrooms

1

Square feet

550

Sq ft

550

Name: Tessa Battistin

Years lived in: 3-5 years, rented

Household: Partner

Have any design professionals worked on this space? Jane Carter, ASID interior designer, founder of Jane Carter Studio

Why is your home the smallest, coolest space?

The exposed brick, high ceilings, and natural light made this apartment an ideal blank canvas for me when I moved into the unit during New York's COVID-19 lockdown. I brought in elements of my childhood home into the space, like the headboard I made from an old door, while also crafting my own style by mixing colorful vintage pieces. My home feels like a calm, artistic escape from New York's busy streets.

How does your home reflect you?

I used to live in Montreal, Canada, where I ran a sustainable garment company. I met many artists during this time, and began my art collection with a thesis: I'd only purchase art from a population I wanted to elevate — female Canadian artists. Two non-negotiables when I was designing this space: 1) studio space for myself, and 2) an area to prominently display my growing art collection.

Connect with Tessa

Website: https://www.assetdesigns.co/

Instagram: @asset_designs