A Crown Heights Rental Is a Cozy Haven from Hectic NYC Streets

Name: Emily Safian-Demers, my two cats, Charlie and Linus
Location: Crown Heights — Brooklyn, New York City
Type of home: Apartment
Years lived in: 1.5 years, renting

Tell us a little (or a lot) about your home and the people who live there: My home is my haven. I love coming home and feeling like I’m stepping out of the hectic NYC streets into another world. It’s cozy and transportive.

I’m bisexual and collect vintage wooden carved hands from the ’70s, either making a peace sign or giving the finger. The first time one of my friends came over, they saw the sculptures and said “these are very sapphic and phallic.” Now it’s all I can see!

Describe your home’s style in 5 words or less: British gentlemen’s club meets ’60s mod lounge

What is your favorite room and why? My living room. I spend most of my time here and it’s a visual reflection of everything I love, and holds my treasure collections — books, records, vintage Playboys from the ’60s and ’70s, and vintage carved wooden hand sculptures.

What’s the last thing you bought (or found!) for your home? I buy 90 percent of my home decor and furnishings secondhand or vintage. The last thing I found is a crazy cool vintage metal brutalist sculpture of women running, from the ’60s. Facebook Marketplace for the win.

Any advice for creating a home you love? Fill it with things that speak to you.

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