A Dark Blue NYC Rental Apartment Makes a Case for Maximalism

Name: David Arsenault, my partner, and a friend/roommate
Location: Washington Heights, NYC
Type of home: Apartment
Size: 1200 square feet
Years lived in: 10 years, renting

Tell us a little (or a lot) about your home and the people who live there: I’ve lived in this apartment for ten years now (after moving here directly out of college) and over that time have seen a lot of variation both in decor and roommates. I’m the only person who has occupied the apartment consistently over that period, and with three bedrooms total, many folks have passed through in a decade. When the original group of us moved in, we didn’t have a lot to call our own, being fresh out of undergrad. The sofa that was in the living room for nine years (and has since been replaced) was one that came with the apartment!

I’ve spent the better part of the time I’ve lived here collecting, decorating, editing, and re-vamping to create an environment that truly feels like a home and a reflection of me. The main living area has a slight maximalist vibe going for it. I personally feel like this is a direct reaction to the apartment feeling empty for so long when we first moved in. I started accumulating objects and furniture through my profession (I’m a set designer for theatre and events) that helped build the foundation of what I have now. It wasn’t until the past few years that I was able to more specifically curate furniture and make choices instead of having a piece just because it was free and available.

I’ve also re-decorated significantly in the past few years. My bedroom used to be more similar in style to the living room, but I realized at some point that I needed more visual space to help clear my head after long days in the theatre. I really tried to find clean lines and whittle down the decorative items to pieces that were really important to me or inspired me. The difference in style between the main living spaces and my bedroom may seem quite jarring upon examination, but both represent facets of my personality and style —it’s great to have both in the same place. About two years ago, my partner and a friend both moved in. It feels wonderful to have so much of my life in one place, especially a place that finally feels like a true reflection of what I love.

Describe your home’s style in 5 words or less: Eclectic, unexpected, varied, comfortable, refreshing

What is your favorite room and why? It’s somewhat difficult to pick a favorite room, but at the moment, it’s my bedroom. It’s a zen place for me. I’m able to light a candle and tune out of the world in a way that I can’t anywhere else.

What’s the last thing you bought (or found!) for your home? The last thing I bought for my home was the ottoman in my bedroom. Since I’ve been home so much (gee, thanks, COVID-19) I found that I have been sitting in the chair and reading in my bedroom a lot more often. I needed a way to put my feet up and found this minimalist stool from West Elm that works perfectly.

Any advice for creating a home you love? My advice for creating a home you love would be: don’t rush it and don’t fear change! It took me a third of my life at this point to “finish” my home, and to be honest, it will never be done. I’m constantly moving things around and finding new arrangements that keep things interesting.

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