A 380-Square -Foot NYC Rental Is Stuffed With Smart and Stylish Decor Tricks and Solutions

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published Jan 1, 2021

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Corner of bed next to bedside table with brown lamp — Credit: Melanie Greene
The small bedroom mixes a country antique nightstand with a modern lamp, Frank Lloyd Wright headboard, and simple linen bedding.

Name: Adnan Anwar
Location: West Village — New York, New York
Type of home: Apartment
Size: 380 square feet
Years lived in: 3 years, renting

Credit: Melanie Greene

Replacing the standard light fixture with a lantern transformed the living room. The French coffee table is the centerpiece of the room. The roman shades with trim dress the windows without darkening the room, and the mirror emphasizes the amazing ceiling height.

Tell us a little (or a lot) about your home and the people who live there: I’m an interior designer and live alone in this apartment. The apartment shows my interest in mixing old and new in a way that is relatable and comfortable. It also shows my passion for collecting art and antique/vintage home goods through my online store. My apartment is both my home and a warehouse in that way, so it’s constantly evolving.

Credit: Melanie Greene

Rather than wallpapering the small bathroom, I caked the walls with art.

You can see the influence of my Pakistani and Burmese heritage in the textiles and handicraft accessories. I think it also shows that I came to interior design from an interest in antiques, decorative arts, and history.

Credit: Melanie Greene

The bookshelf helps delineate an entry space in the kitchen.

Describe your home’s style in 5 words or less: Casual, eclectic, masculine, classic, airy

Credit: Melanie Greene

The Italian lamp on the table was purchased at auction and provides practical task lighting, while the mismatched chairs prevent the traditional table from feeling stuffy.

What is your favorite room and why? The living room! It has such great light because it faces a courtyard. It’s very functional, but also a fun, working laboratory for my design.

Credit: Melanie Greene

The daybed is anchored by a piece of fabric from Johnson Hartig's collection with Schumacher stretched on canvas and covered with a mix of pillows from a decadent silk velvet to hand-dyed indigo.

The daybed is perfect for relaxing and watching TV and the drop-leaf is a great workspace. The neutral backdrop allows me to constantly mix up the art on the walls and accessories throughout.

Credit: Melanie Greene

Storage is maximized in the kitchen with vintage bowls on the fridge for produce and keeping some high-use items accessible on the counter.

What’s the last thing you bought (or found!) for your home? I bought the print above the living room doorway from St. Luke’s Thrift Shop in the neighborhood. They do amazing work in the community and get the most interesting donations, so I love to shop there for myself and my clients.

Credit: Melanie Greene

The doorway to the kitchen is framed with art, from an antique photograph purchased at flea market in Bangkok to a mid century abstract to a contemporary print to a cut paper Central American piece.

Any advice for creating a home you love? Take your time to find pieces that are deeply personal and speak to you. Don’t stop at finding furniture, because the accessories, lighting, and window treatments are just as important.

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

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