A Tiny, Light-Filled West Village Apartment

Name: Sam
Location: West Village; New York City
Size: 300 square feet
Years lived in: 1 Year; Rented

Keeping her home clear of clutter and displaying only the things she loves gives Sam’s 300-square-foot home in the West Village a spacious feel. Meanwhile, light from the many windows, pops of color, and the warm, neutral tones of her decor go a long way towards making it feel welcoming, comfortable, and soothing.

When Sam is not putting together her latest DIY project for her home, she is busy designing and creating handmade pieces for Wye Road Jewelry that are reminiscent of the style of her home: clean, unique, personal, and lovely.

My Style: I tend to lean toward industrial/modern with some ethnic accents like rugs and pillows. I’m very particular about using color and try to stick with either warm or cool tones for each room. I usually have a very strong gut reaction to a look, either “I love it! I need it!” or “Ick!” and so I try and let that guide me in the pieces I make or invest in.

Inspiration: Anything handmade. There’s no better feeling than responding to a compliment with, “Thanks, I made it!”

Favorite Element: The little eating table my boyfriend helped design and build. It’s probably the most “industrial chic”-inspired piece in the apartment, and it’s the perfect use of what would be dead space.

Biggest Challenge: I want more space to decorate!

What Friends Say: “It’s so you!”

Biggest Embarrassment: I really don’t like the kitchen cabinets—I think they look ugly and dated with the wood trim. But hey, when I first moved in I HATED them, so I guess they’ve grown on me.

Proudest DIY: Probably the large mirror in the living room. It’s usually the piece people least expect to be handmade. I searched for the perfect reclaimed wood for a long time, and eventually found a guy who was renovating his historic house and he actually gave me the original salvaged wood for free. It looks a lot more expensive than what I paid for materials!

Biggest Indulgence: Most of my DIY projects start as great ideas on how I’ll cut costs by creating the piece myself, but then turn out to be more expensive than predicted. But they’re all worth it (even the failures, and there are many) because I learn something new each time.

Best Advice: It’s important that wherever you live feels like your home. I’ve put a lot of time and effort into curating my apartment not only because I enjoy the process, but also because I love the feeling of walking into a space that feels like a reflection of me.

Dream Sources: Shoppe by Amber Interiors, ABC Home, The Vintage Rug Shop, Rose Bowl Flea (never been, would LOVE to go!), Etsy

• Default NYC apartment paint! The kitchen and bathroom are more of a true white while the bedroom and living room are an antique white.

• Marquee arrow: HomeGoods
• Coat rack: DIY made from wood plaque, stain, metal hooks, and mason jar
• JOIE DE VIVRE wooden letters: DIY made with stain, paint, and sandpaper
• Baker’s rack: Amazon

• Couch: IKEA
• Lights above couch: DIY made with electrical findings from Vintage Wire & Supply
• Mirror: DIY made with 150-year-old reclaimed wood
• Throw pillows: North West Decor and LannaLannaHome on Etsy
• Rug: eCowhides.com
• Coffee table: Smart Glass Top Table by CB2
• Wishbone sculpture: gift
• Industrial table: DIY
• Stools: Hillsdale Bowen Stool from Wayfair
• Hanging flowerpot: industrial pulley from flea market, pot from Pheobe’s Treasure Chest on Etsy
• Lamp: Target
• Chair: Christopher Knight Club Chair from Overstock.com
• Dresser: IKEA, painted, new hardware from MyKnobs added
• Wine rack: gift
• Paris map: My Guide To, framed by Framebridge
• Florence map: gift
• Art above couch: Unsplash, framed by Framebridge

• Vintage rug: eBay
• Art: Union Square Holiday Market, frame from West Elm

• Duvet: Pottery Barn
• Pompom pillow: DIY
• Headboard: DIY
• Art: Unsplash, framed by Framebridge
• Wall weave: DIY

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