Successfully pulling together a space that is a minimalist sanctuary, but also interesting (and one that still feels decorated), is surprisingly hard to do. Which is what makes this New York City couple’s Upper West Side apartment so impressive. As two people who put a lot of energy into being creative for a living — Alana is a prop stylist and her husband, Kristopher, is also in design — they wanted to keep their home simple and clean. And living in one of the busiest cities in the world, they wanted a space to come home to that was free of clutter and visual “noise.”

One thing these two had going for them from the start is the cityscape outside their widows. It’s almost like having wall murals along the entire east side of their apartment. They were able to let that be the busiest piece of “decor,” while simple elements like a guitar, a stack of magazines, and a well-stocked bar cart fill in just enough space to satisfy any creative’s eye, but also keep that easy look they were after. My favorite detail was the John Derian book on the coffee table. All you have to do is leave the book open and you always have two beautiful pieces of art on display, and it just takes one turn of the page to switch it up. Brilliant! Small, yet impactful details like this make Alana and Kristopher’s home such a calming stunner.

Our Style: Cozy, minimal, and practical.

Inspiration: My home state of California. We like everything to be bright, easy, and welcoming.

Favorite Element: Our amazing view of the city from our living area and bedroom.

Biggest Challenge: Constantly getting rid of things so our small space feels uncluttered and clean. It’s crazy how fast you accumulate “stuff”!

What Friends Say: Everyone loves our views and rooftop, and mentions how quiet our place is. That’s super rare in NYC!

Biggest Indulgence: Our luxurious king size bed, and finding an apartment on the Upper West Side with a bedroom big enough for a king!

Best Advice: NYC is such a loud, busy, overwhelming city that we try to keep our apartment as simple as possible. Coming home to a clean and uncluttered space is key to staying happy and stress free. Kristopher and I both work in design and we make decisions all day about color, function and placement, so we kept things very neutral and simple at home.

Dream Sources: ABC Home, Michele Varian, Nickey Kehoe, John Derian, Jenni Kayne, Schoolhouse Electric

LIVING ROOM
Couch — Room and Board
Cowhide rug — Room and Board
Art — Angela Allen
Marble side table — West Elm
Standing lamp — Schoolhouse Electric
Console under TV — West Elm
Accessories — Found, vintage and various shops

DINING ROOM
Art — Angela Allen
Dining table and chairs — Room & Board

BEDROOM
Leather chair — Room & Board
Desk and nightstands — West Elm
Accessories — Hoppe Shoppe and various shops

⇒ House Tour & House Call Submission Form

See More:
⇒ Recent House Tours
⇒ House Tours on Pinterest