Ida’s Sugar Hill Studio

Name: Ida
Location: Harlem / Sugar Hill – NYC

I consider my home to be inspirational — an organized reflection of what I love to look at! My apartment is the parlor room in a brownstone (a studio) which is already beyond charming on it’s own.

I am a big lover of vintage/old things, so I had some pieces I loved, but really hadn’t found a home for them yet. Once I moved into this apartment, I decided to surround myself with only things I really felt happy about having. I got rid of anything I didn’t use often or need.

This new direction also meant having good furniture — the stuff with character and sturdiness. I re-purposed some pieces I already had by painting and refinishing some things in different ways. I repainted a nice wooden desk that the previous owners of my mom’s home left there. I also added an assortment of knobs to it which gave it more character. I had an old trunk that was green and gold and ugly. I painted it white and covered it with pennies — I was inspired by the Penny Tile Floor at the Standard Hotel.

I also had a lot of art I wanted to frame/show/look at often so I made a point to hang it and buy frames. I also frequented the flea markets in the area to get good, unique furniture. I found the Upper West Side Flea Market to be my favorite place to go. I got a great piece that I use as a bookshelf. I also scored a cute settee at the Hell’s Kitchen flea market.

It’s fun, it’s me, I enjoy my place and I hope others would too!

Thanks Ida!

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