Artist and art teacher Laina Weiss original moved to New York to study at Parsons School of Design, eventually earning a Masters of Fine Art, and going on to attend New York University for a Masters in Art Education. The daughter of an interior designer, a good eye for design runs in the family; Laina worked with her sister, Dara, to launch L’or de Seraphine, an artisanal candle brand with unique scents paired with gorgeous prints. Laina is currently the creative director of L’or de Seraphine and calls home this cozy East Village apartment, which has also been a family affair.

“I’ve lived in my East Village apartment for around 10 years now,” Laina explains. “My family originally bought the apartment because my siblings and I were all in school in NYC and we thought that it would be fun to live together. The apartment has been through numerous casts of roommates and design iterations, but for the past few years it has just been me and my cat and we’ve really gotten to make the space our own. Since everyone else has moved out I’ve got my own studio space and Abby has her own bathroom.”

My Style: Mid-century Maximalist

Inspiration: My interior design inspiration came from both my Grandma Esther and my mom. My Grandma Esther has Russian dolls, so I asked her to send me some. She has a bowl of sequined fruits on her table, so I bought some on eBay. She has lots of plants, and I try my best to keep plants alive. I also draw quite a bit of inspiration from my mom, who is an interior designer and the ultimate maximalist. My mom always filled our home with colors and patterns, and I’ve tried to bring just a fraction of that amount of color and pattern into my home.

Favorite Element: Being greeted by butterflies every time I come home

Biggest Challenge: Apartments in New York are small, and I have a lot of things. I love things. It’s a challenge to fit everything.

Proudest DIY: My dollhouse! It’s been an evolving project for five years now. I’m constantly changing the wallpaper or reupholstering tiny chairs. I designed the wallpaper in the attic bedroom myself and recently installed custom terrazzo (polymer clay) in the kitchen.

Biggest Indulgence: My couch, absolutely worth it!

What are your favorite products you have bought for your home and why? L’or De Seraphine! I’m biased but they smell delicious, the designs are so cute, and you can reuse the vessel when your candle burns out.

Please describe any helpful, inspiring, brilliant, or just plain useful small space maximizing and/or organizing tips you have: Getting a shoe rack was an absolute game changer, hardly takes up any space and holds a decent amount.

Finally, what’s your absolute best home secret or decorating advice? There’s no wrong way to decorate. If it feels right to you then it’s right. And fill your home with lots color and amazing candles! You can’t go wrong.

• Bedroom — Benjamin Moore “Peerage”
• Living room — Benjamin Moore “Winds Breath”

• Coquille mirror — Anthropologie

• Couch — Anthropologie, but apparently discontinued
• Rug — Beni Souk
• Helene knit cushion — Sage and Clare
• Vase — Tak Tak Goods
• Flower pillow — Urban Outfitters

• Odyssey brass dining table — CB2

• Quilt — Lisa Corti
• Gemini dresser — West Elm

Thanks Laina!

This house tour’s responses were edited for length and clarity.

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