From a creative family, Brittany started her interior design company, Penny Shields, in 2010. It’s named after her “quirky and edgy grandmother,” and she offers her design services on residential and commercial projects. Not surprisingly, the home she shares with her husband and their pets is a stylish, comfy and creative space.

“This apartment has somehow become the most homey and best reflection of me a space has ever been,” Brittany writes. “Having moved 10 times in 12 years, I’ve experienced a lot of different environments. When we found the place it was a bit of a ‘diamond in the rough.’ It’s amazing what pulling up carpet (with 100-year-old pine underneath) and a fresh canvas of white paint will do to a home. This one is like purchasing a vintage boot. The house feels like it’s worn in and been this way forever yet all of it is new to me and new to this space.

Since I work and live in the apartment the space has to be very functional. I love that our office is upstairs and the living/dining/kitchen is downstairs. After a lot of hours in front of my computer it’s a nice escape to go downstairs and be in a different environment for the evening. Even better, we are two blocks from Piedmont Park which makes for an easy afternoon dog walk or bike ride.”

My Style: “Everything but the kitchen sink.” My goal is to combine as many styles/pieces into one space as possible until it kisses clutter… then stop. Every piece in a space should be your favorite. When I see something that makes me feel giddy and interested, I go for it no matter the “style”. Then it’s a small puzzle to find the right tension between old and new and marrying the two.

Inspiration: Architecture, old buildings, pattern and colors in nature, and the mix of masculine and feminine materials and lines.

Favorite Element: My favorite element of the home is the kitchen under the stairs. It makes me feel like I live in an old New York brownstone.

Biggest Challenge: The biggest challenge is the blah brown tile in the kitchen and bath. The only way to overcome it is #rugssss

Proudest DIY: I love the photo collage on the landing at the top of the stairs. It started much smaller and has grown over time. It’s a collection of pieces from places we’ve traveled, photos my sister took, wedding pictures, significant landmarks, images of my grandfather’s war days. It brings so much meaning to the space.

When making a collage I think it’s important to have some point of continuity. For me this was black and white. This keeps the art from feeling too busy or disconnected.

Biggest Indulgence: Vintage Persian rugs that make me drool. I want to be a rug salesman (lady) when I grow up.

Best Advice: Every piece in a space should be your favorite. I know that’s easier said than done, but it’s worth the challenge to feel like your space is a true reflection of you. We have a rule: If I want something new, I can buy it as long as it’s free. This means waiting and saving up for a piece I love. Sometimes this means getting creative and selling two or three things to buy one new thing.

PAINT & COLORS
Sherwin-Williams — Snowbound

LIVING ROOM
Patchwork Cane Console – Anthropologie
Spindle Floor Lamps – Chairish
Rounded Inlay Side Table – Anthropologie
Hand Chair – Atlanta Used Furniture
Set of Milo Baughman Armchairs – Atlanta Used Furniture
Mid-century Modern Table – Atlanta Used Furniture
Senufo Stools – Brooklyn Flea Market
3-Arm Light Fixture – Lexmod
Art – NG Collective
Leather Chanel Sofa – Regina Andrew
Rug – Vintage Heriz

DINING ROOM
Aqua Virgo Burl Dining Table – CB2
S Chairs – Poly & Bark
Ritva Curtains – IKEA
Wall Mounted Shelving – Custom Made (This CB2 piece is similar.)
Mobile Chandelier – West Elm
Rug – Vintage Heriz

BEDROOM
Striped Headboard – Custom Made
Numeral Side Table – Blue Ocean Traders
Minimalist Art – Etsy

BATHROOM
Margaree 3-Light Vanity Light – Wayfair
Louis Mirror – Ballard Designs
Rose Oil Painting – Penny Shields

OFFICE
Taormina Art – Charish
Candle Sconces – Go Home LTD
Banquette (recovered) – West Elm
Cane Dining Chairs – Restoration Hardware
Lippa 48″ Oval Wood Top Dining Table – Lexmod
Rug – Vintage Heriz
Varys 3-Light Mini Chandelier – Wayfair
Savanna Side Table – Noir

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