A Rental Home’s Tiny Bathroom Shows the Power of a Cheery Shower Curtain
Name: Elizabeth Pattyn and one female roommate
Location: Boston, Massachusetts
Type of home: Apartment
Size: About 900 square feet
Years lived in: 2 years, renting
Tell us a little (or a lot) about your home and the people who live there: I have lived in Boston for about six years now, but moved into this two-bedroom apartment when I first started grad school two years ago (I’m studying theatrical set design, and am looking to graduate this May!). This has been the first apartment I’ve fully decorated myself, which luckily my roommate (another grad student who I met through a Facebook housing group) doesn’t seem to mind at all.
I don’t know much about the history of my apartment, but it is an older building, so it definitely has some quirky architectural features. Although there are certain things I wish I could change (odd door placements and “boob lights” galore), it also has some beautiful moldings and hardwood floors that ultimately sold me on the place.
Describe your home’s style in 5 words or less: Colorful, mid-century modern, Bohemian
What is your favorite room and why? Though I am honestly very pleased with every room in my apartment, I think that the living room is probably my favorite. It includes some of my most prized mid-century modern pieces, and definitely sets the tone for the apartment when you first walk in. It functions well as a comfortable space to relax after a long day, and also a welcoming spot entertain friends on occasion.
What’s the last thing you bought (or found!) for your home? I found a large-scale print of a 1930s photograph on Etsy that I thought would make a wonderful statement piece above my TV. The print only cost me about $35, but I didn’t have the money to afford custom framing. Instead, I picked up an old frame at the thrift store, spray painted it gold, and cut a mat myself to fit inside. The project took me a full afternoon to complete, but it was definitely worth it in the end!
Any advice for creating a home you love? My biggest tips would be to shop secondhand and invest in quality where you can, so as to keep cheap, “disposable” furniture out of the landfill. Over the years I have definitely learned to value sturdy, well-made pieces that I love and will last me many years to come. Some of my best finds have come from estate sales, thrift stores, and Facebook Marketplace for very reasonable prices, so quality pieces can certainly be affordable on a student budget if you take the extra time to look around.
Otherwise, I think that it’s also important for a home to reflect one’s own style and personality. I really don’t pay much attention to trends, and simply decorate with pieces that catch my eye and bring me joy. Don’t feel that you must conform to a single design aesthetic—have fun mixing and matching decor from a variety of styles and eras to create something personal and one of a kind!
This submission’s responses have been edited for length and clarity.