This NYC Apartment Has the Dreamiest Design Solution for a Plain Mirrored Wall

Written by

Erin DerbyPhotographer
Erin DerbyPhotographer
Originally from California, but turned New Yorker since 2000, I've been shooting my entire life and am still inspired and excited about it. Lately I have been putting my energies into my Fine Art, which can be seen on my website and on Saatchi Art. Being infatuated with interior…read more
published Feb 16, 2023

This NYC Apartment Has the Dreamiest Design Solution for a Plain Mirrored Wall

Written by

Erin DerbyPhotographer
Erin DerbyPhotographer
Originally from California, but turned New Yorker since 2000, I've been shooting my entire life and am still inspired and excited about it. Lately I have been putting my energies into my Fine Art, which can be seen on my website and on Saatchi Art. Being infatuated with interior…read more
published Feb 16, 2023
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Bedrooms
Square feet

950

Sq ft

950

Name: Monica Johnson, partner, pets
Location: Forest Hills — Queens, New York
Size: 950 square feet
Type of home: Co-op apartment building
Years lived in: 1.5 years, renting
Rent: $2,650/month

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“I discovered this apartment in a frenzy over a three-day holiday weekend after being flooded out of my previous apartment during a storm. At first, I was thinking of it as a temporary space because of how we came to be, but over time I grew tired of the stark white walls and wanted to fully embrace this space and all it had to offer, begins psychologist Monica Johnson, who owns the group practice Kind Mind Psychology, which specializes in the “needs of historically marginalized folks (e.g., BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and alternative lifestyles).”

Credit: Erin Derby

Apartment Therapy Survey

My style: I am often drawn to boho, mid-century modern, and eclectic.

Inspiration: For a while I looked at it as a transitional space and wasn’t investing much energy into the space. Then one day, I looked around and was really tired with the stark white walls everywhere. I didn’t find my space to be a comfort to me and I realized that it had so much potential. I began to compile a lot of ideas about how to infuse color and different elements that inform my identity and my interests as a person. I’d never done this kind of overhaul of a space before and at times I thought my ideas were too much and couldn’t get myself to commit. As such, I enlisted someone to consult with [Milly Diaz from Cosiee Studio] and it really gave me the bravery to be bold and helped me to edit some of my ideas into a cohesive story.

Credit: Erin Derby

Favorite element: It’s difficult for me to choose a favorite room/element in my home because I love them all. However, one of the biggest elements that I am proud of is the mirror wall in my dining area. I initially went back and forth about leaving it alone or leaning into one of the ideas I had to decorate it, and I am so glad that I went forward. I love looking at it from the couch or even when I’m walking by to go to another area of the apartment. The beaded element to the mirror makes me feel like “Alice Through the Looking Glass,” there is a little kid part of me that feels like I could walk through the beads and discover another world.

Credit: Erin Derby

Proudest DIY or product hack: The grout lines were dingy in the bathrooms and I came up with the idea (and my partner did the labor) to use grout pens and it made a huge difference for us. I also swapped out the cabinet knobs in the main bathroom, which helped tie everything together for me. I also put push-lights in all of our closets so it’s easier to see our items. I am always impressed by people who have the talent for DIY, as it’s not my strong suit, but I do use it for finishing touches.

Resources

Credit: Erin Derby

PAINT & COLORS

  • Living room/dining — Benjamin Moore “Oasis Blue”
  • Office — Benjamin Moore “Oasis Blue”
  • Bedroom — Benjamin Moore “Teal Ocean”
  • Hallway/entry — Benjamin Moore “Antique White”
  • Trimmings — Benjamin Moore “Simply White”
Credit: Erin Derby

ENTRY

Credit: Erin Derby

LIVING ROOM

Credit: Erin Derby

DINING ROOM

Credit: Erin Derby

BEDROOM

Credit: Erin Derby

BATHROOM

Thanks, Monica!

This tour’s responses and photos were edited for length/size and clarity.
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