This NYC Apartment Has the Dreamiest Design Solution for a Plain Mirrored Wall
This NYC Apartment Has the Dreamiest Design Solution for a Plain Mirrored Wall
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).”
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.
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.
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
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”
ENTRY
- Wallpaper — Tempaper
- Shoe rack — Get Open Spaces
- Bench — Etsy
- Storage cabinet — Crate and Barrel
LIVING ROOM
- Floyd sofa — Floyd Home
- Rug — Wayfair
- TV stand — Wayfair
- Sideboard — Crate and Barrel
DINING ROOM
- Dining table — Crate and Barrel
- Dining chairs — Anthropologie
- Rug — Jungalow
BEDROOM
- Night stands — Anthropologie
- Dresser — Wayfair
BATHROOM
- Shower curtain — Jungalow
Thanks, Monica!
This tour’s responses and photos were edited for length/size and clarity.
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