This NYC Prewar Apartment in “Rough Shape” Was Completely Transformed with Paint
“My partner and I have enjoyed every second of making our apartment a home,” begins Sarah Catenac, who describes this 680-square-foot, one-bedroom apartment in Astoria, New York, before moving in as being in “rough shape.“
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“I moved in over two years ago with my cat. Shortly after that, I met my girlfriend, we fell in love, and six months later she moved in (very lesbian U-Haul I know). We’ve enjoyed every second of making it our home,” she describes.
Sarah says that “everything had to be painted and some things completely redone,” to make over this apartment, which costs the couple $2,000 a month in rent. Sarah says they “took the time to perfect the lighting in each room and have different modes for different moods.”
“We love to travel, so wherever we go, we always bring something back to add to our space,” Sarah writes. “We each have our own set of bookshelves that showcase our personalities. Hers is filled with cameras, as she is a photographer and tchotchkes from around the world. Mine has some of my favorite books, memories, and little things that spark joy.”
“We call it the cozy queer cottage. It is our sanctuary in the middle of a crazy city. Each room is slightly different but all mesh beautifully with a cozy theme. It is an old building that has not been renovated, so we wanted to stay with the charming theme and accentuate its character,” Sarah writes.
Resources
ENTRYWAY
- Wreath — Target
- Pots — Target
- Some books — Target
- Doormat — Target
- Red plant — Target
- Trinkets — From travels
- Polaroid displayer — Urban Outfitters
- Olive tree — Amazon
- Art — Etsy
LIVING ROOM
- Couch — West Elm
- Ceiling fixture — Wayfair
- Coffee table — Wayfair
- Rug — Wayfair
- Red tree — Wayfair
- Olive tree — Wayfair
- Mirror — Facebook Marketplace
- Console — Facebook Marketplace
- Baskets — Facebook Marketplace (original unknown)
- Chair — Thrifted
- Decor — Target
- Candles — IKEA
WORKSPACE
- Art and frames — Target
- Chair — West Elm
- Desk — Crate & Barrel
- Cameras — Sony, cannon, Contax, Instamax, Pentax, Mamiya, Polaroid
KITCHEN
- Table — Amazon
- Chairs — Amazon
- Flooring — Amazon
- Ceiling fixture — Amazon
- Shelves — Amazon
- Artwork — Target
- Shelf decor — Target
- Rugs — Target
- Mirror — Target
- String lights — Target
- Island — IKEA
- Shades — IKEA
BEDROOM
- TV — Amazon
- Planter — Amazon
- Dresser — Walker Edison
- Decor — Target
- Candles — Homesick
- Face shelf — Anthropologie
- Coaster — Anthropologie
- TV — Amazon
- Planter — Amazon
- Lamp — Amazon
- Ceiling fixture — Amazon
- Decor — Target
- Frame — Vintage
- Lion photo — My girlfriend took
- Bed — Amazon
- Ceiling fixture — Amazon
- Jewelry holder — Amazon
- Curtains — Amazon
- Bedding — Parachute
- Nightstands — Walker Edison
- Art — Target
- Lamps — Target
Thanks, Sarah!
This tour’s responses and photos were edited for length/size and clarity.
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