The one-bedroom (plus a small flex room meant to be an office) apartment came with “pre-war New York charm, room to host guests, and good storage,” all important elements to John’s career as prop stylist. “I have a lot of things!” admits John, who’s also on TikTok as @johndittrick.

“I also love that it has a fireplace, even though it’s non-functional — it anchors the space, gives a warm, homey feel, and provides a unique styling opportunity,” John lists of other elements in the home he loves.

Still, even with all the architectural charm, there would be things to figure out. “The apartment was a bit puzzling at first glance — I remember other folks walking around the open house with confused looks.”

“The railroad layout is quirky,” he explains. “There are boarded-up windows, slanted floors, odd fixtures and patches, and at the time of the first viewing, the walls were a dingy yellow. I was glad to look past the oddities — I think it made the application process less competitive for me.”

Put simply, this home, which John’s been renting for five years, was a fit because he had a vision. “I wanted to strike a balance between elegance and comfort, and to make a home with a design-forward point of view that also felt cozy and lived-in,” he writes.

“When I was growing up, my mother’s preferred design style was French country, which I still love, but I wanted a bit more of a Parisian apartment vibe, and to incorporate an eclectic mix of styles new and old. I wanted it to feel timeless, yet fresh, with an intentionally layered and curated vibe,” he continues.

“And now it feels like home.”

• Living Room, Bedroom, Entryway — Benjamin Moore “Silver Satin” (darkened 50%)
• Dining Room — Benjamin Moore “Bedford Blue” (lightened 25%)
• Office/Guest Room —Sherwin-Williams “Tradewind”

• Entry Table — Yesterday’s News (Carroll Gardens vintage shop)
• Lamp — CB2

• Marin Sofa — West Elm
• Modern Teal Plush Luxury Wool Rug — Nordic Knots
• Crescent Coffee Table — CB2
• Wingback Chair — Restoration Hardware via Facebook Marketplace
• Bouclé Side Chair — CB2 floor sample
• Desk (Used as Console Table) — Painted Swan (Carroll Gardens)
• Additional Side Tables — Yesterday’s News
• Emmy Mirror — Crate & Barrel 
• Vintage Lamps — Humble House (Boerum Hill vintage shop)
• Glass Lamp — Restoration Hardware via Facebook Marketplace
• Pendant Light — Etsy

• Dining Table — Big Re-Use (thrifted, refinished by me)
• Dining Chairs — Purchased from a restaurant remodeling (can’t remember where exactly!)
• Hutch — Humble House
• Console Table — Wayfair
• Pendant Light — Etsy
• Rug — Etsy

• Modern Bed — West Elm (2018 floor sample)
• Nightstands — Pottery Barn via Facebook Marketplace
• Nightstand Ceramic Lamps — Notary Ceramics 
• Dresser — Awesome Brooklyn (home goods store in Prospect Lefferts Gardens)
• Dresser Lamp — Thrifted, with Oka shade
• Mirror — Painted Swan
• Cafe Table — Vintage via Facebook Marketplace
• Dining Chairs — Awesome Brooklyn
• Pendant Light — Etsy

• Hemnes Day Bed — IKEA, folds out into a king-size bed, painted to match walls
• Side Table — Yesterday’s News
• Lamp — Thrifted, with Oka shade
• Desk — Crate & Barrel Kids

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