This Parlor-Floor Brooklyn Brownstone Apartment’s Elements Are Gorgeous

Name: Karys Rhea and cat
Location: Bedford Stuyvesant — Brooklyn, New York
Type of home: Brownstone apartment
Size: 1,200 square feet
Years lived in: 1.5 years, renting

Tell us a little (or a lot) about your home and the people who live there: I live on the parlor floor of a pre-war brownstone on a quiet, residential, tree-lined street in Bed Stuy, Brooklyn. The great thing about being on the parlor floor in a brownstone is you typically have high ceilings with beautiful, elongated windows. But what’s special about my apartment is that it gets much more natural light than most parlor-floor apartments because it’s situated at the “T” of a small intersection where the southern light has freedom to stream in through my dining room windows. I live there with my adorable Winnie Sue, a five-year-old Scottish Fold.

I identify as an independent thinker with broad interests who isn’t confined to the restrictions of cultural and societal trends. I’m both traditional and edgy. Liberal and conservative. Chill and intense. Outgoing and withdrawn. In that way, I guess I’m just as eclectic as my apartment!

Describe your home’s style in 5 words or fewer: Eclectic, mid-century, boho, vintage.

What is your favorite room and why? Definitely my bedroom! Its sheer size is rare for a New York City apartment. The stained glass that borders my three gigantic windows is a gem in and of itself, and combined with the decorative fireplace, exposed brick, and massive wood sliding doors, the room feels like a historical experience of living in Brooklyn. It’s decorated with everything from eclectic pieces shipped from craftsmen in India, to mass-produced products from Anthropologie and Urban Outfitters, to vintage decor and photographs from my family. Also, I love that my bathroom is incorporated as part of the bedroom, and not outside of it. (There’s a second bathroom for guests, of course!)

What’s the last thing you bought (or found!) for your home? I have all these Voluspa candles and when the wicks burn out there’s still scented wax left over, so I decided to be resourceful and bought a wax melter/warmer to place on my bedside table as decor. I found a beautiful one from Anthropologie and bought a bunch of tea light candles, and now my bedroom always smells delightful.

Any advice for creating a home you love? Don’t be afraid to enlist the help of your friends and family, who may have some great ideas for decor and furniture design. My place certainly wouldn’t be what it is without the help of friends, particularly Keren Toledano, whose original artwork adorns almost every wall in my place. (Plus, friends will help you with the heavy lifting.)

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