A 541-Square-Foot Seattle Rental Is a “Pink Disco Jungle Art Gallery”

Lena Joy Whittle has been renting this one-bedroom Seattle apartment for nine months, sharing the space with her 15-year-old cat, Pearl: I recently moved across town to this apartment and was sold on the location and the balcony. In Seattle, a balcony is rare — let alone a south-facing one! I spent so much time on that balcony this summer after making it my personal oasis.

The apartment itself is a corner unit with south- and west-facing windows, so it’s nice and bright and has a unique layout that makes it feel larger than it is. I sourced almost all my furniture from Amazon Home or local shops like Prism Seattle.

At the end of the day, I am an artist and a maker, and I work at a contemporary art museum. My space is filled with art by local artists, art books, and my own creations.

Describe your home’s style in five words or fewer: Pink disco jungle art gallery.

What is your favorite room and why? The balcony! I decided to go all out and transform it for the summer and spent countless hours out there. It’s the only balcony in the building, and it’s such a special thing to have your own private outdoor space. I added privacy ivy, which was a huge game-changer.

What’s the last thing you bought (or found!) for your home? I just bought this tufted table rug for my coffee table off Etsy!

Any advice for creating a home you love? Take your time, keep shopping/scrolling until you find exactly what you have in mind, and let the space guide you.

Thanks, Lena!

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