The Renter-Friendly Updates in This Tiny Brooklyn Studio Are Unbelievably Gorgeous

published May 9, 2024

The Renter-Friendly Updates in This Tiny Brooklyn Studio Are Unbelievably Gorgeous

published May 9, 2024
We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.
Bedrooms
Square feet

350

Sq ft

350

Originally from Phoenix, Arizona, and a graduate of University of Southern California in Los Angles, Lauren Wilson has lived in New York City for 12 years. And after over 11 years in Manhattan, Lauren made the move to Brooklyn Heights to this small studio apartment seven months ago.

House tour cover

Can't-Miss House Tours Straight to Your Inbox

Keep up with our latest house tours each weekday with our House Tour of the Day newsletter

“It was time to start the next chapter of my NYC life,” she begins. “I had been eyeing  Brooklyn Heights for a while and the first time I walked through the neighborhood, I felt like I was walking through a storybook. I was totally in love and would search every summer around my lease end date to see if I could find something. Inventory is super slim.”

Credit: Inga Rod
"I had that large Anthropologie mirror from my last apartment and decided that even though it’s huge it's so amazing, I needed to make it work. I also think it represents so much of the look I was going for — elegant and antiqued," Lauren explains of the mirror, which is the centerpiece of the apartment. "As mentioned, I run a fashion company so mirror selfies are always a must! The piece also adds drama and light to a small space."

Lauren says a pre-war apartment with original moldings was on her wish list when it came to finding a place to rent. “Unfortunately, I did not find that, but made some renter-friendly renovations instead. I added paneled (peel-and-stick) molding around the entire studio space,” she explains. “I also changed out all of the light fixtures — a set of vintage crystal fixtures in the main room, a vintage pineapple crystal chandelier in the entryway (a nod to the fruit streets I live on), and one I just found on Amazon for the kitchen.”

“I also added peel-and-stick wallpaper to the entryway to give it a ‘moment’ when you walk in. Something about a distinct entryway, not matter how small, feels super luxurious to me.  I also added a ceiling medallion around the chandelier in the entryway for a Parisian feeling,” she writes.  

Credit: Inga Rod

Lauren explains that she’s worked for luxury fashion brands for her entire career (including Ralph Lauren, Gucci, Christie’s, and Moda Operandi) but in 2020 she launched her own luxury fashion platform, Dora Maar.

“I am inspired by the views of the brownstones across the street from me and the history of the Brooklyn Heights neighborhood. Walking around this neighborhood is like a time capsule. I wanted my apartment to have that cozy, lived-in feeling with a touch of elegance,” Lauren writes. “One of my best friends says that my studio reminds her of the Greenwich Hotel in Tribeca, which happens to be one of my favorite spots in the city! I think it’s the warmth — touches of cinnamon, sage greens, and dusty pinks throughout and the overall worn-in feel of the leather pieces. There is also quite a bit of print mixing as well.” 

Resources

Credit: Inga Rod
Lauren says the wallpaper on the door is a recent addition. "When I first did the wallpaper I did not include the door, but a colleague at work and my mom urged me to do it," she admits.

ENTRY

Credit: Inga Rod

LIVING ROOM

Credit: Inga Rod

BEDROOM

Credit: Inga Rod

BATHROOM

Thanks, Lauren!

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