A Small New York Apartment Aces the Cozy, Neutral, and Airy Look

Name: Tiffany Lanham
Location: Brooklyn, New York City
Type of home: Co-op
Size: 750 square feet
Time lived in: 3 weeks, owned

Tell us a little (or a lot) about your home and the people who live there: This home represents new beginnings for me. Last year during the pandemic, I was renting an apartment with an ex-boyfriend and we broke up halfway through the pandemic. I felt alone and not sure what was next for me, and I was not even sure if I was going to stay in New York. An opportunity came about for me to buy an apartment that needed a complete gut renovation. I took a chance, bought the apartment, and did the renovation. I started 2021 with a new place, job, and outlook on life.

I hate to sound cliche but I’m a single, Black, successful woman who moved to New York with a dream and I’ve been able to make it in the city. I’ve conquered and been successful in my career, I’m still looking for love, and finally was able to own my little slice of the city. My identity is all over this place. I have mostly Black art in my apartment. I’ve bought from artists that inspire me and I’ve bought pieces from my travels from places like Brazil, South Africa, and Portugal. I wanted this apartment to feel light and bright. I stuck with a neutral palette of white walls (specifically used Benjamin Moore’s Decorator’s White) and I wanted the color in my place to come from the furniture, art, plants, and different textures. Every piece in my home has a story. This is the smallest apartment I’ve had in New York and everything has to have a purpose.

Describe your home’s style in 5 words or less: Eclectic, cozy, modern, comfortable, and airy

What is your favorite room and why? My favorite room is the bathroom. It came out better than I expected. It’s a nod to the period of the building (Art Deco) but it still feels modern. I also love that I incorporated old family photos in the bathroom with vintage and modern art. I took a risk with the black wall in the bathroom but it goes perfectly with the black trim around the tile.

What’s the last thing you bought (or found!) for your home? The last thing I bought for my place was a “WC” name plate for the bathroom door from target. I love it! It reminds me so much of the way old public bathrooms were labeled.

Any advice for creating a home you love? Make sure you have a vision and know that everything may not always go your way. Renovating during the pandemic had its own set of challenges but I wouldn’t change it for the world. I love my place and I’m so glad I took the risk to purchase it.

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

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