This Small, Plant-Filled Condo Has a Cool Faux Brick Kitchen Wall

Name: Melanie Joseph and family
Location: Princeton, New Jersey
Type of home: Condo
Size: 985 square feet
Years lived in: 1 year 1 month, renting

Tell us a little (or a lot) about your home and the people who live there: I’m a single mom; I live with my two teens. They’re the youngest of my five children. We moved here during Covid and it was an adjustment as it was the smallest space we’ve ever lived in.

I carefully chose pieces to maximize space and storage. Then layered in all of our heritage with artwork, plants, and decor. I love the way our space feels and although my girls hate all of my plants, I think it makes the space warm and not just stark walls.

Eclectic maximalist is definitely how I identify. I love my heritages and love to display them all throughout my spaces. I change things around usually every two months to freshen the spaces. Sometimes pops of color will enter during spring/summer and then in winter I will add textures of knits, furs, and wools.

Describe your home’s style in 5 words or less: A welcoming, eclectic maximalist paradise

What is your favorite room and why? The living room has got to be my favorite because it overlooks the building’s courtyard and the natural sunlight that comes in is amazing. I have a neutral color story with the pop of color being all of my green plants. Wood pieces balance it all out.

What’s the last thing you bought (or found!) for your home? The latest thing that I bought was a mask from West Africa from an Etsy vendor. I wanted to add it to my art/artifacts wall in my living room.

Any advice for creating a home you love? The one thing I believe is fill your home with things that YOU love. Don’t worry about the opinion of others and their advice on design. Make it work for you and also make it functional as much as possible.

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

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