A Soft Gemstone Color Palette Turned This NYC Studio into a Cozy Oasis
For a year and a half, Maya Seshadri has been renting this 550-square-foot studio apartment in Chelsea. “I toured this apartment on a rainy, gloomy spring day. The first things I noticed were the charming French doors and the view. The street was full of typical Chelsea brownstones and lined with gorgeous, lush trees, but as you looked up you had the stacked skyline of hi-rise buildings and a prime view of The Edge. I felt like I was looking at old New York meets new New York, and I fell in love,” Maya writes.
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“I’ve finely crafted my space to be a vibrant, boho, chic oasis from the city. Intentionally weaving the materials of my Indian background that I associate with ‘that feeling of home’ and the pieces that I’ve picked up from my travels to breathe new life into this apartment. With its charming French doors and beautiful natural light, I love that I can be a part of its history too,” she continues.
Maya was born in Japan, grew up in California, and spent every summer in India until she was 21, so her home has Indian textures and materials woven into every corner of the small space. “I’ve traveled the world and have always lived in big cities, meaning my space had to be functional, chic, and a cozy oasis. My design aesthetic is a rough medley of bohemian and mid-century modern.”
As for how Maya created such a warm and welcoming space, she looked to something she considers an art form: moodboard-ing! “Especially if you can’t visualize a space easily, pulling images together in a Google slide or Pinterest board is the easiest way to tell if that collection of items or colors is going to bring you joy,” she writes. “Your space should be inspiring, comforting, and inviting to YOU.”
Resources
LIVING ROOM
- Rust Couch — Soho Home
- Blue Grey Bench — West Elm
- Jhute Bouclé Rug — West Elm
- Kamal Lotus Cushion Cover — Nicobar
- Wood Side Table — Urban Outfitters
- Wicker Floor Lamp — Joss & Main
- The Hills Are Alive Artwork — Koketit artist (Instagram)
- Sari Silk Cushion — West Elm
- Mid-Century Snow Wood Chair — West Elm
- Fluted Marble Lotus Bowl — CB2
- Copper Wind Chime — India Boutique
- Rattan Bar Cart — Serena + Lily
- Mirror Tray — West Elm
- Iridescent Coupe Glasses — Estelle Colored
- Butcher Jug Vase — San Francisco Boutique
- Wooden Wave Coffee Table — Article
- Fluted Marble Lotus Bowl — CB2
- Rattan Wall Mirror — Pottery Barn
- Marble Top Pedestal Bistro Table — Pottery Barn
- Green Marble Lamp — CB2
- Full Size Gold Floor Mirror — West Elm
- Black Marble Credenza — Soho Home
- Moss Glass Vase — Terrain
- Vintage Copper Vase — Indian Boutique
- Candelabras — Amazon
BEDROOM
- Lavender Bed Frame — Macy’s
- Blue Grey Celine Bench — West Elm
- Sari Silk Cushions — West Elm
- Rattan Nightstand — Amazon
- Rattan Wall Mirror — Pottery Barn
CLOFFICE
- Bisto Table — West Elm
- Ellington Blonde Dresser — West Elm
- Wall Bookcase — Pottery Barn
- Black Cane Dining Chair — CB2
- Black Lotus Tray — Nicobar
Thanks, Maya!
This tour’s responses and photos were edited for length/size and clarity.
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