Although the apartment features a small footprint, Colby didn’t opt for small furniture. Instead, he chose fewer larger pieces for a comfortable, established look. Although he lives by quality over quantity with investment pieces like furniture, he sways between a maximalist and minimalist. For example, a gallery wall in the living room surrounds his TV and shows off nostalgic black and white family photos and snapshots from his travels. To keep the scene from looking too busy, he chose a neutral color palette.

Colby has a penchant for New York City, and he’s managed to emulate large-city life in a mid-sized Midwest city. The apartment building was originally built in 1869, and his unit overlooks the historic downtown square, giving Colby a miniature skyline to admire day and night. “My apartment is in a historic building in downtown Springfield, Missouri. Back in its heyday this building played a huge role in shaping the community. It became a destination and the crowning jewel to our skyline,” explains Colby. “The exterior is still as beautiful as ever and if you wander around the building you will find charming reminders of the past. “

My Style: This is always a hard question for me to answer because I feel like my style is constantly evolving. I dress for my mood and I think I shop for my apartment in the same way — sometimes that works and sometimes it doesn’t, but I have so much fun in the process that I don’t mind. As a renter I do limit myself to things I like that will complement the aesthetic of the apartment’s features — but who knows, my dream home could have a bright pink entryway! The short answer: Whatever makes me smile.

Inspiration: I love the sculptural aesthetic that Kelly Wearstler’s designs have and I love the refined maximalism Ryan Korban brings to some of his residential projects. I’ve tried to incorporate elements of those things into my space but in a way that’s more casual and approachable.

Favorite Element: Definitely the huge windows that let in so much light. They face east and the morning light is superb. I’m not a morning person but I find myself waking up a little earlier than I need to just enjoy it.

Biggest Challenge: The layout and size of the apartment definitely limited furniture placement. My sofa can only fit a certain way, so I had to make decisions based around that. I personally love small/urban living, so it was a challenge I was up for. The sofa is pretty new and was a splurge in my previous space that was much larger. Ideally I would have a smaller one, but I can’t justify spending the money. I like to think I made it work.

Proudest DIY: I painted the large scale art above my sofa to help with my budget. Original art is my absolute favorite thing and my collection is always growing but I didn’t have the budget to purchase something that size, so the painting I did is great for now. The framed canvas was a production piece with a starburst design from At Home. It was not my style, but it was on sale! I snagged it super cheap knowing I would paint over it. The whole project cost less than $100 but looks so much more expensive.

Biggest Indulgence: Though it’s not the most expensive thing in my apartment, my Jonathan Adler Dora Maar face vase was an indulgence. I fell in love with JA years ago in college, but couldn’t afford more than a mug on a part-time/college kid’s budget. This new apartment is a celebration of a new chapter in my life and buying this vase for myself symbolizes great things to come! Those little vases make me smile everyday.

Is there something unique about your home or the way you use it? The apartment is pretty straightforward but the window ledges are very deep, which is fun to style with. But I keep a spot empty because I like to sit up in the window with a cup of coffee or cocktail and people watch. I overlook the square, which is kind of the heart of our downtown, so there’s always something to see. It’s particularly relaxing on a rainy day. I think I may have been a cat in a previous life…

What are your favorite products you have bought for your home and why? I don’t know if they count as products, but original art is by far my favorite thing. It also doesn’t have to cost a lot, try making something yourself or look into local artists that sell their work. One of my favorite and surprising things about Springfield is the thriving art scene — I am constantly inspired and wish I had more wall space!

Please describe any helpful, inspiring, brilliant, or just plain useful small space maximizing and/or organizing tips you have: It may seem backwards but don’t fill a small space with small furniture. Of course there’s a balance to be met, but large scale furniture can actually make a tiny footprint feel visually larger. Don’t limit yourself to only looking at apartment-sized furniture and always always always confirm your dimensions!

Finally, what’s your absolute best home secret or decorating advice? I would say to figure out where to splurge and where to bargain shop — the secret to making a space feel refined is in the mix of price points. A pricey throw pillow can instantly elevate a bargain sofa and it’s way more attainable than spending thousands on a new sofa. Do I get to give two pieces of advice? Secondly, scale your area rugs correctly. An area rug that doesn’t fill a space or floats in the middle of a room makes the furniture feel disjointed and visually shrinks the room. I like to call it a case of R.T.S. — rug too small.

• Rowe Sofa  — Discontinued
• Bercy Cocktail Table — France & Son
• Herriman Wooden Console — Target
• Mantis Wall Sconce — CB2
• Nauge Surya Rug — Burke Decor
• Mudcloth Ottomans — Target
• Tasseled Pillow — H&M
• White Accent Table — Flea Market find, painted white by me
• Black and White Pillow — Made from vintage recycled fabric
• Faux Olive Tree Similar — Crate and Barrel
• Sofa art — Painted myself
• Plaster Sculpture — Flea market find
• Funny Face Art Print — Barrington Photo
• Georgia Orb — Jonathan Adler
• Giant Dora Maar Vase — Jonathan Adler
• Black Ball Vase — Etsy
• Black and White Photography — Colby Kern

• Dining Table — Flea market find
• Jada Dining Chairs — Grayson Living
• Runner — Overstock
• Noir Fang Sculpture — Scout & Nimble

• Original Black and White Face Art — BEAUTOX
• The Dance Art Print — Holistic Habitat
• Orange Original Art Painting — Christie Snelson
• Elevated Gold Bar Tray — Warehouse sale find
• Gold Sphere Lamp — Kate Spade discontinued

• Art — Painted by me
• Casa Luna Quilt — Target
• Alamont Table Lamp — Couture Lamps
• Adesso Gravity Floor Lamp — HomeThreads
• Secretary — Warehouse sample find
• Nude Portrait Original Art — Madeline Brice
• Black & White Photography — Jesse Tyler
• Wooden Bench — Amazon

• Brekke Drawer Chest — Bobby Berk

• Floating Wall Shelves — Home Depot
• IKEA Frack Mirror — IKEA

Thanks Colby!

This house tour’s responses were edited for length and clarity.

Share Your Style: House Tour & House Call Submission Form

See More: 
⇒ Recent House Tours 
⇒ House Tours on Pinterest