House Tour

Name: Holly

Location: New York City

Square Footage: 800 sq ft

Years Lived in: 17

Rent or own: Rent

Describe your style: Mid-century modern-ish?


What's your favorite free/found item?


Definitely the Ligne Roset Nomad Express sleeper sofa - a gift from my friend/former boss. 



What's your favorite purchased item?

I've made a point to only buy things I'll use and absolutely love. I feel like every new purchase I make is my favorite, but the Chilewich rugs have been a godsend in terms of standing up to wayward art projects and a Shih Tzu pup.



What has been your biggest obstacle in decorating/design?

Making the space comfortable and serve my needs without looking like a showroom for Eames furniture. Also combining a living room, office and mini art studio into one room.


Is your design style organic or planned?

It's been evolving for the past few years. When I started redecorating the apartment a couple of years ago, I only focused on furniture of a certain style. Now, I'm starting to become more comfortable mixing and layering different styles, eras and textures.



What is your favorite spot in the house?


The living room - it's got the most space to run around with my puppy. 


How has your style changed in the past 5 years?


Before I redecorated, my apartment was filled with clutter, wall-to-wall carpet and dust. After taking a few design courses in college and discovering all these great design blogs online, I suddenly looked at my surroundings with fresh eyes. Interior decorating or having a "style" never entered my head before, now it's something I can't get enough of!



What is your favorite resource or store?


I've bought almost everything I own online. My favorites are unicahome.com because of their endless selection, free shipping (on orders over $100) and 0 tax, and apartmenttherapy.com for their house tours and shopping guide. Unclutterer.com has also been a great motivator for clearing out my closets and file drawers.



What is your biggest decorating/design pet peeve?


I have many! My top three are branches used as accents, artwork hung too high and deer-themed decor.

What has been your favorite design trend?

I'm most drawn to the mid-century modern aesthetic because of the clean lines and proportions. 



What is the biggest influence on your design/decorating style?


Design blogs and Flickr are great sources of inspiration. I also love browsing the Destination: Design Series at the MoMA store.



What in your home dictates how you design/decorate?


It depends on the type of mood I'm after. Since I have my mini art studio in the living room, I like it to be filled with art, music and pops of color for inspiration. On the other hand, I want my bedroom to be a calm retreat, so I use mainly neutrals and sparse decoration.



What is the simplest thing you have done that has made the biggest impact?

Clearing out clutter. It makes life so much easier.

photos courtesy of Holly