A Renter Turned a Brooklyn Apartment into a Colorfully DIYed Sanctuary (Wait Until You See the Cat’s Office)
ABOUT THIS TOUR
HOME TYPE: Apartment
LOCATION: Bedford Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, New York
STYLE: Eclectic, Organic Modern
BEDROOMS: 2
SQUARE FEET: 875
This two-bedroom, 875-square-foot rental apartment has been the home of Annika Morgan and her cat, Tony, for two years now. It features tons of prewar charm (the building was built around 1930) like picture frame moldings, tall ceilings, and big sun-filled windows — all elements that sold Annika on the rental.
“For a long time I let my perfectionist tendencies hold me back when it came to decorating a space. I was fixated on the ‘finished product’ and would be worried about executing a specific aesthetic or get frustrated when things didn’t come out exactly as I had envisioned them. It often stopped me from even trying,” Annika admits. “And then I noticed that everyone with homes I admire approaches decor as an ongoing process and genuinely enjoys the steps along the way. Once I shifted my mindset and started approaching designing my apartment as a puzzle, I was able to find more joy in experimentation and playing with different styles and techniques. I now genuinely enjoy the process of trying a new idea, whether it ends up working or not.” Credit: Annika Morgan
“I went full Virgo mode as soon as I saw it on Zillow. I had my rental packet complete and deposit check signed before I even saw the place. Fortunately my gut was right!” she writes.
“I started a food access nonprofit early in my career, so food was always going to be at the center of any home I make. This kitchen is small but mighty. My favorite item is my pink ice cream maker. It was an impulse purchase during the very first Target trip to buy a shower curtain liner and trash bags. But I absolutely love it; I experiment with new flavors all the time. It is also my first kitchen with natural light in it; the south-facing windows make any meal look exquisite,” she writes. Credit: Annika Morgan
This is Annika’s first time living solo, and as a self-employed, nonprofit freelancer, Annika says it feels like a “huge accomplishment to have my own space that I can work from. I like surrounding myself with projects that exercise my creativity and capacity with a drill. There is nothing I love more than saying ‘I made that myself!’”
“I can’t paint the walls of this rental, so I have found ways to add color or texture by customizing simple pieces of furniture; painting IKEA pieces or staining stripes onto wood to add some dimension and a feeling of novelty,” she writes. “I also love adding pendant lights; I have several. As long as you have an outlet you can find a cord and bulb fairly cheap that can be hung from the ceiling with any simple fixture. My favorite ones are just origami paper from Etsy that cost $30.” Credit: Annika Morgan
Something else she’s working on in this apartment is “leaning into a new found identity as a creative person. In the internet age there is so much to take creative inspiration from. I have about 20 ideas for every one that I actually execute. Typically concepts that make me laugh or feel really unique are the ones that I am able to get across the finish line,” she writes, using Tony’s “office” as an example.
I love this little built-in in the office. It came with some very ancient wallpaper so I striped and painted it, which was a much more involved project than I anticipated. The lower shelf is the first place Tony hid when he first came home so I decided to turn it into his office,” Annika explains. “I maybe got a little carried away with the Sopranos theme. He does actually sleep in his little bed while I work. Tony’s closet was so fun to put together because I could have fun with the references and the knowledge that he would be sitting behind me there while I am on Zoom calls in my office. And he actually loves sitting in there!” Annika says it’s her favorite DIY. Credit: Annika Morgan
“I hope that my choices honor the integrity, charm, and history of the space while also injecting a bit of modern eccentricity,” she admits. “The space is cozy, joyful, and practical. I enjoy contrasting vintage dark wood furniture with bright colors and organic patterns. Decorating has really been an exercise in getting to know myself on a deeper level. I am famously indecisive, so each item in the space has truly been agonized over in the process of FB Marketplacing, DIYing, or vintage shopping.”
ResourcesExtended Tours: The New Homesmiths
Credit: Annika Morgan
LIVING ROOM
Coffee Table — Facebook Marketplace
Frame TV — Best Buy open box sale
Chairs — Facebook Marketplace
Credenza — Dobbin Street Vintage
Credit: Annika Morgan
DINING ROOM
Credit: Annika Morgan
KITCHEN
Credit: Annika Morgan
BEDROOM
Light Shades — World Market
Credit: Annika Morgan
OFFICE
This tour’s responses and photos were edited for length/size and clarity.
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Further Reading
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