She Transformed a “Grimy” Brooklyn Apartment in Just 2 Weeks — The Kitchen Cost Under $300

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ABOUT THIS TOUR

HOME TYPE: Apartment

LOCATION: Clinton Hill, Brooklyn, New York

STYLE: Cottage, Parisian, Vintage

BEDROOMS: 1

SQUARE FEET: 325

By the time writer Sarah Ingle turned 18, she had already lived in 15 homes. And after eight years in New York City, finally having a place that feels like her own has been especially meaningful — something she’s poured “a lot of love, blood, sweat, and tears into.”

A woman in a cream cardigan and blue jeans stands by a window, with a lamp and candle on a side table. “Professionally, my background is in local and global nonprofits, where I’ve focused on storytelling and helping organizations connect with people in ways that truly resonate and make a difference,” Sarah explains. “At my core, though, I’m a writer. I self-published a poetry book a few years ago, and I’m always drawn to creating things that make people feel something.” You can find Sarah on Instagram, TikTok, and Substack. Credit: Erin Derby

A year ago, Sarah had been living in the Williamsburg area for six years but found herself craving a change. When one of Sarah’s friend sent her a Craigslist listing for an apartment in a brownstone in Clinton Hill, a neighborhood she didn’t know much about, she wasn’t impressed with the listing, but decided on a whim to go take a look.

Cozy kitchen nook with a gas stove, sink, and wooden shelves displaying glassware and decor, accented by a red wall. Sarah thinks the kitchen has had the biggest transformation. “It is incredibly small, less than 6 feet across, with almost no storage and fully visible from the main living space. It originally had clunky cabinets and awkward shelving that made it feel even more cramped. I removed everything, sanded it down, and installed wraparound shelving with the help of a friend,” she writes.

“Because of the size, I decided to lean into it rather than fight it, designing it to feel like a charming, Parisian-style kitchenette instead of a typical New York eyesore. I went bold with a two-tone paint treatment, deep maroon walls paired with a rich espresso ceiling. The first coats were honestly terrifying, it felt way too intense at first, but I trusted the vision and it paid off. It now feels incredibly intentional and full of character. I also replaced the harsh overhead ‘boob light’ with a renter-friendly shade, which completely softened the space and added so much warmth.” Credit: Erin Derby

“The apartment needed a lot of work, truly, but the moment I stepped inside, I could feel its potential. It had these incredible bones, with detailed crown moldings and unique bow-shaped architectural elements that instantly reminded me of a dollhouse. There was something about it that also brought me back to the Victorian homes I grew up around as a kid,” Sarah writes.

Magnolia branches with pink flowers in a dark vase on a mantel, with a round decorative frame and wooden screen in the background. Sarah says the home’s history is really special. “My landlord has lived in the building since he was 10 years old and is now in his 80s, so there’s this deep sense of story and continuity that you can feel in the space. It doesn’t just feel like an apartment; it feels like a place that’s been lived in and cared for over generations. I’ve also come to love the community that comes with it. It’s a small building, my neighbors are incredible, and I’ve even joined a local community garden where I share a plot with one of them,” she writes. Credit: Erin Derby

At first, the thought of moving felt too overwhelming in terms of time and money. “But the next day, I couldn’t stop thinking about it. The idea of starting fresh and taking on a project I’d never done before felt both terrifying and exciting in the best way. So I called back, and when I found out it was still available, I said yes,” Sarah says.

Cozy living space with a woman using a laptop by a vintage fireplace, a wooden screen, and a floral arrangement. “I had never picked up a power tool, painted a room, or designed a space before, so this was completely new territory for me,” Sarah admits. “Still, it felt like the perfect outlet after a pretty intense season of life. I had lived in over 15 homes by the time I was 18, and I don’t think I had ever fully made a space feel like mine as an adult. This was the first time I really claimed that and poured myself into creating something personal.” Credit: Erin Derby

After paperwork was signed, Sarah “suddenly had just two weeks before move-in to clean, paint, and completely transform the space. It was a leap, and definitely a risk, but it felt like the right one,” she writes. “What started as a random Craigslist link turned into a home that pushed me into a new chapter, one where I got to build something of my own from the ground up.”

Cozy bedroom corner with a quilted bed, stacked books, and a small vase with a flower on a wooden side table. “The layout presented its own set of challenges, especially in the bedroom. It’s incredibly narrow, and my bed wouldn’t fit in the traditional orientation. I couldn’t afford to replace it, but I also needed to be able to open the closet, so I ended up rotating it horizontally and styling it more like a daybed. I honestly didn’t know if it would work until the day I moved in, but it ended up being one of those constraints that pushed me to get creative in a way I really love. The kitchen was another major challenge. It’s extremely small with almost no storage, and because it’s visible from the main living area, I knew it had to feel intentional, not like an afterthought.”
Credit: Erin Derby

“Because I’m renting, a lot of my solutions had to be renter-friendly, which forced me to think creatively,” Sarah writes. “I focused on paint, lighting, and shelving as ways to transform the space without making permanent changes. At first, I was a bit cautious about how much I could do, but once the owner told me I had full freedom to make it my own, I really leaned in.”

House Tour: Smart Studio Layouts Cozy kitchen corner with a vintage stove, decorative vases, glassware, and a wooden cutting board. “I think what makes this home feel unique is that it’s so much more than just the physical space. It came from taking a risk I wasn’t planning to take, and it gave me not just a home I love, but a sense of community, belonging, and peace that I didn’t expect to find in New York.” Credit: Erin Derby

“In the end, the limitations, whether budget, time, or layout, actually shaped the space in the best way. They pushed me to be resourceful, intentional, and to create something that truly feels like mine,” she says.

Resources Cozy bedroom with a light blue wall, a bed with beige bedding, a wooden nightstand, and a vintage lamp. PAINT & COLORS

Kitchen — Sherwin-Williams “Crabby Apple + French Roast”

Bedroom — Sherwin-Williams “Billowey Breeze”

Bathroom— Sherwin-Williams “Liveable Green”

Cozy living room featuring a white sofa with patterned pillows, a wooden coffee table, and a decorative tapestry. LIVING ROOM

Couch — Facebook Marketplace but it is Article

Chair — Side of the road for FREE

Lantern — Finnish Design Shop

Coffee Table + Stools — Chelsea Market Vendor

Tapestry — Chelsea Market Vendor

Oil Paintings — Etsy, Vintage from Ora Home

Cozy kitchen corner with red walls, wooden shelves displaying glassware and pottery, and a small sink with decor. KITCHEN Cozy bedroom with a large bed featuring beige bedding and pillows, light curtains, and a window with a view. BEDROOM

Bedding — Parachute, Warm Gray

Headboard — Vintage from Facebook Marketplace

Pedestal — Vintage from Facebook Marketplace

Wooden Closet — Vintage from Facebook Marketplace

Candle Sconces — Vintage from Facebook Marketplace

Small bathroom with a striped shower curtain, a white toilet, and a sink with a mirror, featuring green walls and decorative items. BATHROOM

This tour’s responses and photos were edited for length/size and clarity.
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She Transformed a “Grimy” Brooklyn Apartment in Just 2 Weeks — The Kitchen Cost Under $300

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