Decorating for one is hard enough, but decorating for yourself and a partner? In a totally new space with an open floor plan? Even less simple.
So when video producer and R29 fashion plate Annie Georgia Greenberg approached me about designing her space, I knew I'd have my work cut out for me. She'd just moved from a tiny apartment in Chinatown to a much more spacious abode in Prospect Heights, Brooklyn — and she'd brought along her boyfriend, Jack, and a chunk of mismatched furniture.
We immediately got to work figuring out the couple's inspirations. We made a pinboard where Annie and I could share reference images that were then used to inform the style of each piece we brought into the apartment.
The end result is a Brooklyn bungalow spin on California ranch living. Flashes of high-fashion femininity are balanced out by wood tones and earthy textures for an inviting space that makes use of Annie and Jack's favorite pieces of decor and art.
Click through to find out how we did it.
Before
The open floor plan of the apartment was a welcome challenge. We focused on scale and proportion to get the setup just right, since it had to function as both a living and dining room for Annie and Jack.
We didn't paint the walls and didn't alter any of the wood finishes; the high ceilings and ample natural light set the tone for our SoCal cool makeover.
Photographed by Erica Gannett.
After
The first order of business was finding the perfect sofa. After much trial and error we were delighted to score this incredible Rachel Ashwell Simple Sofa in a slubby linen, accented with vintage velvet pillows made from salvaged textiles Rachel collects herself.
Comfort and functionality were top of mind — Annie and Jack like to post up for some serious Netflix bingeing — and this down-filled gem ticked all the right boxes (and fit the space!). We grounded the area with a light gray Lulu & Georgia rug and chose a concrete cocktail table from High Fashion Home to round out the organic modern tone of the room. Linen, wood, and stone: a winning trifecta.
Photographed by Nicholas Calcott.
We worked with Uprise Art to bring in prints that reflect the couple's varied tastes, including this incredible piece over the sofa by Millee Tibbs.
We left one section of the wall blank per Annie's request — a special spot to fill in later.
Photographed by Nicholas Calcott.
The wide, low-slung cocktail table showcases Annie's collection of coffee table books, accented with a succulent and colorful snuff box from Chen Chen & Kai Williams. And there's still plenty of room for guests to put their feet up.
Photographed by Nicholas Calcott.
Along the other side of the room we created a dynamic assemblage of art and curios. The works on the wall are from Annie and Jack's personal collection.
The Joybird armchair provides additional seating when guests are over, while a grouping of staggered height end tables from Everything But The House provides the perfect perch for plants near the sofa. We brought in a much-needed floor lamp from Shop Candelabra as an alternative to overhead lighting.
Photographed by Nicholas Calcott.
The large TV called for an equally outsized credenza, and this walnut wonder from Joybird provides the perfect mix of closed cabinetry and shelving.
While initially we worried about the differing wood tones throughout the apartment, we found that they complemented each other well once the room came together. We left the space above the TV free for additional shelving, should it be needed in the future, while another tiny table from High Fashion Home provides space for a reading light in the dedicated "book nook."
Photographed by Nicholas Calcott.
A pair of mirrored end tables from Everything But The House provide an extra dash of elegance and function.
And yes, that is a derriere atop the taller one, one of a pair of cheeky bookends by artist Meegan Barnes.
A photograph shot by a friend of Annie's hangs on the wall next to one of Robert Otto Epstein 's figurative portraits inspired by fashion illustrations — perfect for our resident clotheshorse.
Photographed by Nicholas Calcott.
Before
The dining area was underwhelming, to say the least. The table wasn't the right size or style and there wasn't anything to help visually separate this corner of the room from the rest of the space.
Photographed by Erica Gannett.
We brought in a glass-topped, circular dining table that makes this section of the room easier to navigate (more corners, more problems), and plants from Ikea and The Sill to liven up the area.
A set of four gorgeous, leather and wood dining chairs from Anthropologie tie in with the room's focus on natural materials and nod to the mid-century modern aesthetic Annie and Jack both love. Tabletop accessories from Kikkerland and Chen Chen & Kai Williams encourage guests to play with their food.
But, of course, it's the large scale painting by artist Jen Wink Hays that truly makes the space!
Photographed by Nicholas Calcott.
A Lulu & Georgia bar cart nestled beside the sofa helps to further delineate the dining area from the living space. A wooden flamingo from Kenya reigns over the couple's drinkware.
Photographed by Nicholas Calcott.
A fashion editor's home shoot wouldn't be complete without a little fashion. Yes, even at her own dinner table. Enter: the perfect moment for this Acne Studios gown and Marni sandals.
Photographed by Nicholas Calcott.
Before
The bedroom was an unimaginative affair, with a low platform bed and...not much else.
Photographed by Erica Gannett.
We reimagined the space as a luxury retreat, the centerpiece of which is this gorgeous upholstered bed from Pottery Barn, outfitted in complementary linen bedding (also Pottery Barn) in a light charcoal that ties in with the gray hues in the main living area.
Moving the bed away from the window helped the flow of the room and allowed for dual nightstands and lamps — actual #apartmentgoals Annie has had for years. These tables are from Lulu & Georgia and the hand-hammered brass lamps are from Shop Candelabra.
A minimal piece by the artist Alyson Provax hangs above the bed, setting the mood for peace of mind.
Photographed by Nicholas Calcott.
Plants from The Sill line the window along with candles and curios from Annie's personal collection.
Photographed by Nicholas Calcott.
The serene yet lively aesthetic that we established in the main living area continues into the bedroom. Pretty sure we can call this a #PinterestSuccess?
Photographed by Nicholas Calcott.
On the other side of the room we re-styled Annie's existing credenza with accessories and sensible storage options — baskets, trays, vintage hat boxes — perfect for small trinkets and toiletries.
We also hung the mirror to maximize space on top of the dresser and to reflect the natural light.
Photographed by Nicholas Calcott.
Before
Jack's office was inefficient and cluttered, playing host to a variety of Annie's old furniture from her previous apartment.
Photographed by Erica Gannett.
Now, the space is multifunctional, with both a sitting and standing desk as well as a comfy leather sofa, which was moved in from the living room.
We created a gallery wall to one side of the window to add visual interest and placed a vintage map (a gift to the couple from Annie's mom, a teacher) above the sofa. Last but not least, we brought in a low-light plant to help hide the computer.
Photographed by Nicholas Calcott.
The Stand Desk was a must for Jack, who is a filmmaker. The X-Files poster was another must, obviously, sourced from Jack's personal collection.
Photographed by Nicholas Calcott.
"Making sure the space worked for both of us was important," Annie says. "But when it works, you just know! Y'all come back now, ya hear?"
Photographed by Nicholas Calcott.
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