The art of slow decorating: from LA back to NY
Curating a home of calm through storied pieces and understated beauty
I recently moved into a new apartment in an (even quieter) neighborhood of Brooklyn. (I find myself moving further and further away from the action, which according to my Human Design, projector, makes sense). A new apartment means I’m in decorating mode, acquiring pieces of furniture that feel authentic to the space and my goals of buying things of quality and character, objects with a story to tell.
Before I show you some of the pieces I’ve added to my home, let’s go back in time and look at the my decor style arc over the last nine years.
California minimal boho, 2015:
Tie-die, a fringe leather blanket, sparse plants, all white. Ikea bedding and curtains. I’d just moved to LA from NYC to chase my healthy food girl dreams. I was amazed I had two huge trees outside my bedroom window!
Creamy, plush, and soft, 2017:
I’m a full-time influencer at this point. Most of the products in this photo were gifted to me from brand partnerships. I loved the calming presence of this space, it felt so cozy, but it was also my “stage”, so it needed to look amazing all the time. The first few weeks of owning Samson, I tried to keep him off the white floor cushions, until my dog trainer told me that he considered this his bed since it looked so similar to his actual floor bed. Now he sleeps in the bed with me. Go figure.
“Generic millennial aesthetic” said NY Mag
I was going for a more toned-down version of the boho wellness aesthetic that I’d had previously, but The Cut was cutting. I remember after I did that interview, the journalist said to me, “out every type of person I’ve interviewed, it’s influencers who care the most about what other people think”.
Dopamine Decor, 2020:
Within a few months of moving into the above spot, covid hit. It’s not a huge surprise that I decorated my interiors so brightly while the exterior world felt too grim to bear.
Classic New York, 2022:
By this time, I’d moved back to New York, spent a good chunk of time offline, and was beginning to find my own unique style, off the algorithm. When I left LA, I gave away and sold a lot of stuff there and only took the art and pieces that I really felt connected to. This felt like a fresh start.
How I view designing my space now
Looking back, my twenties were all about discovering my personal style in home decor, much like how we experience different phases in various aspects of our lives during that (treacherous) time.
It was, and is, a journey shaped by trends, my career, and a deep connection to the spaces I lived in. Each home was influenced not only by what was “in”, but also by my work’s creative demands and the stories held within each building and neighborhood.
In LA, where everything feels newer in a city just 174 years old (like damn, LA is young), my style leaned light and airy, reflecting the laid-back spirit of the city.
But New York, with its 400 years of history, called for something different— a look more classic and grounded, with a bit more restraint to honor its architectural characteristics. When I first moved back to the city in 2021, I got a fresh start and began curating pieces that felt more connected to New York’s timeless character.
How I’m approaching buying new pieces
With a focus on creating a meaningful, lasting space, I’ve been more deliberate in selecting new furniture. Instead of rushing a big order from just any store (I know it can be so tempting to just get that settled feeling), I’ve embraced a quieter, more mindful strategy in selecting pieces for my home. I spent more slightly uncomfortable weeks living out of boxes, taking time to search Facebook Marketplace and tag sales, doing research before making any purchases. I wanted each piece to have a story—to feel like it truly belonged in my space. Buying it for life » buying it for convenience.
I’m naturally captivated by the comforting, storied homes of my family in Connecticut, with touches from my parents, grandparents, and aunts that remind me of the importance of warmth and heritage in a space. I think moving back to New York made me get back in touch with that side of myself.
Shopping with Longevity in Mind
I’m drawn to furniture that is practical. I wait and shop slow. Having moved enough over the years, I know exactly what I need—and what I don’t. This helps curb the impulse buying.
Whenever I consider a new piece, I start by envisioning the feeling I want my home to evoke. It’s not just about aesthetics; it’s about creating an atmosphere that aligns with how I want myself (and others) to feel when they enter my space. You know, the “vibe”.
To get more technical, I create a list on my Notion board of things I need, down to the details like measurements, functionality, and material.
For example, if I want a dresser, I measure the space it would go in multiple times and record it in my Notion:
• Nightstand: 16”x16” max, with a drawer
• Sideboard for office: 40” long max, 12” wide
I add everything into this Notion doc and then start hunting. Documenting these details helps me make informed, confident choices and avoid impulse buys. They also help me act fast when I am shopping so I know it’ll fit, which is very important when selecting secondhand items as there are often no 90-day return policies for specialty stores.
The Art of Secondhand Shopping
Once I’ve recorded the details, I dive into secondhand shopping—a practice I’ve come to love for its uniqueness (and wholesomeness!) Facebook Marketplace has been my go-to; it often provides access to high-quality pieces that have stood the test of time. Here’s why it’s my favorite:
1. Affordability: You’ll save more than shopping retail or from curated vintage spots. This I promise.
2. Sustainability: It’s a form of circular shopping, giving items new life. Locally sourced, baby!
3. Quality: Secondhand pieces, especially vintage finds, are often built to last far longer than mass-produced items. Not all, but many!
4. Uniqueness: You can find one-of-a-kind items that nobody else on your IG feed has.
5. Character and charm: Period. Items that are previously owned have a story. They may be dirty, be patina’d, or need a little TLC, but they are unique and they are *yours*!
And here’s my key tip for Facebook Marketplace: act fast! Once you find something that fits your measurements and style, be ready to buy. Having your measurements saved in Notion means you can make a decision even if you’re not home—ensuring the piece will fit perfectly in your space.
The pieces I’ve welcomed into my home
And finally, a few of the pieces I’ve acquired recently and over the years that fit into my new home!
The goal, of course, is to reduce the urge to completely redesign my home every time I move or with each season (seriously, what’s up with those complete interior seasonal decorations TikTok/IG promotes?). I’m focused on the long game now. Pieces that can last winter, spring, summer, and fall.
The pine hutch on the lower left-hand corner is a personal favorite, it’s the first really big and expensive piece I’ve acquired in recent years, and I see it staying with me for a lifetime. I got it from an antiques dealer; it was in his family for decades. It has original hardware too, the nails literally look 100 years old 🥹.
Another favorite piece I brought into my home is the Roseland bed frame. I looked for a frame for months before settling on this one; opting to leave my mattress on the floor (which I also loved) while hunting for the perfect simple frame.
I didn’t want a Thuma, I wanted something different. I wanted something local (Thuma is shipped from overseas) and something that felt more small-batch. Not to mention, I don’t find the Thuma particularly gorgeous, I think they just do great marketing.
Onto the Roseland: its silhouette is so elegant, isn’t it? Not only is it made in Texas (not exactly local to NYC, but at least made in the US!) Its slim look and yummy hand-cut wood patina will darken over time, making every piece truly unique. It’s visually stunning. Getting into bed every night feels royal now. I also love how high it sits. Grand.
Some more inspo picks for my 2024 apartment:
To wrap it up, here’s a glimpse at some of my inspiration photos that capture the sense of calm I’m after:
When I showed my mom some of my recent finds, like the family hutch and the pine dining table, she just laughed, “This is what we have in our house!” she reminded me. My eyes widened. It’s true… I grew up with a pine dining room harvest table in my childhood home, where we’d have family dinner every night.
So maybe I am becoming my mother. Is this what full-circle feels like?
Looking back at my evolving style over the years, I feel inspired and—at last—like I’ve truly arrived. It feels…like home.