welcome to my nyc apartment tour
After a year in my New York City studio, it felt like the right time to share an apartment tour. This has been one of the most requested posts from readers and followers, and I totally understand why. I’m curious too—I love seeing how other people live, what they keep in their kitchens, and how they arrange their homes. A living space reveals a lot about someone. For introverts, homebodies, and people who work from home (myself included), the home becomes a sanctuary, so I wanted to create a space that supports work, rest, and calm.
Because I use my apartment daily as a home, photo studio, test kitchen, and office, I invested in pieces that make long hours comfortable and functional. Balancing all of those uses in one small space can be challenging, so design choices were made intentionally to support productivity and relaxation.
about the space
I live in a modestly sized studio for several reasons. I live alone and don’t need much square footage, and a smaller space is easier for me to maintain—keeping things simple has always worked best. Rent in New York City is steep, so apartments are typically smaller than what you might find elsewhere. One benefit of a compact space is that it forces me to be deliberate about belongings. It’s easy for things to overwhelm a small apartment, so I limit items to essentials and pieces I truly love.
Everything I own is vegan—no leather, wool, or animal byproducts in my home. I also prioritize low-toxicity and environmentally friendly products for plants, candles, fragrances, and cleaning supplies. If you’d like, I can write a follow-up about how I detox my living space and recommend eco-friendly products.
I left the bathroom and kitchen out of this tour since many of you have already seen my kitchen in my videos, and bathrooms tend to be less exciting visually. However, I do have organization tips and non-toxic product recommendations for both spaces, so tell me if you’d like those in a future post.
the reveal
For a full walkthrough and the transformation process, watch the video tour embedded below. The video includes links to many of the items shown or similar alternatives.
shop my home
I’ve included links to items where possible, and when a direct link wasn’t available I listed similar products. I believe in investing in quality, timeless furniture and home decor—it’s better to wait for pieces you’ll keep long term than to settle for something cheap that won’t last. For example, I took my time finding a dining table and a full-length mirror because I wanted items I’d be happy with for years.
desk/office
This is where I spend most of my day: matcha in hand, editing videos and blog posts, and planning content. To avoid sitting for long stretches, I chose a standing desk paired with an adjustable high chair designed to fit that setup. Proper ergonomics help prevent poor posture and support long workdays.
I keep a few feel-good items at my desk since I spend so much time here: an essential oil diffuser for focus, a salt lamp for gentle ambient light in the mornings or evenings, and small touches that make the space fun—like a cute avocado AirPod case that I always notice. Those small comforts make the workday more pleasant.
bed/sleep
Finding vegan bedding can be a challenge because many pillows use down and some mattresses still include wool or other animal-derived materials. Thankfully, many newer mattress companies have moved away from wool, and there are good down-alternative pillows available at major retailers.
Not all mattresses are created equal when it comes to chemical safety—some older models include flame retardants and other concerning materials. I’ve tried a few brands over the years and found several vegan and low-toxicity options that worked well for me. For bedding, lightweight down-alternative comforters are easy to find under search terms like “down alternative,” and there are newer brands offering plush, animal-free options that feel cloud-like.
In the video you’ll see a painted triangular “headboard” behind my IKEA bed frame. The original headboard felt bland, so I painted a peach-toned triangle on the wall to give the bed more presence. I used low-VOC paint in a custom mix so the room felt safe to inhabit soon after painting. Small design changes like this can make a big visual difference without major renovations.
D R E S S E R + M I S C
The dresser area is my favorite corner of the apartment—it feels the most finished and personal. The mirror and the small dining/coffee area nearby are still a work in progress; I’m saving the details for a reveal soon. I’m excited to share what’s coming because it’s been worth the wait.
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