I’ve noticed after looking through the stats from last year, that you all tend to really like my posts about decorating. Truth be told, I’m someone who is much happier and more calm when I’m in a space that’s decorated and feels like me. I’ve always been this way. So I decided that I would share some of my personal mid century modern decorating ideas that still keep my place feeling comfy & cozy.

As a kid who had zero budget to speak of, I would constantly rearrange my room. When I grew a little older, I convinced my mom to let me paint my room a deep sea foam color to coordinate with the throw pillows I asked for for my birthday (I mean, what teenager asks for throw pillows?). The condition? I could do it as long as I removed the current sunflower wallpaper trim and painted the room entirely myself. What I learned from doing this, aside from the fact that wallpaper back then was a b*tch to remove, is that putting love into my living space is incredibly satisfying to me.

I want to disclaim before showing you these images that 1) except for a fun filter, I chose not to edit any of these photos and 2) none of this happened overnight. It’s a collection of things I’ve carefully and lovingly acquired over many years. Also many of the items are reuses of old hand-me-downs and furniture we’ve found on the streets (New York is quite a gem for that).

My style falls somewhere in the cozy-chic jungalow vibe with a mid century modern core. I never want my space to feel too “worked on” or “beat,” because I remember how comfortable and inviting my friends said my family’s house was (my parents weren’t big decor people). I wanted to keep that feeling so that anyone who visits my place immediately feels comfy and welcome. Hope it inspires you in some way or another!

MY STYLE: MID CENTURY MODERN DECORATING IDEAS

Overall, my apartment decor is fairly neutral, but I like to add in pops of gold and color with plants. Plants give me so much joy, and I’ve found it really empowering to learn how to care for many types of them as well as propagate new ones. I recently got this vintage midcentury credenza from Reuse America NY, and couldn’t love it more. Because I’m a big reader, I like to accessorize with books. It’s a really affordable way to create impact and different layers of height with things you already own.

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Our couch has been going strong for years. We love it. I picked up the chair from a friend’s apartment building. The building’s management was selling the furniture they used for staging at a fraction of the original price, so it was a steal. (Heads up, this is something to search for if you want new furniture for an affordable price.) I like adding soft, cozy things whenever I can, like the little faux fur throw on the back of the chair. We have a gallery wall above our couch, which I showed in a how-to post here.

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This adorable bar cart is what my girlfriends and I like to call the “sisterhood of the traveling bar carts” because it has been passed down through three of us. I absolutely love the gold touches it adds to the space.

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Last year Rich saw a man taking this Korean rice chest down to the street. He asked the man if he was giving it away, and the man not only said yes, but also helped Rich put it in the car and gave him a history lesson on the piece. It’s great for extra storage, since apartment living doesn’t always have the most closet space. I’ve decorated it with this globe I found on the street, more books, candles, and little knick knacks I’ve picked up over the years. Again, it’s about playing with different heights to make it feel balanced.

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This little drawer was a hand me down from Rich’s grandma. It’s in incredibly good condition for its age. I use it as a night stand and to hold my socks/intimates. I recently added the little mirrored rose gold vanity tray (for $16!) to create an extra layer and add organization to the products I like to keep by the bed. The photo is of NYC from 2000 I found at the thrift store. (You can see the twin towers in it!) Also, more plants. (I told you I love plants.)

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