This Classic Prewar NYC Rental Has Colorful, Tropical-Meets-Cottage Vibes
For three years, Carolina S Ortiz has rented this 700-square-foot apartment in a prewar building on the Upper East Side. The building her apartment is in was built around 1929, and Carolina describes the space has having “all the bells and whistles — arches, wood floors, crown molding, ceiling beams, etc.”
“The walls had been painted a light gray, but I asked the building to change the color to white because I love a colorful home and wanted a white base to work with.”
Because Carolina lives by herself, she’s been able to play around in this space and really express her own personal taste. “I am Puerto Rican, and the tropical side of me is definitely represented in my home — especially through color and art,” she writes.
“I love when a home really represents the person who lives in it, and I’m not afraid of mixing styles and using color. I try to stick to a color palette, but it’s quite an expansive one. I make sure to bring in plenty of personal touches like art that has been passed down for generations in my family, and crafts I make after looking at TikTok tutorials.”
Resources
PAINTS & COLORS
- Wallpaper — Etsy
LIVING ROOM
- Cabinet — Amazon
- TV — Samsung Frame
- Sconces — Poplights
DINING ROOM
- Benches — IKEA Shoe Cabinets
- Fake Hanging Plants — IKEA
- Table — Joybird
- Chairs — Amazon
BEDROOM
- Bed — Wayfair
- Pillows and Bedding — Gifted, or from HomeGoods and Amazon
Thanks, Carolina!
This tour’s responses and photos were edited for length/size and clarity.
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