This Artist Transformed a “Typical Empty” NYC Rental in Just Two Months

published Aug 22, 2025

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About this tour

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Home Type

Apartment

Location

Prospect Lefferts Gardens, Brooklyn, New York

Style

Bedrooms

Square feet

800

Sq ft

800

Before moving in, says children’s book illustrator and art director Steph Stilwell, this 800-square-foot, 100-year-old apartment in Prospect Lefferts Gardens was a “typical empty New York apartment,” with “[w]hite walls, lots of hardwood flooring, and some interesting design choices made by the owners.”

Credit: Steph Stilwell

A mere two months later, after putting her stamp on the space, Steph describes the apartment now as very colorful. “There are some parts of the apartment I can’t do too much about since I’m a renter, but one thing I could do was paint the walls! So one of the first things I did was enlist the help of some friends and got some color on the walls,” she writes of the one-bedroom apartment she rents for $2500 a month.

Credit: Steph Stilwell

"Over the years I've collected so many sculptures, objects, illustrations, and pieces of art that are now sprinkled throughout the apartment," Steph writes. "Even when I first moved to New York and was pretty broke I remember splurging on illustrations to spruce up my walls. Now, the collection has grown a lot, and has now culminated into my gallery wall in my living room space. It's got a big impact, and I love how much character it brings to the room."

This is the first time that Steph has ever lived alone, and she was committed to making the space feel that way. “The apartment really feels like a gem — it has some quirks to it, but the layout is so spacious, and it has great light! So when I scooped it up, I already had a vision for what I wanted it to look like, and I couldn’t wait to host people since I have the space now.”

“I’ve already had dinners, hangouts, and movie marathons, which has been the most exciting part of having this space that’s all my own! I hope other people can feel comfortable and cheery in [it] as well — and everyone who has visited always says that it’s so perfectly ‘me,'” Steph writes.

Resources

Credit: Steph Stilwell

LIVING ROOM

Red Cabinets — Facebook Marketplace
Stools — IKEA
Ghost Mirror — Lorien Stern
Miscellaneous Art — Flat Vernacular, Ana Inciardi, Oxford Pennant, Holy Smokes, Lauren Martin Studio, Oliver Jeffers, Meg Lewis
Couch — West Elm
Strawberry Blanket — Kristina Miocotte
Blanket Ladder — Yamazaki Home
TV Console — Urban Outfitters Home
TV — Samsung Frame
Rug — Cold Picnic

Credit: Steph Stilwell

KITCHEN

Butcher Block — IKEA
Hanging Rods — Amazon
Mugs and Pottery — East Fork Pottery
Rug — IKEA
Trash Can — Brabantia

Credit: Steph Stilwell

BEDROOM

Yellow Shelf — IKEA
Pegboard — Crate and Barrel Kids
Fan — Vornado
Yellow Quilt — Schoolhouse
Orange and White Blanket — Food52
Lamps — Urban Outfitters Home

Thanks Steph!

This tour’s responses and photos were edited for length/size and clarity.

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