This Renter Landed a Dreamy Studio in the NYC Housing Lottery
“It was a true blank canvas!” begins Tess Roy (@tessandteddy_ on TikTok) of this brand-new 500-square-foot studio apartment she’s been renting for two months, paying $3,015 a month. “I’ve been living in NYC on and off for about eight years, and in June, I finally hit the jackpot — I got an apartment through the NYC housing lottery!”
“It was such an exciting moment, especially because the unit has modern amenities and a washer/dryer in-unit, which felt like the ultimate luxury,” Tess continues. “The moment I toured it, I completely fell in love. With sparkling views of the Hudson and rent nearly half of what it would normally be, I knew it was the perfect spot for me and my 5-year-old chiweenie, Teddy.”
Though Tess has only been in the space for two months, she’s already added some of her own personality. “I’m originally from South Florida, so I wanted to bring a little bit of Palm Beach into my space. I added touches like my Assouline coffee table book and a few Serena & Lily pieces — ottomans, rugs — that give off that coastal, elevated vibe,” she writes.
Other details Tess added to small apartment were small but powerful pops of color like the bright orange table lamp and pink-and-orange Jonathan Adler vase duo on the kitchen’s white bistro table. “Since I’m over 35 stories up, it honestly feels like I’m living in the sky, so I went with pale blue rugs in the kitchen and living room to keep that dreamy, floating vibe going. I’ve also got a few Slim Aarons prints on the walls to add a retro, coastal feel,” Tess writes.
Resources
LIVING ROOM
- Couch — CB2
- Coffee Table — West Elm
- Rug — Serena & Lily
- Ottomans — Serena & Lily
- Throw Blanket — Serena & Lily
- Throw Pillow — Lulu & Georgia
- Lamp — West Elm
- Art Prints — Astrid Wilson & Slim Aarons
- Candle — Anthropologie
- Coasters — Jonathan Adler
KITCHEN
- Rug — Serena & Lily
- Table — Schoolhouse
- Chairs — West Elm
- Dachshund Art — Etsy
- Vase — Jonathan Adler
- Lamp — MOMA Design Store
BEDROOM
- Bed — Soft Frames
- Bedding — Brooklinen
- Quilt — Pottery Barn
- Throw Pillow — Lulu & Georgia
- Side Table — West Elm
- Art — Astrid Wilson
- Lamp — CB2
- Desk + Desk Chair — West Elm
BATHROOM
- Shower Curtain — West Elm
- Bath Mat — Anthropologie
- Bathroom Paint— Farrow & Ball “Middleton Pink”
Thanks, Tess!
This tour’s responses and photos were edited for length/size and clarity.
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