Of Course This Broadway Performer’s Living Room Makeover Features Neon Lights
When a Broadway performer moved back into her childhood apartment in the Bronx, she wanted to refresh the space to reflect the bold, creative energy she carries on and off stage. The unit, located in a 1950s co-op building, was officially hers, and as a first-time homeowner the goal was to “have all of her personality in one space,” notes designer Kelsey Matyas of Kelsey Deirdre Designs.
The apartment was prime for an update — an empty shell after the actress had purchased it from her mom. She had the floors redone, but when it came to the decor she didn’t quite know where to start, so she hired Kelsey.
A green sofa kicked off the bold makeover.
The client is a fan of “color, funk, fun, and a super-eclectic mix,” Kelsey says. The only purchase she had made was her green velvet sofa from Joybird, which became the jumping-off point for the rest of the living room, where they went colorful.
“We pulled in chartreuse drapes and some pink in the wallpaper, paint, and chairs,” Kelsey says. “She was all in.” The paint color is Benjamin Moore’s Raleigh Peach, and there’s a bolder pop of pink behind the two accent chairs. A playful wallpaper showcases iconic New York City landmarks — an ode to the actor’s hometown that she can enjoy from anywhere in the room.
Bar carts are out; IKEA cabinets are in.
The space is divided to maximize functionality, with a main sitting area as well as purposeful storage. Although some people love a bar cart, the homeowner “didn’t want the typical bar cart that collects dust,” Kelsey recalls. Instead, the IKEA BILLYs with OXBERG glass doors showcase fun glassware — plus other mementos.
The TV blends in with the gallery wall.
Speaking of mementos, there’s a gallery wall in the living room, with framed memorabilia from the homeowner’s Broadway career and family archives, including a note from her grandfather; a painting of her hairless cat, Lola; and a thrifted “Music Man” poster.
To make the TV feel like it belonged in the gallery, “We put a frame around the TV, DIYed with gold-leaf paint, to make it feel intentional,” Kelsey says.
The neon sign is custom.
Opposite the gallery wall there’s the green sofa, of course, a modern chandelier, an Anthropologie coffee table, and white nesting side tables. One of the standouts in the space is a neon sign that reads, “Remember who you wanted to be.”
Kelsey had it custom-made from Yellowpop; it’s a quote from the actress’ mother that has guided her through countless auditions. “She used to jot that phrase in notebooks whenever she was struggling,” Kelsey says. “When she gave me that quote, I thought it was perfect. It was a no-brainer.” Now, her apartment conveys who she is, too.
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