Anyone who follows this blog probably knows that I have a major thing for colorful, feminine studio apartments, and even better if they’re in NYC. So Elizabeth Bauer’s Gramercy Park space, featured waaay back in Lonny’s June/July 2010 issue, has really stuck with me over the years. It’s a fantastic prewar apartment with lots of charm and cool details, including a mantel (my dream), and a cozy little dressing room. In the photo above, you can see how the apartment naturally provides a little “bedroom” space with that tiny step, which I think is such a charming detail. I like how Elizabeth placed that see-through, airy screen there as well, just for the suggestion of further separation. And though I prefer neutrals for the furniture pieces in my own space, I love that she really went for it with color and pattern on that fabulous striped couch. I also like how she only wallpapered the “bedroom” area – another way of visually creating separate rooms. Such a great tip for studio dwellers! 

I’m honestly obsessed with this demilune table with matching mirror. It looks like the type of romantic, antique, Victorian piece that you would find in a big old English manor or something. It’s utterly gorgeous and full of character. 

I love this see through coffee table – perfect for a studio, and so fab that you can see right through to the bottom layer full of back issues of Domino! It’s so fun, like having two coffee tables to style. 

I love, LOVE, the fact that Elizabeth took a big, old china cabinet and turned it into a bookcase. The piece has so much character, and it’s so cool and unexpected to use it for a different purpose than it was intended. And you can imagine how dated and unattractive it probably seemed to begin with (as she says herself)…she gave a vintage piece new life, which I think is the best way to create a unique space that’s all your own.