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Brooklyn, New York, is known for its vibrant culture, historic architecture, and diverse landscape. Calling this bustling area home is Claudia Williams, a writer and content creator who has created her perfect retreat in a cozy studio apartment brimming with charm.
Williams lives in a 400-square-foot studio apartment in the 125-year-old Brownstone building. She has lived there since November 2023.
Despite the challenges of finding a place in a competitive market, Claudia believes it was fate that brought her to this particular apartment.
“It took me more than two months to find this apartment because the market was so fierce,” she shared. “But I firmly believe that all the difficulties and denials were because I was destined to find this palace.”
fast facts
- What is your favorite part of your apartment? Pier mirror and original wooden shutters.
- Biggest challenge when decorating? There’s no more room for all my treasures.
- What is the biggest waste when decorating? A large hand knotted rug.
A life of renting
For Williams, renting has always been a way of life.
“My entire adult life!” she exclaims when asked how long she’s been a renter. The experience has equipped her with the skills to quickly make any space her own. Transforming her apartment into her own unique style was instantaneous.
“I’ve been buying antiques and curating my furniture collection for a while, so when I moved here, everything just fell into place. I feel like my furniture was made for this apartment!”
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Claudia Williams
Creating a Traditional Eclectic Style
Williams’ apartment is a testament to her meticulous and passionate approach to interior decorating. She describes her style as traditional mixed with eclectic and affectionately refers to her apartment as her “urban cottage.” Her approach to decorating is deeply personal and streamlined.
“Everything is collectible and has a story. I have an antique rattan armchair from my great-grandmother, pottery found in the Cotswolds and an antique Chinese stool with mother-of-pearl inlay that used to belong to my dad.”
Her design inspiration is varied. “I draw inspiration from English cottages and French country houses. I also find a lot of inspiration in old Nora Ephron movies.” Kathleen Kelly’s Upper West Side apartment in You have mail “It’s my dream,” Williams revealed.
Claudia Williams
Personal highlights and DIY projects
Williams’ apartment is filled with unique finds and DIY projects that add to its charm.
“My best friend, Shea, used Indian block-print tablecloths to make shower curtains and lamps in her kitchen. They are so unique and add so much color to the space!”
One of her most notable DIY projects was her renovation of a reading nook. When she moved into her apartment, she only had two shelves held together by metal pipes, which didn’t fit her style or take advantage of her 12-foot ceilings.
“So I measured them and took them to Home Depot. I hired a handyman to install the shelves, then I painted them the same color as the walls so they look pre-installed. Now I can admire them all day long and my books finally have a proper home!”
Claudia Williams
Challenge and patience
The hardest part of turning an apartment into a home is being patient.
“It took me four months of searching on FB marketplace to finally find my antique pine desk because I refused to settle for something I didn’t like!” she explains. Despite this, Claudia enjoys studio life and the solitude it brings. “Other than that, there are no real challenges. I love living in a studio, I love living alone.”
Claudia Williams
Balancing Transience with Personalization
For many people, the temporary nature of apartment living can be a barrier to personalization, but Claudia takes a different approach. “I try not to think too far ahead and just live in the moment.”
This mindset allows her to fully invest in making her space her personal sanctuary without worrying about the future.
Tips for Creating a Dream Home
Claudia’s advice for apartment dwellers is simple but profound: “Buy secondhand whenever possible and only buy what you like,” she says. “It’s rewarding to look in antique shops and flea markets, then just go online and buy the first thing that comes up!”
She also encourages tackling projects head-on.
“Don’t keep putting off projects you’ve been thinking about for months. Take a weekend, call a friend over to help, and get it done.”
Claudia Williams
A Glimpse of Claudia’s Sanctuary
Living in a historic Brownstone has its perks and quirks. Claudia’s apartment features the original Pier Mirror, which has been a fixture since the house was built in 1900. Adding to the cozy and inviting atmosphere of the space is Stanley the cat, who no doubt enjoys the carefully curated nooks and crannies of their small urban home.
Claudia Williams’ journey to transforming her Brooklyn studio apartment into a haven of personal stories and beloved antiques is a testament to the power of patience, creativity, and a love for the things that truly make a space feel like home.
Her decorating style is an inspiration for anyone looking to infuse their own personality and passion into their living spaces, no matter how temporary and small they may seem.
