This Architect’s Massachusetts Rental Is Perfect "Lived-in Minimalism"

Apartment Therapy Submissions
·2 min read
Art print on wall in plant filled living room.
Credit: Haydee M Casellas Credit: Haydee M Casellas

Haydee M Casellas has rented this 1000-square-foot apartment for a year with her dog, Paco, and a roommate: I’m a licensed architect in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and I’ve lived in the neighborhood since 2016. I was fortunate to find my landlord through a friend around five years ago and rented an apartment of his in the same house for four of those years until this apartment came up for grabs. The skylight and the open spaces got me.

Small prints line living room wall.
Credit: Haydee M Casellas Credit: Haydee M Casellas

I have a roommate to split expenses with and although my dog, Paco, isn’t in that financial equation, he lets us snuggle him however much we want so it works out! I’m originally from Puerto Rico and my roommate is from Spain. We have alternate work schedules, so we each get the house to ourselves when the other isn’t around.

Straw hats mounted on wall in light filled bedroom.
Credit: Haydee M Casellas Credit: Haydee M Casellas

I like to think of my house as my temple, and I love having people over to coalesce. I chose the neutral color palette to set a peaceful and serene tone to build on top of. Over the years, I’ve accumulated things of sentimental value that have taken over most of the decor.

Mix match chairs surround dining room tables.
Credit: Haydee M Casellas Credit: Haydee M Casellas

Those are books, pictures, my parents’ art (they downsized!), and gifts from friends. I love being surrounded by things that carry meaning and connect me to my loved ones.

Violin mounted on wall at the bottom of stairs.
Credit: Haydee M Casellas Credit: Haydee M Casellas

Describe your home’s style in five words or fewer: Lived-in minimalism.

Black and white arm chair in plant filled living room.
Credit: Haydee M Casellas Credit: Haydee M Casellas

What is your favorite room and why? My favorite room is my living room. It’s very bright and cozy, and has a full view into the backyard garden.

Pendant light hung over dining room table surrounded by mix-matched chairs.
Credit: Haydee M Casellas Credit: Haydee M Casellas

Any advice for creating a home you love? “Seek quality over quantity” and “start small” are general pieces of advice I like to remind myself of.

Skylight in bedroom.
Credit: Haydee M Casellas Credit: Haydee M Casellas

Thanks, Haydee!

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

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Floor plan of two story home.
Credit: Haydee M Casellas Credit: Haydee M Casellas