This New Yorker’s Been Renting a Tiny Studio Apartment for 10 Years
Adrienne Breaux
·4 min read
Amanda Phillips' studio gets a lot of morning light. "I would say that the most cherished space in my apartment is the sitting area. I love the mixture of patterns and textiles – from the rug and loveseat to the pillows and chairs. I enjoy entertaining and have many happy memories laughing with friends all gathered around," she writes. Credit: Amanda PhillipsCredit: Amanda Phillips
"It was important for me to find the perfect bistro table and chairs for my dining area. I enjoy cooking so I’ve found ways to maximize my counter space," she writes, says that the two Masters Entangled Chair are from Laura Davidson Direct. Credit: Amanda PhillipsCredit: Amanda Phillips
"This buffet table is great for extra storage – and for displaying some of my favorite coffee table books. A print of a Picasso’s portrait of Francoise Gilot is propped above on a small bookshelf," she describes. Credit: Amanda PhillipsCredit: Amanda Phillips
"Some of my favorite pieces of art include a large-scale Montauk beach print by Gray Malin and an antique building zone map of my old neighborhood in Manhattan," Ashley explains. "I love pops of leopard print and pink throughout my apartment," she also says. Credit: Amanda PhillipsCredit: Amanda Phillips
"This white Tibetan fur chair is insanely comfortable gets a lot of use without looking worn. The ottoman cube is perfect as an end-table and for extra storage." Credit: Amanda PhillipsCredit: Amanda Phillips
"I’m lucky to have outdoor space in NYC. My patio has been a place to entertain friends during the summer months and relax with a book and coffee whenever the weather is nice," she writes. Credit: Amanda PhillipsCredit: Amanda Phillips
"My bathroom is very calming to me. I love the grey paisley shower curtain and the monogrammed towels. I have two vintage Ladies Home Journal magazine covers framed above my towel rack." Credit: Amanda PhillipsCredit: Amanda Phillips
When Amanda Phillips first moved to New York City in 2011, she lived in Midtown West, “which provided easy accessibility to all that Manhattan has to offer,” she begins. “Moving to NYC was always a dream of mine, and the past decade has certainly been a fun adventure.”
And while it can feel like New Yorkers tend to move apartments often, Amanda has been living in this 425-square-foot studio apartment for an impressive 10 years.
"The last thing I purchased was a set of two Masters Entangled Chair from Laura Davidson Direct," Ashley explains. "The chairs strike a rare balance between elegant and durable. They’re modern, stylish, practical, easy to clean and perfect for dining in a studio apartment." Credit: Amanda PhillipsCredit: Amanda Phillips
“My home is a small, ground-level, L-shaped studio apartment in Rose Hill. I’m lucky to have an outdoor patio and two spacious closets,” she writes. “I get great light in the morning and love entertaining on my patio during the summer months. I’ve enjoyed watching my neighborhood, as well as my design aesthetic, evolve over time. Creating a space that celebrates beauty and my individual style has been such a labor of love — and one that I’m very proud of.”
"The power of inspiration cannot be overstated," Ashley advises. "I’m inspired by everything – books, magazines, blogs, travel, podcasts, Pinterest, Instagram. I look a lot to the past and love to peruse auctions, estate sales, and second-hand stores for vintage pieces. I think it’s important to take one’s time when creating a home. I am always cultivating, refining, and perfecting. I like to move things around and try things in different places." Credit: Amanda PhillipsCredit: Amanda Phillips
Amanda, who describes her home’s style as “eclectic, sophisticated, personal, and timeless,” wanted her home to feel like “a little oasis where I can host friends and create memories.” To do that, she says she leans into a color palette of whites, blues, and grays, but also dabbles in leopard print (which she considers a neutral)!
“I like a classic aesthetic, but also enjoy mixing patterns and textures — I would say that I’m a maximal traditionalist. I have a lot of personal touches throughout my apartment, such as photos of family and friends, meaningful pieces of art, and coffee table books on topics I adore — glamorous women, fashion, travel, and interior design. I’ve always been a planner and because my space is small, I’m very thoughtful about every piece of decor that I use.”
"I think decorating is most successful when it’s personal. And details are central to creating a space you love. It tells the story of a home and creates connection to the person who lives there. One’s taste, style, interests, sense of humor, and personal history can be understood through the details of a home. I love mixing up styles and textures – and playing with expectations to create a space that’s unique and individual." Credit: Amanda PhillipsCredit: Amanda Phillips
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