She Opted Out of “Traditional” Furniture Like Dressers or Media Consoles in This Small Apartment

LOCATION: Brooklyn, New York City, New York

"I never thought in a million years I would move into this apartment, and when I did move in, it was supposed to be for a transition period," chef and writer Lily Starbuck explains about her Brooklyn rental. "As they say, 'Make plans and God laughs.'"

Initially, the third-floor apartment was supposed to be a temporary move for Lily between selling her cottage on Fisher's Island, New York, and working and living in Ireland. But it's been a year-and-a-half, and she doesn't plan to leave anytime soon. Plus, the place holds special meaning for her and her family: Lily's mom owns the building, her friends lived in the apartment previously, and she grew up in the unit her mom still lives in.

Although it was supposed to be just a place to land in between finding something more permanent, Lily immediately began doing work on the "relatively untouched" apartment. "In true me fashion, I didn't just move in," she shares. "I worked on the apartment for three straight months. We did light renovations, painted, installed all new lights, sinks, etc., and I made the place a real home. I can't do something half-ass or temporary. Even if I am only going to be somewhere for a few weeks, I put my soul into it. It needs to be comfortable and feel like home."

When Lily moved into the apartment, friends said the 500-square-foot space would feel tight. But coming from a 310-square-foot cottage, to her this felt "luxe." Plus, Lily and her father took on a major project: creating custom open shelving that spans most of the apartment. (Fun fact: She initially snagged the wood from a friend's parents in SoHo, and has used it in five apartments.)

Controversially, Lily prefers open shelving and is surprised she didn't remove the closed cabinets in the kitchen (where she's currently recording a cooking show). The custom shelving and opting out of "traditional" furniture like a media console under the television or dressers have made the apartment feel more spacious and offered a different kind of storage.

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Thanks, Lily!This tour's responses and photos were edited for length/size and clarity.Share your style: House Tour & House Call Submission Form

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