Bohemian Rhapsody | The backstory

“Trust the process” was the phrase most stated in this project, and I’m so glad my client did!

In this project, we created a bohemian reprieve from an urban jungle exterior in Sputen Duyvil, New York City. In a prewar apartment in the gorgeous, naturally lush neighborhood of Sputen Duyvil (right beside Riverdale in the Bronx, NY), this upper corner of the Bronx is a haven from the city streets of NYC.

The clients, a family of 5, with a pair of young boy/girl twins, moved here from Kingsbridge in the Bronx, shortly after the twins arrived. Searching for more space, they happened upon this gorgeous pre-war 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom gem (with laundry in unit) here in Sputen Duyvil.

The client hired me, wanting to invest in making their new beautiful space mature and well-thought out. When I saw the space, I instantly envisioned it’s potential because of the untouched pre-war details around the home—including arched passageways—and spacious rooms ideal for a large family. Literally the amount of space in this home is completely unheard of or seen in NYC. I think my mouth may have been open through the entire initial visit. (It’s one of the features of the Bronx that drew me there to my 1st apartment—uncut, untouched spacious prewar apartments!)

The parents—Department of health worker/life coach/mental health advocate, and generally jubilant, encouraging woman and mother, combined with the father, a colorful jazz musician with a big personality—made this a space that needed to mesh their two distinct styles. The place had to have a big bright personality that reflected the couple and all the joy of their large family while feeling like a worthwhile investment, and adding functionality for their growing children.

To achieve this, we created a comfortable Living space, bountiful accommodating Dining space, and a transporting Primary Bedroom that allowed them to unwind after long days/weeks of work.

First space planning—we created spaces to be minimal but able to accommodate the family comfortably. Starting with a large 12’ sofa in the Living room, round swivel side chair, and moveable ottoman at the center, we created a space for the family to be entertained and welcome guests. This family loves to make the home their playground so it was important to have lots of floor space in the Living Room. For the most part we kept the floor bare with the exception of the ottoman.

Being avid plant owners, with the abundant light coming through the windows, we made this room the place to house and display all of their beautiful plants.

Next, we decided on palette. Bright and sunny is what I felt for this space! My client kept telling me that she wanted their space to feel “mature” but I felt that the childlike energy they exude also needed to be captured in this space. By choosing bright and vibrant colors both for fabrics, floor coverings, and paint, made this a space reflective of the Caribbean and Afrocentric playfulness in this home.

In the bedroom, we wanted tropical and soft elements to help relax. Beginning with the curtains, we chose a gorgeous flowery and colorful pattern grounded with a black background. We dressed the floor with a Justina Blackney rug in blush, gold, lavender, and coral—because you can’t have bohemian without Justina!

Finally, we added fun bedding a gorgeous wall hanging from a maker on Etsy. We finished off the opposite space with a brutalist 50’s vintage dresser that is stunning in person! Flanking the vintage piece we placed a reading chair and lamp, and on the other side, a desk and chair for working from home.

The artwork was the cherry on top We featured a lot of the clients’ own artwork which they had not displayed in years, and added others by the amazing artists Reyna Noriega and Tawny Chapman. The rainbow piece over the sofa is a Juniper Print shop print that I chose as the final piece to set the tone in the Living Room. It feels light and positive, and a reminder that there is always a rainbow through the clouds.

Inspiring is the word that comes to mind when I think of this space. I love the colors, the sunny disposition, and the strong sense of family in this space we created. I’m so thrilled my client trusted me and allowed me to execute my vision thoroughly.

Click here for our complete reveal!