My Houzz: Lovely Lightness for a Brooklyn Apartment
Soft colors and whitewashed walls turn an urban apartment into an airy, feminine haven
In the unit just upstairs from her main apartment in Brooklyn, New York, Aya Yamanouchi Lloyd has created an additional beautiful, airy living space. Lloyd teamed up with Nadia Yaron and Ry Scruggs of Nightwood to design the space with a feminine vibe that honors her Japanese roots. Together they reimagined flea market finds, setting them against whitewashed walls to create an idyllic getaway.
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Aya Yamanouchi Lloyd
Location: Boerum Hill neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York
Size: About 1,100 square feet; 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Aya Yamanouchi Lloyd
Location: Boerum Hill neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York
Size: About 1,100 square feet; 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom
Most of the furnishings in Lloyd's apartment are one-of-a-kind pieces from Nightwood. Yaron and Scruggs re-covered this vintage chaise in textured linens. "After we find things that have potential, it's second nature for us to make do with what we have or redo things that we know aren't right," Yaron says. A mirror in a flea market frame leans against the wall.
A secondhand coffee table feels new with a custom marble top. Kimono-covered stools pay tribute to Lloyd's Japanese heritage, while framed vintage Asian art prints hang within original wall molding pieces.
The subtle pinks, lavenders and pale blues mesh perfectly with the bright whitewashed walls and the warm raw-wood details.
Ladder, artifacts: local vintage market
Ladder, artifacts: local vintage market
The downstairs apartment has a distinctly darker feel, which encouraged Lloyd to make this space lighter.
"I knew when it came time to overhaul this space, I really wanted to bring in a light airiness that would take advantage of the high ceilings and abundance of natural light," she says.
"I knew when it came time to overhaul this space, I really wanted to bring in a light airiness that would take advantage of the high ceilings and abundance of natural light," she says.
Originally a vintage piece in orange tweed, this daybed got an update in a fresh fabric. Its extra length makes it a perfect place for relaxing or using as a guest sleeping space.
A repurposed vanity table from a local market now serves as Lloyd's desk.
Created with a stencil directly on the wall, the shadow painting in this corner is one of Lloyd's favorite features. "It is so simple but really creates a nice effect that looks subtle and lovely," Lloyd says.
More vintage finds from a local flea market accessorize the office.
The threesome was constantly on the lookout for pieces to add personality to the space. Pillows, art, flowers and vignettes add character to each room.
Painting: Tonie Yaron; cloud mobile, nightstand: Nightwood
Painting: Tonie Yaron; cloud mobile, nightstand: Nightwood
Group searches for the perfect piece occasionally resulted in accidental finds, like this decorative column in the entryway.
Hand-woven bath mats made from fabric scraps warm up the bathroom. A hemp linen shower curtain from Gaiam completes the look.
Sanded, repainted and reimagined, this blue vintage cabinet adds color to the simple kitchen. Reupholstered cushions grace the dining set.
Light from a window fills the galley-style kitchen. Glass cabinetry makes it feel even more open.
See more photos of this home
See more photos of this home
Rugs: Kea Carpets and Kilims