In this video, I’m taking you with me to NYC for a rental-friendly living room makeover I designed for the Real Simple Home. The space was on the 20th floor of a high-rise, and while the view was incredible, the room itself was basically a stark white box—which is just not my cup of tea. I’m someone who really craves charm and character in architecture, so my goal was to bring in that “feels like home” energy through warmth, texture, and personality. I focused on layering: vintage and sculptural seating, cozy upholstery, and lighting that feels intentional (not builder-basic). I styled the room with pieces from my shop—like a super stunning, comfy mohair sofa and a pair of brutalist oak lounge chairs—then softened everything with linen drapery and sheers to add movement and that lived-in, elevated look. The biggest takeaway is that even in a modern rental, you can create character by stacking materials, mixing eras, and choosing a few statement pieces that do the heavy lifting without permanently changing the space.