The Art of Living Well: Curating Apartment Decor That Feels Like Home
By Camille — Style isn't about clothes. It's about knowing who you are and dressing like you mean it. ·
Living in the West Village, space is obviously a luxury. My apartment is modest by square footage standards, but when I look around, it feels expansive. People often ask how I manage to keep things feeling both 'Vogue-editor-polished' and genuinely cozy, especially given how much time I spend testing recipes or filming content in my living room.
The secret? I stopped treating my apartment like a showroom and started treating it like a reflection of my personal style. Just like your wardrobe, your home should tell your story. If you’re living in a space that feels like a temporary holding cell until the 'real house' happens, let’s change that today. Here is how I curate my space without losing my mind—or my budget.
Start with the 'Anchor' Pieces
When I worked at Vogue, we always talked about the 'hero piece' of an outfit—the trench coat or the perfect blazer that sets the tone for everything else. Your apartment needs the same. For me, it’s my velvet tuxedo sofa. It’s deep, it’s a rich moss green, and it anchors the entire room.
My advice? Don’t rush to fill every corner with 'fast decor.' If you have a small space, prioritize one high-quality piece that you truly love. Whether it’s a vintage coffee table or a substantial area rug, pick one item that grounds the room. Everything else should be built around that anchor. When your main pieces are settled, the smaller, trendier items don’t look like clutter—they look like intentional additions.
Lighting is Your Best Filter
If there is one thing that kills the vibe of a home faster than anything else, it’s the 'big light.' You know exactly what I’m talking about—that harsh, overhead ceiling fixture that makes everyone look tired and makes your apartment feel like a hospital waiting room.
Never rely on overhead lighting. I have at least four lamps in my living room alone, all set to warm-toned bulbs. I love the look of a pleated linen shade paired with a sculptural brass base. Lighting is the jewelry of your home; it adds texture, warmth, and that ‘golden hour’ glow that makes even a Tuesday night pasta dinner feel like an event. If you’re renting, don’t be afraid to swap out those builder-grade fixtures. Just keep the originals in a box in your closet to put back when you move out.
Texture Over Color
I’m a neutral girl at heart—I blame my French upbringing and my years in Manhattan—but 'neutral' does not mean 'boring.' If you’re scared of color, lean into texture. In my apartment, I mix linen curtains, a chunky wool throw, leather books, and ceramic vases.
When your palette is monochromatic, contrast becomes your best friend. A smooth marble surface next to a tactile, rough-hewn clay pitcher creates visual interest without needing a single pop of neon. It keeps the space feeling sophisticated and calm, which is exactly how I want to feel when I finally close my laptop for the day.
The 'Edit' is Constant
Style isn't static, and neither is your home. I do a 'home audit' once a season, just like I do with my closet. I ask myself: Does this piece still serve me? Does it make me happy? If I have a vase that I’m only keeping because I spent too much money on it three years ago, I find it a new home.
Clutter is the enemy of a curated life. I keep my surfaces mostly clear, keeping out only the things that are beautiful and functional—a stack of art books, a candle, and maybe a bowl of fresh lemons. When you remove the excess, you give the things you actually love room to breathe.
Make it Personal (Really)
Finally, don’t be afraid to display things that are 'un-styled.' I have a framed menu from a bistro in Paris where I had a life-changing meal, and I have a ceramic bowl I made in a messy pottery class last year. They aren't 'designer,' but they are mine. A home filled with mass-produced items isn't a home; it's a furniture catalog.
Your apartment should be a place where you can exhale. It should feel like you. Don't worry about what’s trending on social media—worry about whether your space makes you want to stay in, pour a glass of wine, and actually enjoy your own company. That’s the ultimate sign of a well-decorated life.
How are you guys styling your corners lately? Are you a 'maximalist' collector or a 'minimalist' editor? Drop a comment below—I’m dying to hear how you’ve made your space feel uniquely yours. Let’s chat.