Zoe here – Renting in New York City presents numerous challenges, and in this post, I want to address a specific one: the restrictions on interior decorating. More often than not, you’re not allowed to paint, use wallpaper, or make any significant changes to the walls. While this can be frustrating, it has also pushed me to focus on what I can change and has led me to develop a style that embraces the beauty of white space.

For this particular project, the goal was to achieve a modern, minimal, and mature look in a room with predominantly white walls. We embraced a mid-century approach with the bed frame, side tables, and lamp design to create a modern aesthetic. To maintain a minimalist feel, we opted for neutral-colored curtains, bedding, and a focal rug. However, we added a touch of excitement by choosing fabrics that revealed pops of color and personality up close [The confetti duvet cover from Schoolhouse is one of my most favorite purchases – and Emily has also bought herself a set]. The mature element came through in our art and decorative choices. We used white frames to lean in to the minimalistic aesthetic and replaced concert posters with abstract art that complemented the room’s color scheme. Additionally, we incorporated lighting, city maps, and other accents that adhered to the apartment building’s rules but added a sense of personalization and permanence to the rented space. The end result closely resembled the original design mockup we had envisioned.

By working within the limitations imposed by rental regulations, we were able to create a space that truly reflected our style and made the most of the available white space. I love so many parts of this room; checkout the links to the main components below.