This Renter Shares One Major Key to Making Your Space More Personal: Reupholstering

In the vibrant, ever-evolving landscape of New York City, located on the iconic Upper East Side, lies a sanctuary carefully guarded by the discerning eye and creative soul of Natalie Aldridge.

A multi-faceted creative force, Natalie wears many hats: she is an interior designer, writer and artist, and her apartment is not just a living space, but a testament to her passion for creating beauty every day.

Embracing Space and Style

In the heart of the Natalie neighborhood is a studio apartment of approximately 500 square feet. While studio living in Manhattan often conjures up images of cramped spaces, Natalie’s residence stands out from the crowd, featuring separate areas for the kitchen and walk-in closet. For more than two years, this space had been her canvas, her refuge from the busy streets below.

Natalie’s journey as a renter began at age eighteen, a rite of passage shared by many who flock to the city to make their dreams come true. However, it was in her current apartment that she found a sense of permanence, marking the transition to what she affectionately calls her “adult apartment.”

Crafting Home, Piece by Piece

Transforming a space into a true reflection of yourself is no easy task: it is a labor of love that is demonstrated over time. It took Natalie more than a year to bring her signature style into her apartment. From scouring antique markets for unique finds to completing multiple upholstery projects, every element was carefully considered to create a space that feels unique.

Although the desire to wallpaper was still fresh in her mind, Natalie was hesitant to take on such a rental project. However, her resistance did not dampen her spirit or creativity. Instead, she finds joy in the process of arranging textures, colors and patterns to bring life to her space.

A Fusion of Styles and Inspirations

Describing her style as a combination of traditional English with a touch of neoclassical French, spiced up with 1930s Milanese glamour, Natalie’s apartment is a testament to her eclectic tastes and varied inspirations. Yet despite this confluence of influences, her approach to decorating remains surprisingly simple: she collects what she loves, allowing her space to evolve organically over time.

Inspired by historical sites such as Sir John Soane’s House and Villa Necchi Campiglio, as well as prominent figures such as Diana Vreeland, Natalie’s creativity knows no bounds. From the grandeur of European palaces to the eccentricity of fashion icons, her influences are varied and inspiring.

Treasures Found and Challenges Faced

Among the treasures that adorn Natalie’s walls, none is more significant than her engravings of Giovanni Francesco Venturini – a chance find at a local estate sale. Purchased for as little as $100, these exquisite pieces are a testament to Natalie’s keen eye for beauty and her appreciation for the stories held within each piece.

However, amid the surrounding beauty, Natalie realizes the problems associated with the architecture of her apartment.

While she loved her space, she wanted to give it the charm and personality that defined her aesthetic. It’s a delicate balance that she manages with grace and creativity.

Embracing Impermanence, Cultivating Joy

As a renter, Natalie is no stranger to fast-paced life in the city. However, instead of viewing her apartment as a temporary space, she saw it as an opportunity to create something beautiful, something that reflected her personality and passions. It’s a lesson in embracing impermanence, finding joy in the journey, and not fixating on the destination.

For those who are starting the journey to living in their own apartment, Natalie gives advice – learn how to upholster it. Simple DIY projects like reupholstering chairs are not only cost-effective, but they also allow you to add your own unique touches to your space.

A Reflection of Self

In Natalie’s apartment, every corner tells a story, and every object holds memories. It reflects who she is and what she loves—a testament to the power of creativity and the transformative potential of the cosmos. And while her apartment may be just one chapter in her story, it is filled with beauty, inspiration and the unmistakable mark of a true artist.