Wiliams lives in a 400-square-foot studio apartment in a 125-year-old Brownstone.
She’s lived there since November of 2023.
“My whole adult life!”
The Spruce / Illustration by Amy Sheehan / Photo by Claudia Williams
she exclaims when asked how long she has been a renter.
This experience has equipped her with the skills to make any space her own quickly.
Transitioning her apartment into her unique style was immediate.
Claudia Williams
It felt like my pieces were made for this apartment!"
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She describes her style as traditional eclectic and affectionately refers to her apartment as her “urban cottage.”
Claudia Williams
Her approach to decorating is deeply personal and curated.
“Everything is collected and has a story.
Her design inspirations are diverse.
Claudia Williams
“I get inspiration from English cottages and homes in the French countryside.
I also find loads of inspiration in old Nora Ephron movies.
Kathleen Kellys Upper West Side apartment inYouve Got Mailis my dream,” Williams reveals.
Claudia Williams
Theyre one of a kind and bring so much color into the space!”
One of her most notable DIY projects is the transformation of herreading nook.
“So I measured and made my way to Home Depot.
Claudia Williams
Now I get to admire them all day long and my books finally have a proper home!”
Challenges and Patience
The most challenging part of making her apartment a home has been exercising patience.
Despite this, Claudia embraces the studio living and the solitude it offers.
“Other than that, there have been zero true challenges.
I love living in a studio, I love living alone.”
“I try not to think too far ahead and just live in the moment.”
This mindset allows her to fully invest in making her space a personal haven without worrying about the future.
She also encourages tackling projects head-on.
“Dont keep putting off those projects youve been mulling over for months.
Set aside a weekend, call your friends in for assistance, and get the project done.”
