In 2009, Elizabeth Russell found herself in a predicament that many young Brooklyn renters do — her friends (and their furniture) were moving on. 

Not wanting to give up the newly-renovated three-bedroom apartment on 15th Street, just half-a-block from Prospect Park and the F train, she took it upon herself to make the space a home, in spite of the two new strangers moving in.

Located in a four-story limestone, the gut-renovated apartment had all the modern conveniences a renter could ask: hardwood floors, stainless steel appliances, a dishwasher, a newly-tiled bath and most unbelievable of all, free laundry in the building. 

“I fell in I love with the apartment when I first saw it,” said Russell.  “Outside, the building had the look of an old brownstone, yet inside, the apartment was modern and clean.”

With a small shared living area, which also doubles as a dining area, Russell purchased an inexpensive wood dining table from IKEA and managed to snag a sofa from a friend who was moving out of the country. 

“I decided not to splurge on furniture since it was a shared space.  And, fortunately, since there was so little of it, it wasn’t an issue with my new roommates.”

Instead, Russell devoted her efforts to enhancing the apartment through unique wall décor, lighting and decorative objects in various textures and colors. 

“I have been lucky to live with roommates who have allowed me total access to decorate the apartment; however, I always keep them in mind with the design," she said. "My goal was to create a warm and welcoming environment that was personal to me, but also reflects our shared interests."

Upon first entering the apartment, what looks like an endless hallway serves as both a functional and decorative space.  It’s main focus, an enormous vintage painting of a flamenco dancer, has the effect of enlarging the narrow area. Adorned by two antique candleholders, this simple yet dramatic piece of artwork in red, black and gray was an antique store find in historic Sleepy Hollow, New York where Russell was born and raised.

At the other end of the hallway, a one-of-kind reproduction antler chandelier, handcrafted in Maine by a local artisan, adds a rustic feel and warm glow to what would be a dim, windowless hallway.  On the wall below the chandelier, a large reproduction ship wheel hangs next to decorative vintage frames displaying photos of 1930’s Coney Island.

“My design aesthetic is definitely eclectic, with a tendency towards vintage,” said Russell.  “I’m drawn to older pieces with a history, which is why I often flock to the Brooklyn Flea and vintage thrift shops.” 

Russell credits her design style to her mother, a life-long collector of vintage and antique furniture, clothing and jewelry.  “From as far back as I can remember, almost every weekend, my mom and grandma would pack my sisters and me into our Ford station wagon to conquer as many flea markets and tag sales as possible."

Music is an obvious design inspiration, with framed art of influential musicians and crates of vinyl records throughout the apartment. The centerpiece of the living area, a vintage-style record player purchased by all three roommates, adds to the unique look of the shared living space. Russell’s favorite pieces, two original paintings of Brian Wilson and Pete Townsend done by the artist (and friend) John Michaels, hang next to a cluster of colorful mismatched vintage frames in the living area.

“Making the best of a small shared living space requires you to be creative and resourceful,” said Russell.

With little to no storage space, Russell, an avid reader, was challenged to find a place to store her books. 

“I had to get creative, so I decided to display them in the empty space above the kitchen cabinets.  It adds a sense of color and warmth to the kitchen.” 

To dress the “bookshelves” up a bit, she hung black and white silhouette plates by designer Thomas Paul above the books, as well as framed the album covers of some of her favorite vinyl records.

Fueled by creativity and a deeply rooted love of all things old, Russell has created a warm and welcoming home for herself  — and her two roommates — on 15th Street.