我们对这个房子有那么幸运;我发现它在StreetEasy and scheduled a viewing between two other ones in the area just because we had time to kill. I was sure the other two were going to be the winners, but the moment we walked in, Sam fell in love and we had to have it. (And it turns out I was wrong about the other two—total duds!) We filled out the application over margaritas at Chilo’s and that was that. I didn’t think I was someone who cared about having outdoor space, but the patio has been a really nice bonus, and surprisingly the cat loves coming out there, too.

I was a bit manic about getting everything set up when we moved in, because it took us months and months to finish our first apartment together and I didn’t want to stare at boxes of IKEA shelves for weeks on end again. I took the week off and we basically spent July 4th weekend drilling and hanging and hammering. But it was worth it!

My Style:I definitely lean into colorful and more eclectic pieces; I don’t like anything to feel too “perfect” or matchy. It’s important that the space feels comfortable and warm, because I hate going to someone’s house and feeling afraid to sit on or touch something!

Favorite Element:I get so happy looking at the pink chair against the palm print ottoman. It’s become Evie’s favorite spot in the whole apartment! I also love how my friend Kerry’s artwork looks framed above the bar cart—it turned out exactly as I imagined in my head, which is rare.

Biggest Challenge:I love all the big windows in the apartment, but it does make it challenging to find spots for things like bookcases. We worked around it by finding shelves that would fit the weird spaces in the apartment and mounting the TV.

Biggest Indulgence:I used Framebridge for a majority of the artwork in the apartment this time around, but honestly that was so worth it to have frames that properly fit everything instead of guessing at measurements and getting something that looked wrong. The posters are things we’ve picked up at events together so it’s really special to have them hung properly now.

Best Advice:Unpack everything as soon as possible. I think it helps make a space feel lived-in much faster if you don’t have an unpacked box or disassembled shelf staring you down every day. It’s stressful in the moment, but more relaxing in the long run.

What’s your best home secret?Definitely think outside the box when it comes to storage solutions! I use kitchen storage in the hallway and in the bathroom as well, because there wasn’t anything marked specifically for those spaces that fit what I was looking for.

• Sven sofa in Grass Green —Article
• Embrace chair in Rose Pink —Article
• Cocktail Ottoman in Banana Palm —The Inside
• 20” Throw Pillow in Banana Palm —The Inside
• Skaggort cushion cove —IKEA
• Lampshade — IKEA (similarhere)
• Eero Glam Side Table —Overstock
• Various frames —Framebridge
• Bookcase with vinyl and white shelves, IKEA
• Safavieh Florida Shag Rug —Overstock
• TV Console —Overstock

• Odyssey Brass Dining table —CB2
• Theo 5-shelf ladder bookcase, Nathan James —Amazon
• Svelti dining chair in Black —Article
• Ghost chairs —Amazon
• Nude line art —Kerry Pieri

Thanks Tyler, Sam, and Evie!

This submission’s responses have been edited for clarity and length.