Inventive director and producer Emily Elliott lives in a studio house in Brooklyn together with her candy canine, Nemo. “He thinks the house is his,” Emily says. “It’s like having one other individual round.” Right here’s a glance inside…
On an inherited aesthetic: Rising up, my mother was a maximalist; and though I at all times wished to be a minimalist, it has been handed right down to me, regardless. I initially wished an ‘industrial loft’ really feel, however after I actually thought of it, I wished my house to really feel much less designed and extra homey. I introduced in crops (quite a lot of them!) to make the area really feel recent and completely satisfied. I additionally discovered quite a lot of issues on the road or thrifted.
LIVING AREA:
Concrete desk: Goal, related. Trunk: thrifted, related. Alpaca print: City Outfitters.
On creating storage: Once I moved right here, I downsized loads. I put all the pieces I had in a pile and tried to select the issues that have been significant to me. The trunk below the TV is my favourite piece in the entire house, not solely as a result of it provides character, however as a result of it pulls double obligation as main storage. It has all my blankets and artwork provides and Christmas decorations. I conceal quite a lot of issues below my mattress, too. Additionally, don’t open the closets or stuff will come flying out!
Show case: Ikea. Speaker: Pottery Barn.
On cherished household heirlooms: I’ve quite a lot of issues from household which can be particular to me. My grandma gave me this oil lamp, and it was her grandma’s. It was used throughout Little Home on the Prairie instances, which is nuts to consider.
On residing alone: Earlier than transferring right here, I had at all times lived with important others or roommates. So, to start with, I used to be shocked by how quiet it was on a regular basis. Now I be certain to at all times have some sort of noise like TV or music within the background. A bonus is that I like having my area precisely like I need it, with nobody else’s enter. If I need to grow to be a human twister and throw each reject outfit on the ground, I do it! If I really feel like maintaining my place spotless, I try this. If I need to watch ’90s throwback music movies, I try this!
BED AREA:
Oklahoma signal: City Farmhouse in Oklahoma. Sheets: Brooklinen. Comforter: Mattress, Tub & Past. Circle pillow: City Farmhouse in Oklahoma. Throw: City Outfitters, related. Vintage window pane: discovered on the road in Morningside Heights. Vintage flour sifter: handed down from grandmother. Rug: Wayfair, related.
On each day rituals: Quarantining on my own has been robust, however I’m hanging in there. Each morning, Nemo and I’m going to Café Beit, and I get a espresso and he will get a deal with. Then we stroll over to the park and he performs for half an hour, whereas the opposite canine homeowners and I shoot the breeze. He likes the routine and I’ve gotten to know the espresso store proprietor and my neighbors. Within the evenings, we’ll do an excellent lengthy stroll across the park, the place I blast music into headphones and let myself be alone in my ideas. I’ll cease by the bodega beneath my constructing the place I’m mates with the proprietor; then I’ll take a totally pointless over-the-top bathtub with candles and bathtub bombs.
Basket vase: purchased on a visit in St. Lucia, related. Fish hook plant: Sprout Residence. Lamp: Pottery Barn, related. Bulb: Canal Lighting & Components, related. White vase: West Elm, related.
On bedside companions: I attempted to maintain my mattress space easy as a result of there’s no actual bodily separation between the mattress and lounge. I additionally be certain to solely be on the mattress after I’m in pajamas and prepared to fall asleep so there’s psychological separation and I don’t really feel like I reside on my mattress. I hold a rotating number of my favourite books on my nightstand. My all-time favourite is That is How You Lose Her by Junot Diaz, and I’ll learn something by Nora Ephron, who began my love for New York lengthy earlier than I moved right here.
On being a superb plant mother: My plant watering schedule is a piece in progress, however often each time I feed Nemo within the morning I take a lap round to see which plant is in want. I don’t actually observe any directions — if a plant appears to be like unhappy, I give it some water. This additionally retains me from having to water all the pieces on the identical day which is overwhelming and takes ceaselessly.
Dinosaur planter: Sprout Residence, related. Steel drawers: City Outfitters, related.
On a love for dinosaurs: I’ve cherished dinos so long as I can bear in mind. Rising up, I watched The Land Earlier than Time a thousand instances and had like 4 birthday events with that theme. At one level, my mother was like, okay, that’s sufficient. I do not know why this carried over to maturity however did. They’re simply so cool and quirky. Are you able to identify one other animal that’s the dimensions of a constructing, however lovely?!
On adopting Nemo: In March, I used to be quarantining with household in Oklahoma and the animal shelter was overrun with canines, so I went there to search for one. I used to be drawn to a loud, barking one, however my sister was like, ‘No. Decide this little man within the nook who’s being jumped on by the others.’ So, I held him in my lap and he was simply so candy. Now everybody at all times stops on the road to speak to him, and all of the pet homeowners love sharing canine ideas. He’s a doggy alarm clock/safety system. It was love at first sight.
Thanks a lot, Emily!
P.S. A colourful household dwelling, and Stella’s 175-square-foot studio.
(Photographs by Alpha Smoot for Cup of Jo.)