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Name: Jesse Epstein
Location: Greenpoint — Brooklyn, New York
Type of home: Open concept one bedroom/studio
Size: 400 square feet
Years lived in: 1 year, renting
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Tell us a little (or a lot) about your home and the people who live there: I moved to Brooklyn after living on the Upper West Side for a few years. I wanted a break of Manhattan and the tiny shoebox studios that were the only housing offerings in my price point.
After the pandemic settled and my old Upper West Side lease ended I decided to trade in the city for an in-unit washer/dryer and a view of Brooklyn. Every time I enter my home I feel like I can exhale and slowly strip away the grime of the city.
I’m an actor and a recent graduate of the Juilliard School. When graduation was approaching I wanted to be able to wake up as an alumni and not live down the street from my alma mater. While my profession of choice encompasses a lot of chaos, stress, and uncertainty, it was very important that my home reflected none of that. I worked very hard to create a serene, comfortable, and functional living space, so that at least when my work-life was a mess my apartment wasn’t.
Describe your home’s style in 5 words or less: Airy, Cozy, Golden, Plush, Blush
What is your favorite room and why? The living room area is my favorite. It’s where all of my favorite books and art pieces live. It’s where I call my mom and journal and gush over my view. It’s where I entertain and watch movies and lounge on lazy Sundays.
What’s the last thing you bought (or found!) for your home? I just bought the Walter Water Filter/the Berky filtration system. I wanted to get rid of my plastic water filter that lived in my fridge so I could free up some much-valued space in there. I also wanted a more sustainable way to filter water that didn’t include replacing plastic filters every few weeks. Walters are made by a small group of women here in BK, and it’s definitely the most beautiful and complimented entity in my kitchen.
Any advice for creating a home you love? Start with pieces you know you want to include and build from there.
Get creative about storage solutions.
When splurging on pieces that will stay with you through the years (a bed frame or couch) pick something that can grow with you as your taste evolves through the years. In other words, pick something on the neutral side and let your current taste be reflected in easily replaceable pieces.