A Small Boston Apartment Is Filled With Secondhand Finds and Fun Energy

Name: Aly Robinson, partner, Mitch, and two parakeets, Louie and Ash
Location: Boston, Massachusetts
Type of home: One-bedroom apartment
Size: 750 square feet
Years lived in: Almost 1 year, renting

Tell us a little (or a lot) about your home and the people who live there: This is my partner’s and my first apartment together. We live with our two parakeets, Louie and Ash! We moved out of a very small studio into this space last November. We all — including the birds — have really loved getting to know our bigger (but still small) space.

Mitch and I have totally different styles but have had so much fun combining our tastes into a space that genuinely feels like the perfect combination of the two of us. He is a musician, so he likes lots of guitars and albums everywhere. He also has an affinity for “one man’s junk is another’s treasure.” He’s found many of our pieces on the side of the street or at thrift stores… I honestly envy his eye! He gravitates toward mid-mod furniture and anything antique.

As for me, I went to an art school for my undergrad and concentrated in painting and ceramics. You’ll find many paintings of mine throughout the house and odes to some of my favorite artists scattered around. I like a clean space with not a lot of visual clutter, but something that doesn’t feel too stale or too trendy — I want my space to feel like us! I’m a big fan of DIY projects.

If I see something I want or have an idea of how to make something function better, I’ll take out my big ole’ tool kit and give it a go. I gravitate more toward boho decor, lots of plants, and vintage pieces mixed in. I would say our color scheme varies from room to room. It depends on how we want the room to feel. Our bedroom is very bright, whites and grays, and it feels so calming. Our living room has a statement bright blue couch with gold accents and brown leather. We wanted this room to feel a bit more fun and exciting. Overall, we’ve just had so much fun creating spaces we love (if you can’t tell).

Describe your home’s style in 5 words or less: Mid-mod, boho, cozy, vintage, fun!

What is your favorite room and why? I would have to say our living room is my favorite room. It serves as much more than just a space to watch TV. We use it as a dining room, Mitch’s office, the bird’s room, and all the things a typical living room functions as. We spend most of our time here, whether it’s eating, watching TV, listening to or playing music, reading, or crafting — everything really.

What’s the last thing you bought (or found!) for your home? The last thing Mitch found for our home is this really cool floor lamp. It has three lights that arch over his desk, each with its own lamp shade. He found it on the side of the street in perfect condition!

Any advice for creating a home you love? You don’t need a lot. But when you find something you really really love, get it! When you create a space full of things you love, it will be a reflection of you and who you are.

This submission’s responses and photos were edited for length/size and clarity.

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