How I’m Equipping My New Home in L.A. as Someone Who Previously Lived in a Small Apartment in NYC
A month ago, my boyfriend and I packed up our 500-square-foot apartment in the Upper West Side to relocate to Los Angeles, where a house twice that size (though still just one bedroom) awaited us. In preparation for the move, we essentially discarded all our furniture, taking only a kitchen table, a few random decorative items, and, of course, all my clothing. Now, a month later, I’m gradually replacing the items we left behind in Manhattan, searching for pieces that suit our new, more modern, and airy space. It has been quite an experience so far, and I'm nowhere near done. I thought I’d mark this milestone by sharing what I’ve purchased or plan to buy to furnish our home at this one-month checkpoint.
For context, we don't have a specific aesthetic in mind; instead, it’s more of a personalized mix that reflects both our styles while still complementing each other. Oak wood pairs with futuristic white metal and fiberglass, and vibrant primary colors are balanced by clean neutrals. Additionally, stainless steel is one of my favorite materials, especially in the kitchen, so I've acquired as many bowls, appliances, and cups as my credit card can handle.
Below, check out the 29 items I’m adding to my kitchen, living room, bathroom, and bedroom in L.A. In some areas, I’m economizing, gathering pieces from H&M Home, Zara Home, and IKEA, while in others, I’m making long-term investments like a USM console from Design Within Reach, a Nordic Knots area rug, and an Eames Elliptical Table.
**Bedroom**
**Quince Organic Crisp Percale Duvet Cover Set in White**
We’ve tried various bedding colors, from soft gray to bright pink, and ultimately found that white is the best option because it can be bleached. While I know Quince’s European Linen bedding is popular, I personally prefer a percale set; it’s much cooler, and as someone who sleeps hot, that’s important. Plus, it has over 1500 reviews.
**Zara Home Wooden Bed Frame**
Purchasing a new bed frame can be daunting. In New York, we had a basic metal frame that served its purpose but lacked style. After moving here and upgrading to a king-sized mattress, I wanted to invest in a quality bed. Initially, I thought about using Facebook Marketplace, but transporting something that large proved impossible with only a sedan and a moped. So, Zara Home it is!
**Article Torme 70-Inch Desk**
Yes, my desk will be in my bedroom, which may not be ideal for feng shui, but that's how things turned out. I appreciate its minimalist design; I certainly don't want the desk to dominate the room, and it still offers ample space for my monitor, sticky notes, and stacks of magazines I keep for inspiration.
**Zara Home Office Chair with Wheels**
While I should probably choose a more ergonomic office chair, aesthetics are also important. Since my desk is in my bedroom, I want it to match the overall decor.
I have long coveted a large Nordic Knots rug for my bedroom to provide a cozy spot for my cold feet that isn’t carpet. This particular color is beautifully rich and moody, two descriptors I’d love for my bedroom.
**Wayfair George Oliver Retrovie 5-Drawer Dresser**
We have a substantial existing closet, but with my extensive wardrobe and the fact that I don't live alone, I'm in search of a dresser for extra storage. This one is on sale, features a minimalist design, and will be easy to put together.
**Kitchen**
**Nambé Billow Set of 4 Appetizer Plates**
Moving allowed us to finally replace all the mismatched dish sets we’d accumulated over the years. We opted for wooden plates and bowls, and I love the natural aesthetic.
**Zara Home Waffle Kitchen Towel**
I believe that kitchen towels should be replaced regularly because they collect too much dirt and grime to last indefinitely, even with proper washing.
**H&M Stainless Steel Cup and Saucer**
These cups are very affordable yet look upscale. I just ordered four; follow me on Instagram to see if they become staples in my home.
**Fellow Stagg EKG Electric Pour Over Kettle**
I had a black electric kettle in New York, but it didn’t make the move. Now that I have a brighter kitchen, I wanted to keep it that way, so I chose this white-and-wood option. It’s just as fantastic as people say, especially for someone like me who enjoys a cup of chamomile tea at night.
This could fit seamlessly into any room given the many styling options on TikTok. I’ve seen it used as a TV console, an entryway storage piece, or even a kitchen island when several are placed together topped
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How I’m Equipping My New Home in L.A. as Someone Who Previously Lived in a Small Apartment in NYC
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