This Publicist Spent $9,000 to Furnish Her Upper East Side Studio Apartment
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Photos: Tyra Blackwater. Portrait: Valine Brana.
Maya McHenry’s affinity for interiors started with her mom, having watched how she could style an eclectic assortment of vintage goods in one space with ease and intention over the decades. “I grew up in Los Angeles, spending hours with my mom in places like Anthropologie, Restoration Hardware, and antique shops,” the New York City–based publicist tells AD over Zoom.
McHenry will never forget the first time she heard her mom use the words “shabby chic” to describe her design ethos. So when it was time to move into her second rental apartment in 2022, the millennial put “shabby chic” into full throttle—but, of course, making it her own by blending it with a slew of other styles. The 300-square-foot studio is McHenry’s take on extremely maximalist yet organized chaos, contrasting from the quintessential quiet that hushes over the Upper East Side.
With high ceilings and tons of storage opportunities, McHenry takes full advantage of the space (which costs her $2,400 per month). Every cranny is decorated with statement-baring tchotchkes and second-hand finds that all hold a special meaning or an interesting story. The current state of her home falls under what she describes as a “quirky, Art Deco” umbrella, featuring mix-match printed carpets, a kitschy array of disco balls and neon signage, and her ever-growing collection of checkered coasters (she swears she has “at least a hundred”). McHenry’s home also relies on “tomboyish and childlike” cues, as seen with her KAWS collectibles and streetwear-inspired coffee table reads.
With a free-reigning timeline and no specific budget, McHenry’s only priority was ensuring the space looked and felt authentically hers. “Just like what people say when you’re dating someone, I’m the only person whose opinion should matter,” she says. “It’s my apartment. I’m the one who has to live and sleep in it. So I’m the one who has to love it—and I do.”
Below, McHenry discusses the inspiration behind her “shabby chic” abode, her favorite splurge items, and design tips on mastering controlled maximalism.
Architectural Digest: What was the vision for the space?
Maya McHenry: The move was abrupt, so I didn’t have too much time to decide how to decorate it. After I moved in and got situated, I started curating the space a few months later. To keep myself organized, I made a mood board of how I wanted it to look and feel and the stores I wanted to shop from. I prioritized what I needed the most—a couch, bed, dresser, coffee table, and stools—and then figured out the specifics afterward.
My sister, Lyric, passed away, so I knew I wanted to have pieces in her honor. I have a beautiful portrait of her right when you walk in. I also have accents of pink all around my apartment—from a pink neon sign to this fun pink checkered blanket on my couch—because the color reminds me of her.
Did you have a budget?
I did not have a budget. When I tried not to spend tons of money in the past, I used to purchase just about everything from IKEA. The danger with IKEA is that the stuff doesn’t always last, so even though the prices are good, eventually things can break down, and you have to start over again. I didn’t want that to be the case with this apartment, so I didn’t mind spending more this time because I wanted to have most of these things for years and years.
What were your biggest splurge items?
I am so the kind of person who splurges on a bunch of stuff when it comes to interior design, but I was very intentional about everything I purchased. A significant amount of money went toward the essentials, such as my bed ($237), dresser ($820), couch ($1,462), and coffee table ($420), because I didn’t want to buy a new version of these things later on.
I also splurged on items I don’t technically need but have been on my wish list forever. I purchased those things over time—my illuminating Ettore Sottsass Ultrafragola–inspired mirror, for example, was crazy expensive, but I’ve wanted it for so long because it channels my personality.
All my coffee-table books and this mirrored glass dresser from Wayfair ($820) are big splurge items. I love retailers like Urban Outfitters, but sometimes I think they can be overpriced. But my coffee table ($419) is from there—a clear glass table with a squiggly stand underneath—and I love it so much.
Other splurge items include my zigzag Missoni cushion ($281) and my yin and yang mirrored wall decor from Saks Off Fifth ($90). I also love my couch from Home Depot ($1,462)—I fall asleep on it so much because I sink into it. It’s so comfortable. It’s huge—I was worried about how it would fit, but it worked out. It’s literally perfect.
What did you save on?
The items I saved on are things that were shipped to me from my mom in Los Angeles, because she has such amazing taste and a collection of things you can’t find anywhere else. She shipped my vintage prints of Billie Holiday, Audrey Hepburn, and even an old Life magazine cover, along with some childhood photos, a few books, and vintage knobs—which I use to replace my regular door knobs, handles on dressers, and even as hooks where I can hang my jewelry and my purses on.
I have vintage Chanel items everywhere, from boxes to hangers, that my mom got from her days as a model for the brand. They don’t make these anymore, so I have them all around my apartment. I also found this white shelf on the street, which I painted pink and now use as my kitchen pantry.
Do you have any items left on your shopping list?
Four different throws go with this Missoni cushion—I’m still trying to choose which one I want, but I have my eye on one right now. I want to put it on the couch because I only have this light pink checkered throw I don’t use. I would love to purchase this Missoni throw to coordinate with the cushion.
I’m such a big kid at heart, so I always keep tabs on some more collector’s KAWS items to add to my bookshelves, even though they’re very expensive. Other things I need include more frames for the artwork my mom shipped over to me, and a new floor plant—I want to add palm or cactus to my space.
Also, I love the chunky pink wine glasses from Gustaf Westman, but they’re sadly sold out at the moment. The pink reminds me of my sister Lyric, and I’m obsessed with corky and fun cups, and this wine glass is so me!
Do you have any advice for people decorating their new space?
I suggest figuring out what you need in a space. Sometimes it can get too busy. I have been guilty of buying too many things, and then there ends up being too much going on. Don’t overdo the decor—there needs to be a balance of fun without making it cluttered.
Shop Looks Inspired by Maya McHenry’s Apartment
Velvet L-Shaped Modern Upholstered Modular Sectional Sofa
$935.00, The Home Depot
Barbie Pink Ombre Rug
$379.00, Ruggable
Andy Warhol Soup Can Magnet Set
$10.00, Amazon
Virgil Abloh. Nike. ICONS Coffee Table Book
$80.00, MoMA Design Store
Ettore Sottsass Ultrafragola Mirror
$8169.00, 1st Dibs
FRIGIDAIRE Retro Refrigerator
$450.00, Amazon
Dusen Dusen Everybody Kitchen Timer
$48.00, Good Friend
Gold Rose Hooks
$12.00, Amazon
Cushioned Toadstool Chair
$60.00, Amazon
Kaws Family "2022" figure set
$1418.00, Farfetch
Checkered Coasters
$17.5.00, Etsy
Nicholas Brothers Jumping Jive Print
$10.00, Etsy
This story is a part of Room Receipts, a series where we get real about the costs behind one well-designed room. From big budget spenders to thrifty thinkers, we’re talking to people from different worlds about their worth-it splurges, budget hacks, and purchase regrets. We’re always on the hunt for cool homes with a unique story, so if you’re interested in being featured tell us more about your space here.
Originally Appeared on Architectural Digest
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