In this edition of Real Cool People, Real Cool Apartments, check out the Upper West Side apartment of Man Repeller community member Patricia Voto. Our intentions behind the creeping: to learn what she’s all about. As with clothes, the way you decorate a room expresses your personality. In its most ideal form, it signals to guests how you interpret yourself. Take a peek into her home and brain, then meet her in the comments below.
Neighborhood, # of rooms:
Upper West Side, lofted studio
What do you do?
I work for a store design firm. I manage our design development and handle client acquisition. Prior to this, I oversaw the design teams for Brock Collection, Rosie Assoulin and Altuzarra.
How long have you lived here?
A little over two years.
Who do you live with, animals included?
It’s just me and my pup, Lady. Lady is a schnoodle I adopted from Rescue Dogs Rock.
What do you like about the neighborhood?
It’s a good mix of residential and commercial conveniences — plus I’m a block away from Central Park and the subway. You really can’t beat it!
What’s your favorite thing about your home?
It’s a tie between the 14-foot high ceilings and my big window. Above the window, there’s a beautiful stained glass panel still intact, and the amount of lighting is something to cherish in NYC. High walls make a tiny space feel grand. It’s the first studio where I’ve been able to have friends over without them having to look at my bed!
Do you ever work from home and if so, what’s that like? Is it important to you to have a dedicated work space or do you work from bed/the couch?
I work all the time. We work with many international clients and most of our factories are based overseas. I often have breakfast and dinner in front of my computer while answering emails or reviewing drawings. My apartment is tiny, so every space is maximized — my desk is also my ladder to my bed and my vanity for morning or evening beauty prep.
What did you think about when decorating? What was the process like?
When I moved into the apartment, I already had many of the pieces from previous places. I love mixed metals and wood, so it’s been about finding pieces that complement each other but also make their own individual statement. The ladder was custom built by my friend Vanessa Leung. She’s incredibly talented, so when I explained to her what I wanted she got it right away. The gallery wall was an add-as-I-go situation, too. Most of my art and objects are things I purchased while traveling, but some I made myself or received as gifts (there’s a drawing of me that Joseph Altuzarra drew as a present when I left the company after six years).
Did you have an overall vision in mind when you started decorating?
I’m a maximalist, so it’s really just about finding things that speak to me — usually without much consideration for what I already have. Thankfully, it always ends up working out. I “layer” a lot when I decorate. I love texture and color along with hints of whimsy and traditional handicrafts. There’s just stuff everywhere! My latest addition is the LoLoLucky Cat my friend Lauren made. It’s meant to wave in good luck!
How does the way you decorated your apartment reflect your routines?
Before bed, I usually throw on a mask and light a candle. It helps me wind down before climbing up the ladder. My apartment is filled with candles of all different scents. Right now Byredo’s Bibliotheque and Otherland’s Kindling are tied for my favorite scent.
Do you have any “rules” in the home?
Just no food on the couch! Since it’s white. Otherwise, you can do your thing!
Photos by Heidi’s Bridge. Follow Patricia on Instagram @pattyannvoto.
