“I would describe my space as chic, cozy, and complete,” New York City-based events and production manager Sunny Dae tells Refinery29 in our latest episode of Sweet Digs. “I really love natural elements [like] different kinds of wood and marble,” she explains. “I’m an earth sign, a Virgo, so I think furniture that feels really grounding is pretty reflective of my personality.”
However, lest you think Dae’s penchant for all things cozy and chic veers into stoic minimalism, think again: Plenty of rich textures and rustic accents make her space thoroughly plush and one-of-a-kind. “You’ll find lots of mixed woods, cane, rattan, jute, and handwoven textiles and stone, but then I complement it with some modern touches, like lucite, which I really love,” she explains. “I think it’s really chic, but also helps to open up the space and feels a bit more cool and modern than glass.” When juxtaposed with brass-accented nightstands, the effect isn’t shabby-chic, but just plain chic — period.
“While my overall color palette is pretty neutral, I do lean into lots of knick-knacks and decor to help add personality to the space.”
sunny dae
While NYC apartments are notoriously compact, Dae truly makes the most of her $2600-a-month, one-bedroom abode, which includes a spacious (by Brooklyn standards) private outdoor patio. (But green thumb, she is not: “Fun fact, only one of the plants in my apartment is real. I’m not a plant mami, but I do love to keep fresh flowers in the house and I get new flowers every week.”)
“While my overall color palette is pretty neutral, I do lean into lots of knick-knacks and decor to help add personality to the space,” Dae adds. Other accents, like plenty of exposed brick and a vanity fireplace, add to an industrial yet elevated vibe that is quintessentially Brooklyn. “My coffee table books explore the diaspora, so like, fashion, art, and interior design. And I really try to lean into artists who either center Black women, or that are Black women.”
While Dae makes a convincing case for investment pieces — like a $2,000 plush couch from Article and a matching bookshelf and desk from CB2 — she’s not above more thrifty finds, either. (See: A $200 baroque-style mirror that opens up the living area.) Other items, like color-coordinated bedding and kitchenware, can easily be sourced from a variety of brands high and low for a cohesive aesthetic. Shop select items inspired by her space and watch the full episode of Sweet Digs on TikTok, below.
@refinery29 Do you think this Brooklyn brownstone apartment is worth the price? #SweetDigs #apartmenttour #interiordesign ♬ original sound – Refinery29
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy or click on something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
This Week’s Best Amazon Home Goods Deals
The Best Presidents’ Day Home Sales Have Arrived
