An Urban Sanctuary Merging Indoors and Out
When picturing Brooklyn, New York, a calm, nature-infused retreat might not be the first thing that comes to mind. Yet, that's exactly what Julia Kropovinska and Artem Kropovinsky – the Ukrainian founders of interior design studio Arsight – have created in their vibrant, airy home.
Its origin story uncovers a rare gem. Located in a quiet pocket of Brooklyn, an area with “a cosy neighbourhood atmosphere”, the 46sqm/500sqft rental apartment is on the top floor of a 1920s townhouse. On first viewing, the designers felt that the home had potential, but it was the spacious balcony that made it too good to pass up. And now, as they had envisioned, it is an essential part of their home. “We enjoy the balcony throughout the year. Even when it rains, we are here under the umbrellas enjoying a coffee. Our balcony seamlessly blends urban living with nature,” Kropovinska explains.
A Thoughtful Approach to a Rental Apartment
For some, living in a rented space can feel a bit like being in limbo – design wise, at least; in many cases the lease restricts you from making any significant changes, while in others you simply don't want to invest, knowing you'll need to eventually leave them behind. According to Kropovinska, a home must be able to evolve: “The biggest challenge when renting is knowing that it is temporary. The goal is to create a versatile environment – one that can easily adapt to a new space”.
For the designers – as with most renters – major structural changes were off the table. Instead, the focus was on what they could do: refreshing the walls and ceilings with bright white paint and installing shelves (that can one day move with them) for added function and display. Beyond that, they concentrated on refining the layout with thoughtful furniture placement. By reversing the living and dining areas, they reimagined the way the space is experienced. This created room for an extendable solid oak dining table, which serves as extra surface area for kitchen prep, a work-from-home office, and a generous gathering spot for up to 14 friends. An impressive guest capacity for a small space.
Kropovinska and Kropovinsky echoed this approach in the bedroom as well, which they transformed with a few simple changes. Opting for better storage, the designers replaced the original small wardrobe with a larger, more functional one. They repositioned the bed against the wall, facing the wide space between the windows – an ideal spot for a projector. These two key adjustments turned the bedroom into both a tranquil retreat and a home cinema.
Designing with Flexibility and Nature in Mind
Texture often has a story to tell. Guided by a love for nature, minimalism, and tactile surfaces, the designers curated their home with an emphasis on warmth and materiality. “Our most cherished item in our apartment is the piece of driftwood that we found in upstate New York. Its unique shape, entirely crafted by nature, encapsulates the overall feel of this apartment,” Kropovinsky shares.
Warmth and softness is infused through the space with furnishings such as layered off-white area rugs over the tiled floors and flowing linen curtains in place of the rigid vertical blinds. Similarly, they diffused the overall atmosphere with the lighting by adding gel filters to the lamps. This thoughtful approach extended to the kitchen, where a small edit highlighted their love for natural materials. Some cabinet doors were removed to expose the wood grain behind, showcasing their curated collection of ceramics. “We also wanted to store items in an open space, to fill the apartment with the things we love,” Kropovinska adds. Together, these details create a sense of warmth and earthy cosiness throughout the space.
Transforming a Rental into a Personal Sanctuary
For Kropovinska and Kropovinsky, creating a home means balancing flexibility, function, and beauty. The ability to personalise and adapt the apartment to their evolving needs was central to their approach. By incorporating natural materials, warm textures, and multifunctional furniture, they have created a home that is not only aesthetically refined but also deeply connected to their lifestyle. Even in a rental, their thoughtful design decisions demonstrate that small spaces can be elevated with creativity, intentionality, and an emphasis on adaptability – turning a temporary apartment into a truly personal home.
