When Katie Thurston moved into a new apartment in New York City and tapped Havenly for design help, she gave Neha Kaimal every designer’s dream: a completely blank slate.

“Katie was entering an exciting new chapter — she had just moved into a new apartment, was newly married, and had recently welcomed a new puppy,” says Neha. “Since the apartment was a total blank canvas, it was the perfect opportunity to design something meaningful and personal from the ground up.”

Using Katie herself as an inspiration, Neha and the Bachelor alum set out to create a space that felt quintessentially her: playful, confident, layered, and full of personality. “She wanted a space that felt cozy yet stylish, with a bold, creative edge — something she could share comfortably with her husband Jeff and pup, while still feeling like her.”

Ahead, see how the duo designed Katie’s dream apartment, mixing form and function alongside masculine and feminine influences.

Laying the Foundation

Image credit: Katie Thurston

To set a foundation for the design direction, Neha and Katie decided on mid-century modern as the base style, incorporating rich walnut tones, pops of olive and rust, and clean silhouettes. From there, they layered in feminine touches — like a playful pink table lamp and sculptural details — to make it feel “personal and fun,” adds Neha. 

This approach “allowed for fun colors and mixes of both our styles,” Katie told Apartment Therapy. “I got to incorporate some soft touches, like pink velvet lamps and creamy fabrics, while also intertwining Jeff’s style with bold colors, like our green couch and mustard keyboard.”

Adding Functionality

Image credit: Katie Thurston

Given the limited footprint, it was vitally important to balance form and function throughout the space. In addition to opting for a washable, pup-friendly rug, Neha fashioned a cozy, banquette-style nook to add a second seating area and proper dining setup for the couple.

She also utilized dual-function pieces, like the sofa table. “It serves as a divider from our living room and dining room, but it’s also a place to set drinks while sitting on the couch. Or, you can pull a chair from the dining room, and it’s now a desk,” notes Katie.

Getting Personal

Image credit: Katie Thurston

Image credit: Katie Thurston

To make the apartment feel like home, Neha and Katie carved out space for fun decorative pieces and personal mementos — as well as designated drop zones for daily essentials. “It’s important to be realistic about so-called ‘clutter’ in a small space,” explains Neha. “The entryway table and shelving unit serve as landing spaces for keys, sunglasses, and the like while on the go — in addition to beautiful decorative items, of course.”

Coming Home

Image credit: Katie Thurston

Now, the finished apartment is practically unrecognizable from the cold, blank space that Katie started with. “The space feels so layered, expressive, and totally Katie,” says Neha. “It’s colorful but not overwhelming; cozy but uncluttered; and full of charm.”

“I’m amazed by how everything came together,” adds Katie. “From super realistic mockups to direct product links, the entire process was seamless and so fun! We customized everything based on my budget, color palette, and lifestyle needs.”

Want expert advice on your own space, straight from an interior designer? Get started today with our style quiz.