A New Yorker transformed her childhood home into the chic apartment of her dreams

Samantha GrindellJul 23, 2022, 18:51 IST

Insider spoke to Hattie Kolp, who renovated the apartment she grew up in.Hattie Kolp

Hattie Kolp grew up in a two-bedroom apartment on the Upper West Side of New York City.
In 2018, she took over her parents' lease, and she's been renovating the apartment ever since.

Hattie Kolp grew up in an apartment on the Upper West Side of New York City.

Hattie Kolp in her apartment.Hattie Kolp

Kolp moved into the apartment full-time in 2018.

The living room of Kolp's apartment.Hattie Kolp

When Kolp moved into the apartment, she decided to start making changes to the space.

The changes evolved over time.Hattie Kolp

But when she moved into the apartment in the summer of 2018 and was faced with a completely empty space, Kolp realized she wanted to make the place her own.

The apartment had plaster-covered pocket doors.Hattie Kolp

By opening the doors, Kolp completely revamped the space.

Kolp opened up the living room.Hattie Kolp

Kolp wanted to infuse her taste in the space while honoring the architectural integrity of the apartment.

She used the space as inspiration for the design.Hattie Kolp

Kolp's apartment has neutral bases with pops of color that give it a traditional, chic feel.

The apartment has Parisian and traditional-inspired decor.Hattie Kolp

Kolp completely transformed her childhood bedroom when she moved into the apartment.

Hattie Kolp's childhood bedroom.Hattie Kolp

Kolp turned the formerly purple room into a stylish library.

The bedroom is now a library.Hattie Kolp

Kolp used contrast to make her bedroom pop.

The primary bedroom.Hattie Kolp

The kitchen didn't have much storage when Kolp took over the lease.

The kitchen before the renovations.Hattie Kolp

Additional storage made the kitchen cuter and more functional.

Kolp added storage.Hattie Kolp

The apartment also has a butler's pantry, which is hard to find in modern New York apartments.

The pantry adds a lot of storage.Hattie Kolp

Kolp made the space chic by embracing the dark hues.

Kolp brought in a bold color.Hattie Kolp

As the big changes came together, Kolp started focusing on the small details that give her home character.

Every inch of the home was thoughtfully designed.Hattie Kolp

Kolp's parents love the changes she's made to the apartment, too.

Kolp's parents like the new and improved apartment.Hattie Kolp

Kolp said she's learned it's important to be OK with making mistakes when working on a renovation project.

The process of renovating has been fun for Kolp.Hattie Kolp

For Kolp, renovating the apartment she was raised in has felt like an opportunity to show how grateful she is for her life.

Hattie Kolp says the apartment is her "forever home."Hattie Kolp

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