Add Charm to a Charmless Space: Apartment Friendly + No Reno

Тәжірибелік нұсқаулар және стиль

This video is a subscriber request :D Maybe you live in a minimal cookie cutter apartment or condo and you're tired of looking around feeling uninspired by your home. Perhaps you live in a builder grade house that you want to charm up and personality to; however, you can't figure out how without big changes or renovations. In this week’s episode I’m going to show you how to decorate your eclectic home like a pro interior designer without major renovations.
In this week's episode we're getting into how you can add charm to your apartment/condo our home focused purely on paint, furnishings and some novice DIY friendly changes.
*If you’re inspired by these images, you can find all of them on my Pinterest account.*
pin.it/51HilvKYw
Hope you’ve had a great week!! Sending you so much love from NYC.
XOCD
FOUNDATIONS OF CREATIVITY PLAYLIST
• Foundations Of Creativ...
ABOUT ME:
Hey I'm Christina DiStefano! I am sort of a jack-of-all-trades: artist, sales director for a top NYC real estate development company, certified life coach, yoga instructor, Reiki practitioner, artist (I'm a painter), businesswoman--and now I'm taking on Interior Design via a certification (I'm starting an Interior Design firm in 2024 lovingly called Casa Serenità Interiors). Oh and did I mention I'm leading the renovation of our country home (inside and out)?!
I believe that home is a sacred place that we nurture, and in return, it nurtures us. That being said, my design process is focused on creating a sanctuary, a place of serenity that truly feels like home.
Questions? DM me on Instagram
@christinadistefanostudio
* If you want to share your home, design projects, inspiration, ideas to be used on an episode, or would like to collaborate, then feel free to contact me at the email below. I’d love to share your ideas with the community 🤍
Email me at:
Christina@casaserenita.com
Please note that due to email volume, there may be a delay in getting back to you.

Пікірлер: 72

  • @mayeighteen2812
    @mayeighteen28124 ай бұрын

    Aww you literally made the video we suggested! I appreciate that a lot and it really helps 😊❤️ I live in Singapore so it’s mostly ultra modern high rise apartments. And it’s a tropical island, so sadly a beautiful faux fireplace will never make sense here. But YES to mixing vintage and contemporary! Btw, congrats on almost reaching 5000 subscribers! That’s quick but very well deserved 💕

  • @ChristinaDiStefanoStudio

    @ChristinaDiStefanoStudio

    4 ай бұрын

    Oh yeah! I understand about the fireplace-just not feasible 😂 …and thanks babe for the luv 😘❤️🤗

  • @ChristinaDiStefanoStudio

    @ChristinaDiStefanoStudio

    4 ай бұрын

    And yes!! It was so good to make the video-you reminded me of all those apartments I lived in. I always made it into an inviting and home. I kind of forgot about that!

  • @tobeytravels893
    @tobeytravels8934 ай бұрын

    When a former colleague moved into a very sterile apartment, she used warm wood furniture, old Persian rugs and paint to do exactly what you’re recommending here. She created a comfortable, carefully curated home that belied the plain walls. That was 20+ years ago. To this day, her home is a favorite of mine.

  • @ChristinaDiStefanoStudio

    @ChristinaDiStefanoStudio

    4 ай бұрын

    Tobey that sounds gorgeous! I can see it and I like it. Love all the warmth you’re describing. It’s not even about money. It’s that sensitivity to the space that makes us capable understanding how we want it to feel, then building it into life.

  • @Androgynary
    @Androgynary4 ай бұрын

    Perhaps in a separate video, can you expand on the point of considering your exterior environment to inform your interior decisions? Like where is the line before a space becomes too “theme-y”? How does one incorporate older items in a way that doesn’t feel like a historical recreation (especially for those that prefer vintage/antique styles)?

  • @ChristinaDiStefanoStudio

    @ChristinaDiStefanoStudio

    4 ай бұрын

    Yes I got it and good suggestion. So you have some understanding now, I’d say mixing in other elements from different periods, specifically modern/contemporary. I’m not sure your reference style but for example: say you adore a rustic mountain cabin but live in a skyscraper in the city, you can infuse rustic pieces into the fold, but balance it with maybe a neutral natural fabric sofa and a minimal rug. It’s a bit like combing the opposing/complimentary pieces of that carry the energy of area where you live with the rustic pieces that are so you. Hope that helps! Until then…

  • @emilysha418

    @emilysha418

    3 ай бұрын

    +1 for this idea. I'm moving from a charming old apartment in Cambridge, MA to a new builder basic 4-over-1 in the midwest.

  • @ChristinaDiStefanoStudio

    @ChristinaDiStefanoStudio

    3 ай бұрын

    Alight! Sounds like a plan!!

  • @guestleona8808
    @guestleona88084 ай бұрын

    Just love your creativity and how something simple can be changed with a little creative thinking of decor❤️

  • @ChristinaDiStefanoStudio

    @ChristinaDiStefanoStudio

    4 ай бұрын

    Exactly!!! I really appreciate you saying this--lots of warm fuzzies over here. Thank you so much babe! 😊

  • @geoffsmiley8252
    @geoffsmiley82524 ай бұрын

    Love your voiceover voice, it's very calming 😊

  • @ChristinaDiStefanoStudio

    @ChristinaDiStefanoStudio

    4 ай бұрын

    Awww thank you! 🤗

  • @kathlenewang539
    @kathlenewang5393 ай бұрын

    I'm so tickled that I found your channel Christina. I have such a modern home and miss the details of a more cottage style home. The idea of bringing in a mantel to add some romantic lines into this rectilinear, modern home makes my heart sing. I'm so excited to start looking for one. EEEE! Thank you!!!

  • @ChristinaDiStefanoStudio

    @ChristinaDiStefanoStudio

    3 ай бұрын

    Yeahhhhhh!!!!! 💖 I’m excited for you!! You’re looking for ways to add romance to a modern space? I can add this to a video for you.

  • @Shiryone
    @Shiryone4 ай бұрын

    We moved into our newly built home last September. I had some "character" pieces, but I've been vintage shopping to borrow some history and depth from other people's old possessions. It's a fun, on-going journey. The secret sauce for the cinnamon bun. :-) Great music, BTW.

  • @ChristinaDiStefanoStudio

    @ChristinaDiStefanoStudio

    4 ай бұрын

    YOU are the secret sauce Shiryone. Never forget it! :D

  • @LenaMMcKee
    @LenaMMcKeeАй бұрын

    Such good content and education Miss thang ❤

  • @ChristinaDiStefanoStudio

    @ChristinaDiStefanoStudio

    Ай бұрын

    Why thank you, Lena 🤗❤️

  • @lauramiquelon208
    @lauramiquelon2084 ай бұрын

    Christina… I am loving your ideas!!! You make me excited to jump in and change things up!!! Also your pictures are super helpful and interesting. Thank you for sharing!!! I always look forward to your videos!!! Now I’m think about cinnamon rolls 😂

  • @ChristinaDiStefanoStudio

    @ChristinaDiStefanoStudio

    4 ай бұрын

    Yay! Thank you Laura--you are so sweet!!! I'm happy you're getting excited to jump in :D

  • @cindiblazer8621
    @cindiblazer86214 ай бұрын

    Another helpful informative video. You go girl. We're leaving for Hilton head Sunday, I plan on looking in the antique, junk stores to see what I can find

  • @ChristinaDiStefanoStudio

    @ChristinaDiStefanoStudio

    4 ай бұрын

    Oh amazing!!! What a lovely location to poke around on a vintage hunt! Now you’ve got me wanting to go out looking. Much nicer weather for you though-it’s so cold here in NY. Spring is so close!! Have a great time Cindi 😘 Happy hunting!

  • @MyGoldendoodleDiary
    @MyGoldendoodleDiary4 ай бұрын

    Wonderful, Christina :) It's Zen and the Art of Interior Design! Deep insights yet fully accessible tips - thank you. Home can be anywhere we decide to create a home. The ultimate 'secret sauce' (one of my hubby's favourite terms, too) is infusing your home space with your best self through the care you put into it. Spending time deliberately contemplating and lovingly putting together the evolving artwork that is your home puts you in that flow zone and in touch with its essence (it whispers prompts to you about what it wants you to do on it). Even if all you do is move a piece of artwork into just the right spot. Your home 'thanks’ you for your attention, and you can hang out together within it like a couple of besties enjoying each others' company. This leaves a feeling, an energy, that pulls every other detail together and 'just feels good' to you, your family and your guests. A cared-for, well-curated home develops not only its own character (and therefore charm) but its own distinct soul.

  • @ChristinaDiStefanoStudio

    @ChristinaDiStefanoStudio

    4 ай бұрын

    Joanna this is so lovely. Every point here makes my heart sing 🥰 We are 100% on the same wavelength with “infusing our homes with our best self “ 🤍 You get it. A house does develop a soul. I suppose it’s a bit like that line in the children’s book, The Velveteen Rabbit: “Real isn't how you are made," said the Skin Horse. "It's a thing that happens to you. When a child loves you for a long, long time, not just to play with, but REALLY loves you, then you become real." It’s the same for making a house into a home ❤️ Thank you again Joanna for your lovely comment.

  • @carolforbes22
    @carolforbes224 ай бұрын

    I love everything about your approach to design! Can't wait for the next video....

  • @ChristinaDiStefanoStudio

    @ChristinaDiStefanoStudio

    4 ай бұрын

    Thank you Carol 😘 until next Sunday-have a great week!

  • @CheyenneShining
    @CheyenneShining4 ай бұрын

    This video was wonderful! Thank you so much for your thoughts and for including your Pinterest board! I really enjoyed watching, thanks again!🤍🙏🤍

  • @ChristinaDiStefanoStudio

    @ChristinaDiStefanoStudio

    4 ай бұрын

    Hi Cheyenne! Thank you so much babe-and thank you for being here. Yes I’m going to do that moving forward for each one 😘

  • @Eveyjim10
    @Eveyjim104 ай бұрын

    Hi 👋! You are so informative. Your Explanations and suggestions in making your space feel like yours and the pictures to follow are on point. 👍🏼 Love love videos.

  • @ChristinaDiStefanoStudio

    @ChristinaDiStefanoStudio

    4 ай бұрын

    Aww thank you lovely Evelyn! I'm glad I make sense. My mind is very out of the box and so I love finding new ways to communicate what I see. I just want you to be able to create a space you love. We should be taught this in school because our homes are so important to our mental health and overall health. So good seeing you again babe xxoxoxoxocd

  • @karenh.9180
    @karenh.91804 ай бұрын

    Love the emphasis on mixing contemporary with vintage pieces. Also your point about lamps in a room. Lighting with lamps create a wonderful ambiance in a room. Thanks Christina. Xx

  • @ChristinaDiStefanoStudio

    @ChristinaDiStefanoStudio

    4 ай бұрын

    Hi Karen 🤗 Yes exactly!!! I am really into clean minimal black line lamps paired with vintage and rustic pieces. Such a fresh combo!

  • @janemandelson6397
    @janemandelson63973 ай бұрын

    Very informative thank you, the examples were all beautifully designed, very inspirational

  • @ChristinaDiStefanoStudio

    @ChristinaDiStefanoStudio

    3 ай бұрын

    You’re so welcome Jane. I love to inspire you all!!

  • @jennifersamatallee3403
    @jennifersamatallee34034 ай бұрын

    Another home run. 💞🙌 Love watching you kill it - while being 100% YOU!

  • @ChristinaDiStefanoStudio

    @ChristinaDiStefanoStudio

    4 ай бұрын

    🤗Thank you so much Jennifer!!! Appreciate you being here and supporting. So glad you enjoyed the video 😘

  • @lf9341
    @lf93412 ай бұрын

    Yes, see you tomorrow lol. Decisions decisions. :)

  • @ChristinaDiStefanoStudio

    @ChristinaDiStefanoStudio

    2 ай бұрын

    Always a work in progress right, luv?! 😘 PS had to edit a typo “work in process” which is also fitting!!!

  • @sandrataylor4291
    @sandrataylor42913 ай бұрын

    Great ideas and visuals! Your focus on the intuitive aspect is just what I am looking for.

  • @ChristinaDiStefanoStudio

    @ChristinaDiStefanoStudio

    3 ай бұрын

    Oh good Sandra--well a lot of that coming up for sure! I'm a big believer that if we follow our intuition we will be guided to the right place.

  • @rsnj4501
    @rsnj45014 ай бұрын

    Your videos are informative and fun to watch ❤

  • @ChristinaDiStefanoStudio

    @ChristinaDiStefanoStudio

    4 ай бұрын

    Yeah! Learning is important but having fun along the way is so much better 🤍 Happy I can bring that to you.

  • @michdancer13
    @michdancer134 ай бұрын

    Love encouragement on mixing styles. I am doing it from the other perspective. We have a 1930 Dutch colonial revival home with lovely character. I'm in the process (will take a couple years lol) of remodeling/redecorating and I'm bringng a little modern/MCM into my character house. Loving your channel.

  • @ChristinaDiStefanoStudio

    @ChristinaDiStefanoStudio

    4 ай бұрын

    That is going to look amazing! Love that combo-it’s is so perfect. Keep me posted on how it goes. I’d love to see!

  • @michdancer13

    @michdancer13

    4 ай бұрын

    When the dining room has its finishing touches I'll upload some pics!

  • @ChristinaDiStefanoStudio

    @ChristinaDiStefanoStudio

    4 ай бұрын

    @@michdancer13 Yes please do!

  • @rebloom6279
    @rebloom62794 ай бұрын

    This was so helpful and inspiring thank you!

  • @ChristinaDiStefanoStudio

    @ChristinaDiStefanoStudio

    4 ай бұрын

    You’re welcome! Happy you enjoyed it 🤗

  • @everydaybeans
    @everydaybeans4 ай бұрын

    love this one!!

  • @ChristinaDiStefanoStudio

    @ChristinaDiStefanoStudio

    4 ай бұрын

    Thank you babe 🤗😘😘🤗

  • @norawhelan-mackey910
    @norawhelan-mackey9104 ай бұрын

    Love this video as always Christina!

  • @ChristinaDiStefanoStudio

    @ChristinaDiStefanoStudio

    4 ай бұрын

    Thank you Nora 🤗

  • @marymogckmishmashmary
    @marymogckmishmashmary4 ай бұрын

    You always have such great tips. Thanks for sharing.❣️

  • @ChristinaDiStefanoStudio

    @ChristinaDiStefanoStudio

    4 ай бұрын

    Awww thanks Mary 😘 Happy these tips spoke to you!

  • @tamarawilson9339
    @tamarawilson93394 ай бұрын

    Thank you for taking time to make your videos. You are so genuine and I love your ideas.

  • @ChristinaDiStefanoStudio

    @ChristinaDiStefanoStudio

    4 ай бұрын

    Awwww Tamera thank you babe!!! I needed this right now ❤️

  • @saphire2214
    @saphire22144 ай бұрын

    This is so helpful. More of this please and thanks!

  • @ChristinaDiStefanoStudio

    @ChristinaDiStefanoStudio

    4 ай бұрын

    You got it babe! I realize there's so much to say here so definitely stay tuned for chapter 2 ;)

  • @teri-joscott8279
    @teri-joscott82794 ай бұрын

    Thank you so much! I am slways learning with your videos! I love your approach to design. Great content!

  • @ChristinaDiStefanoStudio

    @ChristinaDiStefanoStudio

    4 ай бұрын

    Thank you Terri 🤗 Appreciate you letting me know and I’m so happy you’re learning!

  • @hudsonboycandleco.8317
    @hudsonboycandleco.83174 ай бұрын

    Hi Christina! These are great suggestions! I love the idea of mixing vintage with modern. I find I get trapped when I look at furniture in West Elm, RH, etc. because everything is so sleek.

  • @ChristinaDiStefanoStudio

    @ChristinaDiStefanoStudio

    4 ай бұрын

    Hi Nicole! I have a few go-to pieces that I use for mixing in the modern with the old and if you look closely you'll see that I love a sleek, thin line, minimal black lamp! I suppose I never made the connection until this video. I like a little sleek here and there to make it current, and like you, I feel trapped at the thought of sticking to one style!! I feel the same about clothing haha--but you see, this is how we make trends rather than following them :D

  • @ChristinaDiStefanoStudio
    @ChristinaDiStefanoStudio4 ай бұрын

    **Hi lovelies!!! If you’re inspired by these images, you can find all of them on my Pinterest account. Link to the board below** pin.it/51HilvKYw

  • @bbute2724
    @bbute27244 ай бұрын

    Could you do a video on how to draw inspiration from styles that don't match your location or house type without it seeming like a theme? E.g. living in a cold climate but drawing inspiration from something like Spanish style design?

  • @ChristinaDiStefanoStudio

    @ChristinaDiStefanoStudio

    4 ай бұрын

    Oh yes for sure! You’d like me to show how to combine the two? For example the colder weather climate with Spanish style-like which elements to infuse? Good suggestion 🤗

  • @bbute2724

    @bbute2724

    3 ай бұрын

    @@ChristinaDiStefanoStudio yes please! like how to take a style that's incongruent with where you live, and incorporate elements of it or the feel of it without it feeling theme-y.

  • @ChristinaDiStefanoStudio

    @ChristinaDiStefanoStudio

    3 ай бұрын

    @@bbute2724 You got it!!

  • @emilysha418
    @emilysha4183 ай бұрын

    Thanks! So helpful. Moving into a "blank canvas" and am mostly stuck at home with chronic illness and want it to feel warm. P.S. Random, but do you have rhe same editor as Caroline Winkler?

  • @ChristinaDiStefanoStudio

    @ChristinaDiStefanoStudio

    3 ай бұрын

    Yes definitely need that nurturing feeling from your home. Like a big hug 🤗 Let me know how it goes or if there are specifics you’d like more info on so I can include it. I’ll be making more videos like this, so more ideas coming soon. I edit all the videos 🤗 but flattered! I like her video style.

  • @sparklesparkle8
    @sparklesparkle84 ай бұрын

    Thank you for this video Christina, my apartment is empty and I need help. If anybody here wants to help me decorate my apartment, just reply please 💜🙏🏻

  • @ChristinaDiStefanoStudio

    @ChristinaDiStefanoStudio

    4 ай бұрын

    Hi babe. What’s going on in your space? What’s got you stumped?

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