NTS Renters: Washington DC DIYers Eclectic Studio Apartment: 45sqm/490sqft

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Content creator Imani Keal of Imani at Home completely transformed her 45sqm rental studio apartment into a warm, colorful home filled with a carefully selected yet eclectic mix of second hand furniture and family heirlooms. Initially attracted to the studio's separate kitchen and dining area, Imani divided the shared living and bedroom area by painting the bedroom black and adding a stained high rail Ikea bed, which acts as a barrier between the entryway and doubles as a drying rack for laundry. The dining room is decked out in peel-and-stick wallpaper with a Scalamandre print and includes two sentimental pieces: her grandmother's china cabinet and her grandfather's cane, custom framed and displayed on the wall. She painted the kitchen pink and created a marble effect using contact paper from Amazon. The bathroom continues the wallpaper theme with two different patterns, a Scalamandre peel-and-stick print on the top half and beadboard on the bottom half, painted in a dark brown color. Having been lucky enough to make her rental feel special with the support of her landlord, Imani is helping others do the same; offering tips for rental DIY and negotiation on her blog, Imani at home.
#smallapartment #architecture #interiordesign
NTS Renters Episode 2
Renter: Imani Keale
imaniathome.com/
Produced by New Mac Video Agency
Creator: Colin Chee
Director: Nam Tran
Cinematographer: Matt Ritchie
Producer: Lindsay Barnard
Editor: Jess Ruasol
Music: Paradise (feat. Mantrick) by Yestalgia
Ticket to Ride by REPINA

[@junehulton9776]

This is fantastic....this lady has great style, design, colour,. And she lives in a rental that she has respect for... talking to your landlord and explaining how you want the create the space you call home ...a space to feel comfortable in..lived in....and she should be very proud of herself. It's a great achievement..

[@Fjord_]

Still, I am not convinced that landlords would easily agree to having their place remodeled, plus she herself admitted she (kind of) knows she will not be able to claim the deposit she put forward as guarantee for the rental.

[@junehulton9776]

@@Fjord_ maybe she knows that .... but she also said she would like to be there for the foreseeable future...I'm sure they will have some agreement. ..still good to see a small space with colour and not empty... to make it look bigger... I think the only thing I would do is get a smaller bed.. maybe similar to putting a sheer curtain around...it...keeps it separate..

[@berlinorama]

@@Fjord_ it also really depends on where you live. Here in Germany since most city-dwellers are (long-term, often life-long) renters it is normal to change the space quite a bit and most landlords have no problem as long as you don't tear down walls;-))

[@megand6233]

Yeah, this place looks so cosy and comfy and sentimental. This is one of the first places I've seen on here that I would happily live in.

[@tonytodd7403]

Probably the best Ryan’s kzbin.infoUgkxGZedDTcDfgD7fG_uU4esfx_EgxzlY2_1 Plans on building a shed is hardly ever found. And Ryan takes the mystery out of different types of foundation options, etc. He even shows how to build a shed with different designs. Very comprehensive, covering different roofing materials, siding, etc.

[@jessisoffline]

OMG we need more NTS Renters content. These spaces are stunning!!!!

[@meredithcurtisgoode3850]

Agree!

[@alittlebitofjessica]

Renters is fine, I just hope the channel doesn't turn into Apartment Therapy or Listed, where every host is like, "my style is boho with a little mid century!" and every furniture piece is from Wayfair.

[@muntongleong1755]

I echo that!

[@ryebowen]

Yes! I agree with all of this.

[@lynnstaton5732]

I so agree.

[@jbeauchan8212]

As someone who has just recently moved into a smaller apartment and loves NTS, it's been difficult to come to terms with the fact that many of the functional designs that I LOVE about the homes that NTS features are bespoke and difficult to achieve in a small space that is not your own. Loved seeing an example of how someone took a small rented space and made it livable for them. Please keep making this series!

[@LydiaHJR]

Whenever I come across these wonderful homes, I believe more and more that this kind of talent is God given. So lovely and so envious of her! Every corner has my favourite things and they amazingly match with one another. That is not at all easy to do so.

[@omowhanre]

There are no words for how stylish this place is. WOW!

[@zivabongartz479]

This apartment is beautiful. This is also an example of someone "thinking outside of the box"! It is a small space, however she made it a "home" with separate rooms within that small space. Fantastic! Modern and antique pieces, always make a home feel lived in, not a showroom. Great work. Thanks for sharing your space.

[@yvonnegrant3736]

Amazing taste ! Great decor

[@KO-D00M]

She has an amazing eye for mocing textured and pattern-clashing. This ”warm/neutral maximalism” is such a beautiful balance of displaying creativity while looking elegant enough. Ah, everything about this space is lovely! It’s all so tastefully curated and she should be proud of herself!

[@saikogrrl]

I LOVE THIS. I've been getting more into maximalism, and this is just gorgeous and personalised, without feeling cluttered, especially impressive for a studio! 👏

[@gus473]

Particularly in Washington DC! 😎✌🏼

[@lindagarrido4353]

Finally, a space that looks like a home, cozy, full of color and personality. Love it.

[@TamarLitvot]

This apartment is gorgeous. She has an incredible ability to pull together unique and diverse furnishings into a bright and inviting home.

[@DeeMontezx1]

What a unique little place that actually seems a lot bigger than it is. I'm sure she never feels lonely in such a happy place! Good job!

[@BrainyBajanBeauty]

What Imani did with her space is absolutely gorgeous and genius.

[@carathebaker]

WOW!! This lady has a GREAT sense of style. So modern, so luxurious, yet curiously homey with a traditional feeling!

[@_w_w_]

Amazing design! It looks so upscale! She really transformed the place and I think any landlord should be proud. That said, as an American, I totally understand when she said she believe her deposit is with God. US landlords, especially the corporate ones, will manufacture reasons to withhold the return of deposits.

[@gus473]

Sadly, that last part is largely true. Best case: consider it a redecorating fee and kiss it goodbye when you hand it over to the property manager. If you get anything back after you move out, consider it a bonus. ¯⁠\⁠_⁠(⁠ツ⁠)⁠_⁠/⁠¯

[@_w_w_]

@UCOBVHKPBAO9sZNoeiUl1f7A I don't know what you mean by "nice areas". I have rented/lived in the most expensive markets in the US, and usually in mid to upper scale areas, and I have NOT met a single corporate-managed landlord that doesn't attempt to withhold deposit at move out. If you know their playbook, manufacture reasons to withhold deposit is a business model to generate more revenue and profit. It's a common practice in the industry. I am super clean and deep clean at move out, and even have carpet shampooed, but they still attempt to withhold deposit. In almost all cases, I moved out with the place better and cleaner than when I moved in and the landlords still attempt to withhold deposit. I keep a lot of pictures as evidence and have gone to court to sue the landlord to get back every cent and I prevailed every single time. When it comes to deposit, I would spend 10x of money to get back my deposit as a matter or principal. Most US landlords are out of control when it comes to improperly withholding deposits. If your experience is different, you've must rented with very small mom/pop landlords that aren't hungry for money. The low-end rental market landlord tend to care more about tenants pay rent on time, but the mid to upper segment landlord care more about maximizing revenue through every mean possible.

[@LuOsorio]

Wow, the talent she has to combine so many different styles and make it look so beautiful and not too crowded is amazing. Beautiful apartment. Congratulations.

[@daniellebissonnette3304]

Love this space, it informs us more on the personality of the person who lives in it, rather than an architect who dreamed a concept.

[@karenjohnson6667]

What a great layout for only 490 square feet. There are actual 'rooms', or at least zones, to give it a more comfortable feel than most one-room studios. And her decor and DIY projects are gorgeous. I love everything about this space!

[@laetitiavisagie2632]

I love the way she honours her grandparents. Beautiful space ❤

[@alohadave13]

This was a WOW design! She is VERY talented.

[@davidjamessussex1671]

What a lovely large studio. And she’s clearly got a great deal of style.

[@childofdestiny2811]

“ My security deposit was with God“ absolutely love that! stunning space!

[@traceylankford8579]

Being from DC born and raise, I love seeing how we make DC home. Her style is so good. I've watched it over and over, just picking up little design nuggets here and there. Truly a 'special' talent.

[@teressacooks7928]

I love that she has memories of her grandparents in her space. I find it interesting that you rarely hear about mom/dad but best believe these grandkids are ALWAYS talking about their Grandparents! Because GP ROCK🤗🤗🥰🥰

[@brendaholliday6866]

I "absolutely," loved Ms. Imani Keal's small space apartment. She's a very talented and creative interior designer. I love how she made the space in this apartment truly her own, even though it's small. Hugs to her dog. Have a fantastic day. Take care 🦋

[@TwiinStar1224]

THANK YOU for finally separating renters from owners.

[@phildalziel8625]

This is gorgeously sumptuous! 😍

[@SamGiles]

This person has such wonderful energy, and the apartment seems to truly reflect her sense of individuality and enthusiasm. Thank you for sharing!

[@eattherich9215]

Imani is lucky to have a landlord that gave her free reign. Her choices would not be mine, but it is a joyful space.

[@avengerwidow9]

i'm in love with the wallpapers she used

[@imaniathome]

Thank You🥰 they’re all linked on my blog!

[@arielduncan2669]

Absolutely loved this episode! It felt very accessible to all kinds of folks, and Imani is just so warm and funny (plus she has great style!). Inspirational for renters everywhere, no professional architect required, and a lot of this feels budget friendly!

[@lynettemaritz5653]

It's beautiful..so clever

[@jumpgenx2571]

OMG, I love everything about this. Finding your own personal style is the best trend that will never look dated. Good job!!!

[@katibarrett8779]

I really love that ya'll are adding not only renters, but maximalists! Maximalism and small spaces can go together, and seeing options for how to fit our stuff into small places will encourage more people to downsize. Bravo!

[@conniebruckner8190]

It is really lovely, and her personality shines through all of the DIY parts! I probably would need more cabinets in the kitchen instead of open shelves. To NTS:Thanks for showing us a place people live in and arrange their things without having to change walls and doors this time.

[@boysullen3632]

I admire people who have the courage to transform their rental spaces in this way.

[@shl9560]

I am, admittedly, a NTS junkie. But, this! I have never seen anything even approximating it. the way she has delineated each zone leaves me speechless. I have watched this video multiple times, and with each viewing I notice another clever nuance. The bold patterns are a ballsy move in such a small space, but, honestly, somehow make the space feel bigger. It's as cozy as a hobbit hole but as sophisticated as a high-end, eclectic hotel. And, yet still feels *real* and livably lived in . Hats off, Imani!

[@misssmith7225]

I'm going to rewatch and rewatch this. There is so much personality here. Texture. Mood. Comfort. It fully makes me rethink what what I thought was possible.

[@adventuresawaitathome]

Absolutely Magnificent. The wallpaper with the zebras is INSANELY beautiful and the Dalmatian spots are genius. I love her maximalism. You can absolutely see that Imani is an absolute pro at this, her eye for detail is fantastic! If I lived in the US, I would definitely ask her opinion on interior design matters. One of the most beautiful videos yet. Thanks to everyone involved!

[@eily_b]

I even saw stick and peel Dalmatian spots at etsy. So you don't even have to paint them on.

[@lori-annefay4138]

Her apartment is Magnificent! It doesn't feel cramped, rather warm and inviting. I love the dark walls.

[@AR-tf5su]

An absolute jewel box of a home. It really is special and feels so personalised to her.

[@tully6648]

I would personally love to see a drawing of the floor plan. For some reason my brain can't picture how the layout looks altogether. Weird! But part of what I like about most NTS videos is seeing the entire floor plan laid out. They give me ideas.

[@vibrizzze]

SOOO TRUE.

[@vivonalua]

I agree with this. I always pause on the before and then the after floodplains so I can study how the space is utilised, specially in relation to windows, bright/dark spaces of the home, what areas were prioritised etc.

[@nevertoosmall]

Thanks for the feedback! We decided not to include floorplans in the rental episode to date as no changes to the floorplan were made, but we will definitely consider adding them in again going forward.

[@fdbdbd787]

@@nevertoosmall Thanks for considering this feedback. I also find it confusing to place things in my head without your included floor plans. They're wonderful.

[@NormaYoung]

@@nevertoosmall Please do consider adding floorplans for rentals too. It gives us viewers a clearer vision of the space.

[@can.I.dothis]

Wow ! This is the best video so far, and I've watched a ton ! Thank you ! This is what NTS needs for the future ! It's easy to craft majestic small places when you have all the means and own the place, but it's even more incredible to see what people can do without being architects, interior designers or owners ! The way she plays with colors to divide and enhance space ! Amazing !

[@quinnmurph2750]

This is the beauty of mid-20th-century apartments. This studio has more space and a more functional layout than most contemporary 1BR apartments these days. I lived in one of these buildings in DC, and I appreciated the way that apartments of that era were designed to be "homes" -- even the studios -- not only as financial instruments with no regard for how people actually live.

[@sagarnongmaithem6237]

This apartment is really a nice makeover , intelligent and efficient use of space , circulation all well planned , seems cozy

[@jjldm339]

C'est MAGNIFIQUE ! Que ce soit les couleurs, la manière dont elles se marient, les motifs sur les murs, l'ambiance assez vintage avec une forte impression de se retrouver dans un pays de l'Afrique de l'Est avec les motifs et la tonalité des couleurs. J'adore cet appartement !

[@AvecPoesie]

Oui!! Moi Aussi 🖤

[@maxinef6654]

Her apartment is cozy and warm. Love ❤️ the black paint on the wall. Gives the room a dramatic appeal.

[@LibertyDogRecsue]

Love Imani’s home, dog, energy and vibe! 🎉

[@seventhchild7270]

Beautiful, talented, articulate, classy, stylist, clean, intelligent, .....LOVE your place and decor!...I live in a County in Maryland, my 1 bedroom is 850 square feet, small complex, and recently updated!...IT] has large floor to ceiling windows, a little park, picnic area, pool, only 6 apartments to a building, it has benches and lamp post in front of each building!.... ITS surrounded by homeowners, MOST residents have been here from 5 years to 30 years!..I've been here 13 years !...I downsized once I retired from State Service!.... I also put my everything into making it my home, and I TOO have a dog, a Pomeranian dog, 4 years of age!.... This small apartment complex is well managed, No nonsense allowed, very diverse and close knit, surrounded by various businesses, grocery stores, light rail, buses, alot of places in walking distant also, but I love having my car!........YOU are an INSPIRATION TO ALL!....

[@barbarar5869]

I love how this space reflects who she is. It feels really luxurious but not stuffy.

[@WobblyBiped]

What a lovely home! It is someplace I could easily live. The wallpaper is perfect and adds such a personal touch. Kudos for including a renter!

[@unicorn8802]

Yesssss!!! This space reflects her fun and colourful personality

[@carltongirl95]

This is the best small apartment and decor that I've seen it's just stunning and yes plenty big enough for her and her puppy...less floor space means less cleaning and we'd all love that idea I'm sure...thankyou for sharing 😍

[@judithtaylormayo]

MAGNIFICENT, fabulous, enchanting, someone that knows how to enjoy and honour the space she live in. someone that is not afraid of showing personality, creativity, colour. Someone that is not timid, that refuses to live in white box under some pretext of letting in more light, people we are not fireflies we can live in some version of shadows, or covering our walls with colour and texture and beautiful decorations. To honour our small space as one honours a perfume bottle, an exquisite jewlery box, not to mention the actual piece of jewlery. How refreshing to see someone not cover their entire enviorment in white, without character lest someone critizeses their character, so afraid to show personality to stand out. What a fantastic example of decoration tamed and curated with wonderful wallpapers. I am totally enamored of this woman´s audacity to follow her version of what an interesting, wonderful and cultured. This is how a home interior should look like.

[@AvecPoesie]

Wow! Your sentiments were articulated and expounded upon quite beautifully, Judith! You've left the most resonant comment on a Home interior that I have ever read upon this platform. I concur with each and every one of your observations here. 🖤

[@tylerbhumphries]

This space is gorgeous. It feels so welcoming and lived in and her personality shines through her design choices.

[@LedgerAndLace]

WOW. This is such a great example of someone making a space her own. It's warm and inviting and welcoming and sings, "HOME." BEAUTIFUL!!!

[@Nath_CM]

It's incredible how even when the space is full of things, shapes and textures it feels open but cozy at the same time, great style!!

[@Terri_MacKay]

I LOVE THIS!! This is my absolute favourite space from this channel!! Imani has shown us how it's possible to make a rental space truly your own. We need more videos like this, because most of us in small spaces are probably renting, and we're limited in what we can do. We can't be ripping out walls to completely reconfigure the space, or doing any major construction. We're limited to making the space our own through decorating the space as it is. Imani has fantastic taste, and I know I'm going to keep coming back to rewatch this particular video, while I fantasize about a small space like this for myself. ❤️

[@mbizozo6271]

YES!

[@Doris-Media]

Nothing is better than this! I m doing my small apartment decorations now in Peking, I want such marvelous sample!

[@Terri_MacKay]

@@Doris-Media Have fun decorating your apartment, and making it your own. ❤️ This summer, my daughter and I are completely redecorating the living room in our apartment, and I'm so excited about completely changing the look of the space. 😊

[@Doris-Media]

@@Terri_MacKay thank you! I just like small apartments, I grow up in a 15 sqm room with papa mama and sister, i love that home, always dreamed about it, i even bought a basement last month, cause my mama kept all furniture of our old home in Hebei province, 40 years ago! so that i can move them back to my basement, to go back to my exact childhood!

[@Terri_MacKay]

@@Doris-Media It's lovely that you'll be able to have the things from your childhood with you. 😊

[@cruisearama]

This is my favourite NTS for a while. I love that there is no built in furniture here, it looks so comfortable and Imani has impeccable taste

[@dondean27]

OMG HER APARTMENT IS SUCH A VIBE! I SMILED THROUGHTOUT THE WHOLE VIDEO.

[@Enxwest]

So lovely to see such an expressive, unique and creative space, AND a video with a Black person (in my home city!). As a Black person interested in interior design it really makes a difference to see our tastes and eye for design represented!

[@bucketofbarnacles]

What a lovely and eclectic design. It is full of things but doesn’t feel overwhelming.

[@acadian76]

I love the wall paper in the dining room & bathroom. Her place has so much personality.

[@tinekejoldersma]

Her colour use is magnificent, so daring, bold, and warm. Gives a very rich vibe. I would love renters like her, who upgrade the building.

[@frmoak2atl]

How many times will I keep watching this video??? I'm in love with this apartment and how well she decorated it. Kudos to you.

[@carolwashington6881]

WOW! Simply beautiful! This young woman is a gifted interior designer. Somehow I don't think that is her profession, but she's got the GIFT!

[@m.denonsens]

Really enjoyed seeing a) a RENTER profiled, and b) such a great maximalist style in a tiny space, while still featuring some items from family. Many of us are not blank slate-ists with zero history or possessions walking into a minimalist greige hotel lifestyle, and we need inspiration like this on how to make it all work. Kudos to Imani!

[@aliyahmg]

Omg I love the touch of her grandmother and grandfather

[@zx5218]

W O W !!!! Imani, Your beautiful "jewel-box" apartment says so much about you. You have a place that some of us could only dream about. I really enjoyed seeing your gorgeous home. NTS - how do you keep finding these tremendous places! Magic?

[@florenceaubry3418]

What a wonderful place ! It does take a tremendous sense of proportion, space, colours and taste to be able to full this off. It truly refect her personality. Wonderful 🥰

[@msk7458]

My God! I feel like I’m living in an alternate universe! These are the designs on my moodboard! Just not as moody/dark! Now I have the courage to do mine! I love eet!❤

[@dellacummins8760]

What a stunning,sophisticated yet comforting space. Love how she incorporated tradition & ethic elements which resulted in a beautiful decor. Great job young lady!!😍

[@jmoreno730]

She killed it! I love her style, color/texture choices and creativity..

[@jamillahbrooks597]

Girl! Girl! Girl! You don showed yo ass on this one!!I've never seen any space so BEAUTIFUL AS THIS!!!!OMG ABSOLUTELY HANDS DOWN THE BEST STUDIO IVE EVER SEEN!BEAUTIFUL space for a BEAUTIFUL woman!!!You did that🤗🤗🤗

[@jillianwebb8725]

I love that her apartment made it to NTS and its audience! The styling choices made are unique yet inspiring. I look forward to seeing a greater mix of styles in NTS features this year!

[@jo_salix]

black television on black wall, such good idea 🙂

[@SuAndFox]

Oh, I absolutely agree! And my oh my, has this gal made her space a beautiful home. Love, love, love!

[@carolewarrenrealtor]

Busy is beautiful ... the marriage of colors textures and patterns add a luxurious and warm feel. Love the space. #growinsmallspaces

[@karenharvey2549]

I love grandma’s china cabinet and grandpa’s framed cane. Lovely individual space.

[@alanblock7099]

This young lady did a great decorating job, her apt is beautiful

[@paulineniles370]

You did a wonderful job making this studio yours. Your landlord should be proud.

[@Morenita570]

Even the doggy was like, ‘yeah, our place is cool!!’ Great taste both of you.

[@chrysanthemum3065]

NICE! I don't care for most of these NTS spaces - but this woman has a really good eye. A lovely space and very nice pup as well.

[@fierywomanpacnw7004]

You've got beautiful taste and great, exuberant energy !❤

[@geneva9990]

This is beautiful. I hope her landlords consider keeping some of her upgrades when she leaves because she’s really elevated the space.

[@andeiorio641]

This video broke all the rules, then I loved that. The magical space created by the owner!

[@janecunningham8665]

This is glorious! Love the colour and mix of patterns; it just looks like such a happy space. And so cool to see how a renter approaches personalizing their space so thoughtfully.

[@Angietherose]

Imani’s home is so stunning, warm, and lux 😍

[@LaChamila17]

One of the most gorgeous apartments I've seen, absolutely beautiful and personal and maximalist and peaceful. As I was watching, the placed seemed awfully familiar and then I recognized the architecture, as I lived in the same apartment complex before I got married, and even though I painted my whole apartment and did a lot of work to it, I know realize I could have done more LOL. Imani is incredibly talented!

[@katieseaman7284]

I’m speechless… this is a stunning space. Priceless- and such an inspiration !! Cheers to HER!!

[@jow6845]

I love what she’s done to this place 👏🏻

[@MAIRA1905]

I'm more of a minimalist but this is just amazing! Congrats to you!! And "thanks" to your landlord for not getting in the way of this beauty :)

[@vikikon765]

this is a dreamy apartment . So cozy and stylish , full of colours . I just love it

[@cshea1978]

She styled her space with excellent execution!!

[@fxdaly]

Wow. You love your home. You maximised and customised your place and did a super job. Well done. I cant help but think of the quote “I could be encapsulated in a nutshell and consider myself king of infinite space”.

[@catherinelajoie3759]

Love this feature - it was a nice departure of some of the other spaces that sometimes feel a bit sterile. we definitely need more content like this.

[@alejandroalzate8368]

At last! Finally somebody on NTS owns a TV and uses it!

[@janrupertalfeche8959]

I was gonna say, the maximalist vibe of this house reminds me of every Filipino household I've ever step foot in, it's so cozy!

[@ellenl5626]

Fantastic use of the space and I love the wallpapers!

[@leilaprins2050]

Wow, this must be the best video I’ve seen yet. This apartment is done so gorgeously, I’m absolutely in awe of this!