What $2,900 Will Get You In NYC | Sweet Digs | Refinery29

On this week's episode of Sweet Digs, we follow Marcella around her cozy getaway otherwise known as The Funky Loft. Located right in Brooklyn, this eclectic space is also a bed and breakfast. Watch this episode of Sweet Digs to explore the eccentric charm of this creative loft!
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TALENT
Follow The Funky Loft on Instagram: / thefunkyloftlocations
Follow Marcella Lentz-Pope on Instagram: / marcellamarceau

[@refinery29]

What is something you have taken a gamble on that you're not sure if it will pay out? Let us know in the comments below :)

[@MilfLvr420]

Refinery29 I’m not a big risk taker, but it seemed to work out for her!

[@ColourRiche02]

Refinery29 keep the chairs

[@beatrizaceiton2685]

Refinery29 I need some friends

[@madison2750]

real question where do u get all that bank lmao

[@elizabethzetino]

Refinery29 keep blue

[@theooogirl3495]

WHY DID THEY STOP PUTTING LAZY SUSANS IN FRIDGES!? biggest mistake EVER.

[@divyasasidharan2960]

The ooo Girl co it’s round n fridge is square so space is wasted... today we keep a lot in fridge

[@theooogirl3495]

@@divyasasidharan2960 id sacrifice those small edges for turning radius lol

[@Zucifer8]

The ooo Girl buy one of those revolving trays from a store. I got one from bed bath and beyond. :)

[@naalynmusic]

True

[@shannon2748]

True. They are so cool:)

[@isabellarobledo3]

KEEP THE CHAIRS, KEEP THE CABINETS, DON'T CHANGE A THING

[@plathpat1]

I agree! DO NOT TOUCH!

[@AVarkaris]

Literally it's so gorgeous.

[@debralacroix1956]

Ditto!😎😎😎😁😁😁💚💚💚💜💜💜💜💜💜

[@elisabethfanfan9560]

Facts its a great vibe

[@obsane2829]

We stayed at Marcella’s LA loft. She has impeccable taste

[@God-gr5ni]

@Xcuze huh

[@miiniimiiniijpeg]

Obsane That’s so cool!

[@julia-nc1ll]

Wow!!

[@isabellanatalie6008]

She kinda looks like Pam from the office.

[@GG1783]

Isabella Natalie Pam and Kate Middleton

[@starlight13255]

And Amy Adams

[@Nokzima]

She does lol

[@Apo12345]

@@starlight13255 Amy Adams indeed! Looks, voice, personality

[@casiokeys1]

Alexis Bledel! (Rory Gilmore)

[@TrishTruitt]

SMART BUSINESS WOMAN One of my favorite episodes in this series. Her style isn't really mine but I can still appreciate the fun, kitschy aesthetic. The thing that REALLY impresses me though is her business sense. I mean 3 AirBZ&B units! I'm betting this pays most of if not all of her rent. This girl is one smart cookie. I bet her investment paid off in 3 months and the rest is all gravy.

[@PJCelis]

@Marcella is Airbnb legal in NYC nowadays? I don't live there but I remember reading a while ago only part time Airbnb is allowed. Did that change?

[@badlandsghost]

@@PJCelis its illegal in most apartments to rent it out if there isnt a permanent tenant but she is a permanent tenant so its okay

[@manichairdo6346]

@Xcuze Landlady?

[@paperplains7285]

She got lucky with a good landlord who let's her do that and keep the profits. He could charge more if he/she wanted.

[@neice66]

Ysss yesss! She’s not a joke 👍🏽👊🏾

[@emataglic3400]

This is probably one of my favorite episodes of Sweet Digs...such a retro, homey design in a dope space.

[@MilfLvr420]

Ema Taglic right? The fact that it’s an expensive space, but she’s using her business skills to make her money back is awesome

[@emataglic3400]

totally!

[@Pandoraaaa408]

Ema Taglic agreed!

[@refinery29]

+emataglic Thanks for sticking with us! :)

[@yb32]

she says nothing matches but weirdly, they do! I guess it's a matter of putting similar items and colors in the same room.

[@L.R._Red]

Finally an episode that doesn’t make me cringe at the price. I feel like this is well worth the rent. Where can I find a place like this?

[@lindafett1826]

I will have to replay the video🤔 I didn't here the price of each room because each room is didn't size🙃🤔

[@esosaimasuen8122]

The hood

[@davidiazhao1460]

Keep them blue!!! ur backsplash is yellow-y already And wow...You did a really really really good job on the design!!!

[@DeterminedDIYer]

I agree. Plus with a red fridge yellow would look really gross.

[@lindsayjohnson6560]

you should get the chairs redone in a deep red or burgandy- they are so beautiful and it's maybe just the powder blue that makes them look a little tired.

[@Ebathora]

I was thinking the same thing! Any jewel tone would make those chairs pop more in that space.

[@christinewhack8860]

Or a radiant turquoise 😍

[@TrishTruitt]

I'd go crazy w/chairs reupholstered in bright color like purple.

[@katiebayliss9887]

Lindsay Johnson that sounds disgusting. Keep them the way they are.

[@tb11212]

I like the burgundy idea! Or maybe even a deep orange color

[@Dashingdiva73]

I hope she kept the blue cabinets and the blue velvet chairs! Lovely, whimsical and enjoyable space!

[@npelehacs]

KEEP THE CHAIRS, CABINETS BLUE, DON'T CHANGE A THING because it matches the apartment really well

[@thamiemnyanda9801]

OMG did she invest in something she won't be living in forever? I hope the landlord sells it to her, because it's beautiful homey and colourful you can tell how much effort she put into that space

[@SistahK-id3fg]

The same thing I was thinking. I was like wait ah minute did she do all that for something that she's just renting.

[@aegistattoo]

if we millenials wait until having our own houses to live beautifully, we're gonna wait forever lol

[@Gmso340]

It’s an investment though. It makes her money. She said she made it back in 3 months. So no loss. It is definitely good money. I do Airbnb as well. So after the first 3 months, she has been getting a return on her investment.

[@ImStuckInStockton]

She would've negotiated incentives before she started the project. He could've given her a couple grand or guaranteed her security deposit in full, who knows

[@jens8223]

Exactly

[@AshleeTuck]

She is definitely getting her money’s worth. Very smart women!

[@VenusVoice]

"I always wanted to live in New York and I just thought...why not?" says rich people.

[@giancarlopia1404]

Amen

[@EricTitansSmith]

Or people with ambition

[@Fanleone]

And...?

[@Lisa-ny5ke]

she got all the money back in 3 months, so she is very smart that saved 10'000 before she moved to new york....

[@HappyBunnyMonkey1]

@@EricTitansSmith lmao you're not getting anywhere in NYC with $20 and "ambition"

[@keialove-black3950]

I love that she was so patient with wanting that table...I stalk stuff like she did & it usually pays off. 🙌🏾

[@lanilovezz]

keep them blue! it's beautiful!

[@sheentheexplorer3859]

Keep the blue cabinets! Also the chairs 😍 AND OMG! Will definitely visit this place in the future

[@chitramohanraj26]

Really love your attitude, the swing, the rugs, the openness to have guests share your space, the swivel dining chairs, the natural lights and the blue chairs. Dream home and great vibes!

[@skrittle555]

no walls or door to your room? i could NEVER lol. otherwise, incredible space. especially that swing. i need a swing in my house haha

[@kompie]

This was my favorite episode yet. The place is so lovely, this is like my dream apartment! I say keep both the blue cabinets and chairs. :)

[@alyssajames3963]

Keep the cabinets blue, and do whatever will save you the most money with the chairs!

[@swarooparajpurohit4909]

Alyssa James reupholster them. That's a generic save

[@katiebayliss9887]

swaroopa rajpurohit don't

[@user-yb6tk1ru6x]

Wow! Your landlord must love you. Paying to renovate his property. 😮😮😮

[@EboJ13]

One hand: beautiful, gorgeous space. On the other I see gentrifiers and why people are being priced out

[@ReneeJoseph213]

“Nothing matches” I love it, I fell in love with the concept and will definitively be stealing the idea in a room or two of my new crib!

[@ryleighaddabbo3996]

Don’t change the cabinets!!! I love them blue. They’re quirky.

[@ezridax]

OK. . I just started watching this series that I stumbled upon on KZbin and this is by far the best I've seen. This woman obviously had the money to invest and SHE BUILDS! THAT'S WHAT SAVED HER! she can do Airbnb and that is very smart business sense especially for living in Bushwick. I stayed in Bushwick for a summer in 1999 and let me tell you it was NOT what it is today.

[@valenfigurka3869]

This is crazy because I have actually seen her Airbnb listing when browsing a place to stay for some of my trips there. This is such a cool apartment. I love her style and her personality!

[@lindafett1826]

What were the prices on the rooms?

[@fruitpuff9388]

This is honestly my dream home. Everything gives off an air of charm! I love all the original and quirky touches she gave to her loft and inspires me to do the same with my future space. EDIT: oh my GOSH, DOES SHE HAVE A FREAKING SWING IN HER LOFT? I AM SO INSANELY JEALOUS

[@yomommastupid]

That is quite cheap and very spacious for New York standards...I would love to have a loft like that put all my vinyl in there.

[@yuhgr1]

theabstrakt84 the neighborhood it’s in (Bushwick, Brooklyn - also my neighborhood) is very up and coming. It used to be in bad shape and you can still find apartments for way cheaper actually, but it’s given rise to the artistic young adults, and is a great place to live now :)

[@bbygrlpt2]

+Dana Reandelar Yea iremeber back in HS(07) my friends and I went to a block party in Bushwick.. It was full ghetto.. Many dominicans and Hispanic music(which we loved bc were hispanic too lol) but havent been there in the longest.

[@artvandelay5956]

hipster

[@debbiepotter6413]

Love the apt. And the chairs lol

[@detectivesingh]

Dana Y “up and coming” no it’s just been gentrified.

[@aliciabrillante]

I am in love with this funky place!!! She did such a great job and I'm happy that she has had no safety issues. The landlord should sell this place to her because she earned it!

[@dreaalvarado]

this has to be one of the best episodes ever. its amazing what she does and her style is the perfect mix of funky retro vintage. Very original and would totally look forward to book her airbnb!

[@hollyp3065]

it'd be CRIMINAL to reupholster those chairs!! they're so pretty as they are (figuratively, not literally, comment trolls...)

[@sophiewillson-quayle1683]

Holly P. idk I think maybe a dark red velvet would be good

[@brimmyburner7530]

Holly P. amen!

[@niamhdoyle928]

Keep the Blue Cabinates, but get new chairs

[@linlinthedinosaur]

Agreed!

[@aleshalee2780]

The chairs are so pretty

[@emmamartin4852]

Niff to

[@ghostmemeboi]

she should do smth nifty w the chairs, like sew smth new or dye into them

[@lesbitch]

idk I like the chairs, I think they match the table and the record player really well

[@th3azscorpio]

This is another favorite sweet digs of mine in this series. Love her style, and sense of decorating! I love folks who have a passion for collecting knick knacks. Her place is looks very clean, colorful, warm, cozy, and unique. Love it!

[@dayofthelords8371]

Hands down one of the nicest homes u have ever seen. You did an amazing job and im glad you took the risk!!! Have fun

[@aylapias9087]

This is probably my favorite sweet digs ever

[@lacasavloga3997]

This has to be my favorite episode of this series. I absolutely love the way you decorated & I’m so jealous of you renting out and constantly being surrounded by people all over! My bf and I live overseas and so we are constantly booking places from Airbnb but I would love to do what you’ve done. Seems like a genius idea to me!

[@KO-D00M]

3:06 to 3:12-- she describes her place perfectly. *Loud. Kitsch-y. But it works.* I was so busy trying to construct an all-inclusive complement of a comment that I initially overlooked the swing in the middle of the dang living room. Her creativity is out of this world and I love it. What a funky yet practical space for everyday living.

[@juliefrye-courtois984]

This is my favorite episode. I love the idea of just getting what you want for your apartment without worrying about if it matches your theme. I definitely am going to rent a room from her when I finally get to visit Brooklyn some day

[@AnaFiamatta]

This is the most beautiful loft I’ve seen!

[@tt-uv2hc]

Not my style at all but damn I love this loft!

[@Darryldlowe]

Right that style is her own

[@SRDhain]

I've watched a handful of these & I've enjoyed this one the most. I think it's the amount of work you've put in, coupled with your imagination and passion to give it a unique character (the swing & the old joanna with the missing keys - I'm a musician- are lovely touches) , plus the fact that you've opened it up to people as an air bnb which works, that make it such a memorable watch. All my stays in N.Y. to date, have been in hotels. This looks like something unique and special! Thank you for sharing this, Marcella

[@vickilawrence3676]

I love love love your table, your swing, your apartment, don't change a thing.

[@tallgirl220]

This one was by far the best one

[@maroyce]

I would redo the chairs, those are too amazing to get rid of.

[@isabellezimmerman8307]

This place is GORGEOUS! I love the eclectic but put together feel of it.

[@caddycallaghan1111]

I love the chairs! They are soothing and gorgeous! Just loved your tour!!

[@sophiep1750]

Her personality is amazing! She is so cute!!!

[@refinery29]

Agreed! +sophieplank

[@midnightblue]

For the kitchen, keep the blue. It gives a nice contrast against the red fridge. As for the velvet chairs, that I think you should sell and buy something new!

[@erickajohnson8555]

I LOVE IT ALL!! I love the whole bed and breakfast/ Air B&B idea!!!

[@ashirwin105]

She's sooo adorable and kind

[@PearlDsouza30]

This is like my decor pinterest board come to life

[@MilfLvr420]

Pearl D'souza right?! For me, I never would have thought of her style, but now it’s the only thing I want in my space

[@PearlDsouza30]

Marcella followed you!

[@KellyChase]

what a creative space! great episode

[@papiluvsiris6318]

I absolutely love it! I always feel so unsure of my apartment because I don't have a specific style. I also buy what I like. It was so reassuring to see someone else decorate as I do. You inspire me!

[@Cafeinacoli]

I am obsessed with the funky loft!! I recently painted a mural in their room "room with a view" and fell in love with Marcella's aesthetics since 🖤🖤

[@LolaMCCVB]

1) love the jeans 2) i would keep the chairs and male the velvet pink

[@JessicaRothstein]

You seriously have such an amazing eye for home design!!!! This apartment is absolutely stunning!

[@sushiosakanijasu]

This is the best sweet digs tour I've ever seen!!! So much personality i love her quirky style.

[@jacquelinelun4049]

I love how Marcella puts so much love into this apartment!!! she should buy the whole place!!!

[@bobbi12781]

Oh my god wow. What an incredible space.

[@nickkingofearth]

I would find it difficult to constantly be living with new people

[@wearesurvivorsx]

@Marcella it's so cool that you do this. I wouldn't be able either.

[@catm2454]

Marcella do you have it constantly rented out or do u take breaks every few weeks to get some alone space

[@catm2454]

p.s I love it!

[@KateCarew]

But they’re not truly “living” there, they flit in and out so if you don’t care for a particular personality they’ll be gone quickly. I think it would be hard having people in your private space all the time but if it pays for the life then...well, it’s worth it! Most people are exceedingly polite in these types of situations and since it’s nyc they aren’t there to hang out in the loft, she really had a genius idea and the balls to execute it flawlessly! I’m super impressed and inspired!

[@catdeluxeatday]

it's cool! :)

[@saifsattani2424]

This was so lovely. Marcella is so practical and genuine.

[@mfmwfm]

My absolute favorite part - the swing! Love it!

[@rebellarts2809]

Your house is beautiful, vintage simple, poétique french fan

[@200msh]

@Marcella Is that really you?

[@justinecrawfish]

This is absolutely gorgeous. So inspired!!!

[@chuy11ass]

I wish I had her creativity!!! This was by far my favorite!

[@dro.8123]

I have a question hopefully you read it, do you ever feel worried or scared or think it is bad that you dont have any way to secure your sleeping area considering people might steal or an extreme to watch you while you sleep?

[@francisrenzo7766]

Maybe she installed security cameras and alarms at her place? Idk. I have the same question in my head too.

[@aliciabrillante]

I thought the same thing. Her boyfriend is only one person and not always there and they may break up and she be single.

[@angelayang7753]

I like the light sky blue cupboards!:)

[@margotexplainsitall]

One of my fav episodes to date! Amazing space!

[@eileenmaschal9505]

Keep the blue....it unifies your space...and makes your home restful...you have a lot of energy and excitement going on with your style and the blue is calming....

[@florence1395]

I think your home looks lovely full of character & charm! I love the blue colours, you have made it very warm & comfy 🌍

[@letrice2892]

Now that's a deal $2900 for a four bedroom in NYC

[@83kiarra]

Yeah she has quite a lot of space and great lighting for that price

[@lydiataiwo594]

Okay, so I want a swing in my living room also. So cool. Keep the blue cabinets. They are pretty. You have a lovely place.

[@juliewilson3237]

I really love this video , it's the first episode where it actually makes financial sense , so many of other ones are crazy , for the amount of space they have .I do understand it's NYC .Keep the cupboards and the chairs, they look great , love your style !!

[@rachelzeise]

I have stayed here so many times and will continue to visit! I love Marcella and the loft is even more beautiful in person :)

[@TheAliRobinsShow]

This may have to be my fave Sweet Digs

[@MariaChelidoni]

Beautiful! The difference is in the details. Always. Love this place. Well done!

[@SterlsTacos]

I love everything about this loft!!😍😍😍

[@maranwe22]

She’s probably one of the Nicest and most down to earth young ladies I’ve ever seen on this channel. I love her style and her personality, and I’m really glad all the money and hard work she put into the apartment has paid off. Great job! P.S. Don’t change the cabinets paint and do not get rid of the chairs, they’re gorgeous!

[@shirey2011]

I am blown away. This place is AMAZING!

[@averyk4875]

ok this is now my dream home I love all the patterns and different colors and textures in her home!

[@shanwow2636]

1. keep the blue cabinets 🙋🏻‍♀️ 2. Reupholster the chairs with miss patch fabric 🤗 And I have just started to refurbish furniture that I am super excited about:)

[@elizagaskell7957]

I think I just fell in love with your apartment and your design/decorations.❤️❤️❤️

[@evil21danger]

Stay with the blue cabinets, but change the blue to other shade of blue.

[@BADREDPOETICSOUL1]

This is my favorite series! I miss my expensive birth place!

[@LittleRavenReader]

Me to! I hope to get a stable job In the future and move back.

[@suannford8564]

1st time I’ve ever commented on any KZbin channel. I had to say I absolutely love what you have done with your home. It’s simply beautiful! 💛

[@Hannah-ns2xr]

I have watched this video so many times and I love this space, the dining table is BEAUTIFUL

[@andiedulgar2756]

KEEP THE CHAIRS AND CABINETS THE WAY THEY ARE! They’re so cute!

[@debbiethompson2567]

Love the blue chairs. They are amazing!!

[@RebeccaDhillon]

I LOVE the parrot in it’s cage wall art. So clever!

[@MessinInTheMoss]

The velvety chair in the loft bedroom is amazing! Love it!

[@whatever.1765]

As a person who likes more modern clean cut furniture I have to admit the chairs are stunning

[@katiebayliss9887]

hammie-bunny lol we're totally opposites I hate modern clean cut.

[@ronniepearce4438]

I like the blue kitchen. If you are tired of the blue chairs recover them as they are a great style

[@Panties13]

I so love the old pictures that you have!! Keep the blue cabinets get new chairs(the blue ones) update them so that it’ll have a cozy old feeling yet new and upscale. A liking and feel for everyone

[@lindsayguittarr5594]

My new favorite episode of the series! Love her space!

[@MayraCazarez]

I’m in love! What a beautiful place

[@SoraCyn]

power yellow, and dusty power pink chair to offset the olive sofa

[@mjuhubbko2133]

I love her space and her unique ideas