TL;DR
Interior designer Megan Gibbon transformed her 900-square-foot Brooklyn rental into a personal haven filled with meaningful finds and handmade pieces. The space reflects her family, friendships, and travels, offering a peaceful retreat amid city life. This story highlights how personal touches can redefine a modest home.
Interior designer Megan Gibbon has spent five years transforming her 900-square-foot Brooklyn apartment into a personal sanctuary that feels like a family album and a travel diary, blending meaningful objects, handmade ceramics, and curated collections to create a space that reflects her family’s history and friendships.
Gibbon’s Cobble Hill apartment, described as ‘one of those COVID gems,’ was initially a Craigslist rental chosen for its natural light. Over five years, she has infused it with personal artifacts, vintage furniture, and custom-made pieces, turning it into a curated reflection of her life and travels.
The apartment features iconic design pieces, such as Charlotte Perriand chairs and an 18th-century Swedish chest, alongside personal artwork and family heirlooms. Gibbon’s handmade ceramics, inspired by her garden and created during the pandemic, are displayed throughout the space, forming a ‘living gallery.’
Despite being a rental, Gibbon has made significant interventions, including a ceramic backsplash in the kitchen and custom hardware, creating a warm, inviting environment. The space’s open layout, French doors, and thoughtful details foster a sense of calm and connection, making it a beloved home for her family.
Personal Expression in Small Spaces
This story exemplifies how personal collections, handmade objects, and thoughtful design can transform a modest rental into a meaningful home. It highlights the importance of personal expression and the ability to create a sense of sanctuary within limited space, inspiring others to make their homes reflect their stories and relationships.
Hikiwin Handmade Ceramic Vase, 3D Hand Painted Flower Home Decor, Porcelain Relief Flowers, Living Room Dining Desk Statue Ornaments, 1 Piece
- Unique Hand-Painted 3D Flowers: Artistic ceramic vase with 3D floral design
- High-Quality Porcelain Material: Durable and long-lasting ceramic construction
- Compact Size for Versatile Decor: Measures 3.5" x 2.7" with 1" inner diameter
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Designing Homes with Personal History
Gibbon’s approach is rooted in her experience designing hospitality spaces, where creating atmosphere is key. Her own home reflects her design philosophy: blending iconic pieces with meaningful objects collected from travels and family. Her work during the pandemic, especially her ceramic creations, has deepened her connection to the space, making it a reflection of her personal journey over five years. This approach aligns with a broader trend of personalized, story-rich interiors in urban living.
“Our home reflects our friendships and our family. It’s less about having perfect objects and more about creating a space that feels like a record of the people and places dear to us.”
— Megan Gibbon
Jojoka 3-Piece Dining Table Set for 2, Small Square Wood Dining Table with Cushioned Chairs, Industrial Space-Saving Kitchen Table and Chairs, Vintage Furniture for Apartment & Small Space
- Durable Construction: Made of high-quality MDF and steel frame
- Stable and Long-lasting: Integrated design prevents shaking and tilting
- High Weight Capacity: Table supports 300 lbs; chairs support 400 lbs each
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Remaining Questions About Long-Term Changes
It is not yet clear whether Gibbon plans to make permanent modifications to the apartment or if her interventions are intended as temporary, renter-friendly solutions. Details about future renovations or moves remain undisclosed.
Personalized Custom Tapestry – Ships Next Business Day, Made in USA – Upload Your Own Image for a Unique Wall Hanging Backdrop, Perfect for Home & Living Room Decor, Bedroom Wall Art (60×90)
- Personalized Wall Decor: Custom images for unique wall art
- High-Quality Printing: Vibrant, fade-resistant polyester fabric
- Generous Size & Easy Hang: 60×90 inches with simple mounting
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Future Plans for the Brooklyn Home
Gibbon is expected to continue personalizing the space, possibly adding more handmade elements or reconfiguring areas as her family grows. No official plans for permanent renovation or relocation have been announced, but the current setup reflects a long-term, deeply personal investment in the apartment.
LORVIES 4 Pack 1.37" Decorative Custom Cabinet Knobs, ABS Glass Round Black Single Hole, Dresser Drawer Closet Handles Pulls for Home Furniture Kitchen Bedroom (DIY)
- Versatile Pattern Design: Adds elegance to home décor
- Comfortable Smooth Surface: Ensures a pleasant user experience
- Customizable with Personal Images: Create unique, personalized knobs
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Key Questions
How did Megan Gibbon personalize her rental apartment?
She added custom ceramic tiles, handmade vessels, curated vintage furniture, and meaningful artifacts from her travels and family collections, transforming the space into a personal gallery.
Are Gibbon’s design interventions permanent?
Most modifications appear renter-friendly, such as removable ceramic tiles and furniture, but it is not confirmed whether she plans to make permanent changes.
What inspired Gibbon’s ceramic works in the apartment?
Her ceramics were created during the pandemic as a creative outlet, inspired by natural forms and her garden, and now serve as a visual and tactile element of the home’s story.
Does the apartment reflect Gibbon’s professional design style?
Yes, her approach combines iconic design with personal and handmade objects, emphasizing storytelling and creating a layered, intimate environment.
What does this story suggest for renters in small spaces?
It demonstrates that with creativity and personal touches, renters can craft meaningful, beautiful homes that reflect their identities and histories.
Source: Architectural Digest
