York Avenue Founder Jackie Clair’s Upper East Side Studio Apartment

Jackie Clair is a woman who can do it all – times three: this Registered Nurse is also the founder of the design blog York Avenue and a freelance photographer who manages the most gorgeous architecture-driven Instagram account featuring some of New York City’s most stunning buildings! She invites us to take a peek around her 400-square-foot studio apartment that’s packed with stacks of books and whimsical designs.

HOMEWORTHY: How do you describe your interior design style?

JACKIE CLAIR: I would describe my home decor style as colorful, feminine, and a mix of traditional meets modern. The term “grandmillennial” has become a recent favorite because I feel it describes my style and what I’m drawn to perfectly. I can’t get enough of chintz, rattan, trim, and all things traditional with a modern twist!

HOMEWORTHY: What are your favorite things in your home?

JC: That’s tough because I truly love everything in my apartment! One particular favorite and a recent acquisition is my Kelly Wearstler Pop Bowl. After obsessing over it for literally years, I finally splurged and I’m so glad I did! It’s just such a unique, sculptural piece that’s also kind of modern and weird, which makes me love it all the more.

JC: My Society Social Stevie swivel chair is another favorite – it perfectly bridges the “living room” and “bedroom” because you can swivel it to face either direction, and the Les Touches fabric it’s upholstered in makes me so happy. One more favorite is my brown wood vintage bookcase – it was my grandmother’s and I love having such a traditional and unique piece in the space. I’ve decorated it with a plethora of colorful books and modern accessories to bring together that traditiona/modern mix that I love so much!

HOMEWORTHY: What item have you splurged on?

JC: One major splurge was the piece of art that hangs above my sofa. It’s an original by the most incredible artist, Christina Baker, and I discovered it at the Hampton Designer Showhouse a few years back. I loved it so much that I emailed the designer to see if it was for sale and happily, it was! I’ve since become friends with Christina and she’s as lovely a person as she is talented. I think if you’re going to splurge, an original piece of art that you love is a great investment!

HOMEWORTHY: Any sneaky decorating tricks?

JC: Draw the eye up by utilizing vertical space – it’s a great way to maximize space in general and make a room feel bigger. I’ve done this with my vertical bookshelves and my to-the-ceiling gallery wall, and wall-mounted lighting is also a great option. Scour Etsy, eBay, Craigslist, flea markets, thrift stores, estate sales, and your parents’ basement for vintage pieces – they’ll be different from anything anyone else has and will bring a “collected” feel to the space. Incorporating vintage pieces is truly the best way to make a home feel personal, timeless, and one-of-a-kind!

HOMEWORTHY: Go-to hostess gift?

JC: My go-to hostess gift is always candles – Diptyque is a classic choice and recently I’ve fallen in love with the candles from Malin + Goetz!