Erika Veurink, a writer, meticulously styled her Brooklyn apartment similarly to how she curates her wardrobe: filling it with eclectic items (think: a foot candle and a Greek column), with nearly everything being thrifted. “I don’t want our home to ever feel overly serious,” she explains. Join us for a tour…
ENTRYWAY
On crafting a sanctuary: I aim for our home to evoke a calming inhale and exhale. We reside in a quieter part of Brooklyn, and it’s delightful when guests arrive from Manhattan, bearing the weight of their day, simply able to sit and say, ‘Okay, I’m here now.’ I always light candles prior to friends visiting and invite them to relax on the sofa instead of our chairs.
Bench: Restoration Hardware via Craigslist. Screen, dining table, and chairs: Craigslist.
On furniture worth pursuing: My husband, Christian, and I got into a huge disagreement the night we spotted this room divider on Craigslist, as we had to wait outside the seller’s door for an hour. My husband was like, ‘I don’t want to be here.’ And I was like, ‘I’ve been searching for a room screen like this for five years. We’re staying put.’ Well-painted room dividers don’t often come up, and this was only $75. So, definitely worth it.
Cloud painting: Rachel English. Rain painting: Francesca Wade. Dining table illustration: Julie Thomson Martin. Brick wall photograph: taken by Erika. To Kill a Mockingbird quote: “my husband’s grandmother painted it for our wedding.” Italy photo: taken by Erika’s mother-in-law. Embroidered wall hanging and Elvis bust: thrifted.
On DIY adventures: I discovered this Elvis bust while thrifting with my best friend Ruby in D.C. I’m a huge Elvis fan, and Ruby and I often encourage each other’s creativity. The bust originally was colorful and glittery, but when we spotted it, we thought, We can spray paint it! Let’s make it happen!
LIVING/DINING AREA
Paint: White Dove by Benjamin Moore. Mirror: Craigslist, similar. Bookshelves: Ikea. Chairs: Reuse America. Coffee table and globe pendant: Craigslist. Wall clock: Umei. Rug: eBay.
On favorite books: I’ve been enjoying Didion & Babitz by Lili Anolik, and I also like browsing through The House Book, an older coffee-table book of interiors by Terence Conran. It’s from the ’90s, and I appreciate how intentional each piece feels, from an era when assembling a home was a generally slower endeavor. And naturally, I read Sarah Manguso’s Liars like everyone else.
Candlesticks: Tiffany. Mirror: Craigslist, similar. Bookshelves: Ikea. Chair: Reuse America.
On European inspiration: I enjoy how our apartment feels snug, warm, and bright. I drew inspiration from the cozy English countryside; I appreciate the idea that color rules don’t need to apply. Also, those Copenhagen girls’ playful approach to color and their bold mixing of styles fascinates me.
Candles: Hay. Des Moines Map: Domestic.
On soulmates: My best friend Ruby and I first met 10 years ago in Iowa while we both attended school in New York. She’s my inspiration and essentially a second sister to me. I recall my first visit to her parents’ home, where they displayed numerous framed photographs of friends and family, and I found it deeply moving. My childhood home lacked such a collection; we only had pictures of our immediate family. Therefore, I quickly framed a particularly special picture and displayed it with pride.
On the foot candle: My friend produced this two years ago and mentioned, ‘I’m going to launch a foot candle business.’ I thought, ‘Alright, I’m never burning this,’ as I wanted to support her initiative. She still hasn’t started it, but I’m just waiting patiently.
David Hockney poster: First Dibs. Dining table and chairs: Craigslist.
On developing an affection for items: The Greek column was once owned by my father-in-law; it graced his bachelor pad. It was among the three pieces of furniture my husband brought to our apartment. Initially, I found it quite unattractive and gaudy, but over time, I’ve grown so fond of it. Seeing it seamlessly blend into our decor made me appreciate it much more; sometimes, all it takes is a bit of time to adjust to something new. Now, it holds great significance for me. The lesson here is — people can evolve and adapt.
Sofa and basket: Craigslist. Lamp: Etsy. Side table: vintage. Weighted blanket: Bearaby.
On family keepsakes: My grandma crafted the quilt [depicted above, top] for me as a graduation gift when I earned my MFA in non-fiction writing. A lifelong quilter from Iowa, she usually gives quilts for weddings. It meant a lot to me that she considered my grad school graduation a moment worth celebrating.
Coffee table: Craigslist.
On fortunate discoveries: I like to spontaneously explore Craigslist for furniture within a three-mile radius, and one day I found a listing for this coffee table. It featured a screenshot of its Chairish listing priced at $16,000, but the seller was offering it for $350 on Craigslist. When we arrived at the seller’s home, she hesitated to part with it, worried it would end up with someone unappreciative. So, I couldn’t stop raving about it, and we shared this lovely moment where I reassured her, ‘Don’t worry, this is going to a great home.’ It remains one of my favorite thrifting experiences.
KITCHEN
Star print: Alex Ry.
On role dynamics in partnership: I don’t prepare any of the meals in our family — I feel quite uncomfortable in that realm, while my husband previously worked as a private chef. During dinner gatherings with my girlfriends, he’ll whip up the meal, step out to read at a bar, return, and then handle the dishes. He consistently supports me in this way; he’s the kindest person I know and is encouraging in every respect.
On expressions of love: I tend to select great movies for us, and I find fascinating podcasts to enjoy during our road trips.
On practical greenery: Christian cultivates herbs in our kitchen through the winter months. My favorite dishes of his include salade niçoise and our morning cappuccinos.
Race car photo: of Erika’s grandfather.
On unexpected photographs: This image features my grandfather, who once raced cars. When I discovered this photo in his garage, I asked him to part with it so that I could make copies for my sister and me. I cherish this picture deeply.
PRIMARY BEDROOM
Oui print: Clare V x Framebridge. Lamp: Craigslist. Yellow duvet: Pottery Barn, similar. Yellow throw pillow: Mexico. Blue throw pillow: Matouk. Euro shams: Restoration Hardware.
On a monochromatic bedroom: We visited Copenhagen for our winter honeymoon — it was extremely cold and windy, so we spent a lot of time in design shops. That, combined with the romance of being on our honeymoon, instilled a newfound confidence in colors that I had previously found daunting. Upon returning home, I insisted, ‘We need a striped yellow duvet immediately.’ Then the Clare V. print added a stylish touch, and everything fell into place.
On shared jokes: Above our bed, we framed the manila envelope we used to hold our marriage license papers. It reads ‘Pups Only’ because ‘Pup’ is our affectionate name for each other. I took it to Framebridge and was ready to share the entire story. But they asked me, ‘What kind of mat do you want?’ In that moment, I realized they encounter the cutest things daily.
Dresser: Facebook Marketplace. Bag: thrifted. Eve Babitz photo: gift.
On gift customs: My mother-in-law and I established a sweet tradition of always gifting each other candlesticks. She surprised me with the ones on my dresser since she knows I adore a splash of red. I’m passionate about candles and always keep extras handy. For taper candles, I recommend beeswax for a slower burn. For scented options, I favor D.S. & Durga.
Mobile: Mobiles Mobiles. Chair: Reuse America. Throw pillow: Salvesen Graham. Heart and balloon lamp: vintage Ikea.
On significant realizations: For a while, Christian and I debated where to settle down and begin a family, even considering a house on a Minnesota lake. I grew up in Iowa and always envisioned raising my children in the Midwest. However, after many thoughtful discussions, we realized our lives and people are planted here in Brooklyn. Upon finding this mobile, I was initially attracted by its color. Then I noticed it was called ‘Lake,’ which felt symbolic. I recognized that even though we’re remaining in New York, we can still infuse our home with the serene, beautiful energy of the Midwest.
On recreating childhood experiences: Throughout my upbringing, I enjoyed the freedom to express my creativity at home. There was a spot in my basement where I staged a play, and if I wanted to commandeer the dining table for a fort or a puppet show, my parents’ response was always, ‘Awesome, go for it.’ Therefore, my aspiration is to nurture that same creative spirit for my children someday, and for myself right now.
Thank you immensely, Erika. We cherish you.
P.S. Stay tuned for numerous more house tours, featuring a Minnesota home overflowing with collections and a vividly colorful house in Connecticut.
(Photos by Christine Han for Cup of Jo.)
**Inside Erika Veurink’s Apartment: A Celebration of Curated Thrifted Discoveries**
In a time where sustainability and uniqueness are paramount in home styling, Erika Veurink’s apartment serves as a prime example of how to forge a space that is both personal and environmentally mindful. Located in Brooklyn, New York, her home is a vibrant embodiment of the thrifting culture, with each corner narrating a tale, and every item holding significance.
### A Tribute to Thrifted Gems
Writer and creative Erika Veurink has transformed her apartment into a haven of secondhand beauty. Entering her home feels like stepping into a carefully arranged gallery of vintage treasures, where each piece is chosen with care and affection. From mid-century modern furnishings to whimsical collectibles, Erika’s space seamlessly marries style with utility.
“I’ve always gravitated towards items with a story,” Erika shares. “There’s something enchanting about resurrecting something previously valued by someone else. It adds depth to your home.”
### The Craft of Curation
What distinguishes Erika’s apartment is her talent for harmonizing thrifted items in a manner that feels cohesive and intentional. Her decorating philosophy revolves around shaping a space that mirrors her individuality and principles, rather than adhering to fleeting trends.
A notable highlight of her apartment is a classic teak bookshelf, gleaned from a nearby thrift shop. It brims with a diverse assortment of books, pottery, and framed memories, each piece artfully grouped for aesthetic appeal. “I envision my shelves as a dynamic exhibit,” she reveals. “I’m constantly rearranging items to keep the environment lively.”
Anchoring her living room is a sumptuous, olive-green velvet couch, sourced from Craigslist and reupholstered by Erika herself. Combined with a retro coffee table and a patterned rug unearthed at a flea market, the room radiates warmth and personality. “I adore blending textures and timelines,” Erika comments. “It keeps the atmosphere engaging.”
### Where Sustainability Meets Style
Erika’s dedication to thrift shopping transcends mere aesthetics—it reflects a conscious desire for sustainable living. By opting for secondhand finds over newly manufactured goods, she minimizes waste and lessens her environmental impact. “Thrifting is a simple yet powerful way to cultivate an eco-friendly home,” she asserts. “Plus, it’s far more gratifying than purchasing something off the shelves.”
Her kitchen exemplifies the union of style and eco-sensitivity. Vintage glassware, assorted plates, and antique utensils enrich her cabinets, exuding a delightful, eclectic charm. A reclaimed wood dining table steals the show, encircled by a varied collection of chairs found at estate sales. “I envision my kitchen as a venue for storytelling, both through the unique items and the exchanges that occur here,” she shares.
### The Excitement of the Pursuit
For Erika, the joy of thrifting lies in both the journey and the outcomes. She dedicates her weekends to exploring flea markets, thrift shops, and digital marketplaces, always hunting for extraordinary pieces that captivate her. “The thrill of the search is unmatched,” she states. “You can never predict what you’ll uncover, but when you do, it feels serendipitous.”
Her bedroom is a collection of such hidden gems. A vintage brass bed frame, discovered on Facebook Marketplace, serves as the focal point, complemented by mismatched bedside tables sourced from a garage sale. The walls burst with a varied assembly of framed art, including a watercolor mural she stumbled upon at a thrift store in upstate New York. “Surrounding myself with items that carry a narrative is meaningful,” she adds. “It animates the space.”
### Tips for Thrifting Triumph
For those inspired by Erika’s dwelling and eager to weave thrifted items into their own homes, she shares her top suggestions:
1. **Exercise Patience**: “Thrifting is a gradual process. Avoid rushing. The finest treasures are discovered when least anticipated.”
2. **Think Outside the Box**: “Consider an item’s potential beyond its present condition. A fresh coat of paint or some DIY can elevate something ordinary into the extraordinary.”
3. **Blend and Contrast**: “Don’t shy away from combining different styles, periods, or materials. It’s the contrasts that lend dynamism to a space.”
4. **Be Aware of Dimensions**: “Always keep your space measurements handy. This prevents falling for something that won’t fit.”
5. **Support Local**: “Patronize local thrift shops and flea markets. You’ll uncover unique treasures while contributing to your community.”
### A Home Narrating a Tale
Erika Veurink’s apartment beautifully encapsulates her journey through thrifting and the memories evoked by each item. It’s a place that radiates warmth, vibrancy, and personal expression.
