So far, Real Housewives of New York season 14 has been one for the books, and the charismatic Brynn Whitfield is a large part of that. The self-described ‘trophy-wife-in-training’ and ‘pot stirrer’ is a dynamite addition to the cast of the popular Bravo TV show and now she’s given us something else to talk about: her apartment. Though she works in marketing and communications, Brynn should think about adding interior design to her resume.
Photos show the reality star perched on a caramel-colored leather bench in her West Village apartment in front of a beautiful marble fireplace in front of a large gilded mirror. Further slides show Brynn’s chic pink kitchen with a black and white tile floor and sleek copper hardware and her stylish modern bedroom with charcoal black walls. The most impressive detail? Brynn’s sweet caption says she is excited to share her ‘little rented corner of NYC.’ Because of restrictions on renovations, it is easy to think that rental spaces cannot be as well styled as homes that we own, but Brynn’s ultra-stylish space proves this is not true.
Our experts especially love the customizations that Brynn has made on her rental, especially the black and white tiles in the kitchen. David Mason, interior designer and founder of Knobs.Co says black and white tiles ‘offer timeless elegance and a classic aesthetic that complements various interior styles. The monochrome palette allows for versatility, making it easier to blend with existing decor. The contrast between black and white creates visual interest, making the space feel dynamic and visually appealing.’
Charlie Victor, design expert at My Modern Cave, adds that black and white is ‘ideal for creating a chic and sophisticated ambiance.’ The twist: since Brynn lives in a rental apartment in New York City, she admitted to Domino that the tiles are adhesive vinyl stick-on tiles from Amazon.
Interior designers love the way that the RHONY star used a DIY method to make her rental apartment her own and think that it is a great way to decorate a home on a budget. Charlie says that ‘using stick-on tiles and wallpaper in a rental apartment offers several benefits. Firstly, they are temporary and easily removable, allowing you to personalize your space without damaging the walls or floors. Secondly, they are budget-friendly and require minimal tools or expertise for installation. David adds that adhesive options are a convenient way to bypass restrictions on major renovations in a rental.
If you want to recreate this look in your own home, designers caution DIYers to move carefully. David states ‘in my opinion, proper installation is crucial for a successful outcome. Before applying stick-on materials, ensure the surface is clean, smooth, and debris-free. Take your time to align patterns and tiles correctly to achieve a polished look. If you're new to DIY projects, start with small, manageable areas to gain confidence before tackling larger sections.’ ‘Follow the manufacturer's instructions for the best results,’ adds Charlie.
Shop the edit of Brynn Whitfield’s entire Manhattan apartment below to add a bit of Real Housewives flair to everyday life.
This classicly designed curvilinear chandelier takes inspiration from classic mid-century design. It has metal accents in an antique brass finish and the heads of each shade tilt and rotate.
