After residing in 300 square feet, even just a small update in space feels just like a mansion. Natalie Holbrook — also called Nat that the Fat Rat — and her husband, Brandon, loved their miniature home right on the edge of Central Park in Manhattan. But when Natalie became pregnant, they knew the space would not work with their new “plus one.”
After a thorough search, they discovered a new apartment on the Upper West Side with only enough space for their growing family. Although the new area lacked the prewar quirks of their old construction, Natalie’s classic finds, DIY touchess and knack for dressing up Ikea furniture has turned it into a charming and cozy family dwelling.
in a Glance
Location: New York City
Who resides: Natalie and Brandon Holbrook and their son, Henry
Size: 810 square feet
nat the fat rat
After Natalie and her husband first moved into this flat, she promptly pictured covering this kitchen wall in a gorgeous wallpaper. The problem was that wallpaper is pricey — and potentially messy to install. Instead, she came up with this particular collage, a combo of Polaroids, Instagram prints and other photos. Adding photo tape, the whole thing cost less than $35.
A zebra head from Anthropologie is the ideal finishing touch. “Is not he great?” says Natalie. “His name is Lawrence of Arabia. We call him Larry.”
nat the fat rat
“Coming from such a tiny, but incredibly lovely and quaint little prewar building directly on the playground — the ideal site! — then moving to this more demanding, more industrial part of the neighborhood was an adjustment,” says Natalie. “But it was one that I was happy to create when I first toured the device and watched a washer/dryer in the flat. I almost died.”
nat the fat rat
The dining table rug is a classic camp blanket in the 1950s Natalie located at a flea market. While she loves the look, she’s now on the hunt for something similar that is a whole lot stronger.
An Ikea Maskros pendant adds an eye-catching burst of light to the space. The dining table is a recent purchase from World Market.
nat the fat rat
Although a lot of the furniture is from Ikea, this gifted couch adds a nice contrast to the living room. The antique deer decoration is one of Natalie’s beloved possessions — she discovered it in a shop in Moscow, Idaho, where she and her husband used to reside.
The Holbrooks’ construction is a brand-new construction, therefore it doesn’t have the same quirks they’re used to. Of course, there are plenty of upsides to this too. And Natalie loves how close they are to Lincoln Center. “With those gorgeous arches as our front yard is really amazing,” she says. “I really like the concept that from now on, whenever I see a photo of the Met Opera House I’ll think, ‘That’s dwelling.'”
Chair: Macy’s; giraffe pillow: CB2; furry pillow: Target; yellow pillow: classic; blue ottoman: Urban Outfitters
nat the fat rat
“Our living room is sort of a strange shape, like a hot dog,” says Natalie. “We have never been able to agree on a rug. Luckily we’re in the middle of the toddler years with our son, Huck, and having the bare hardwoods has been really nice for if food is inevitably flung to the floor.”
Armchair and TV stand: Ikea
nat the fat rat
The nautical flag in the entryway was discovered in the Brooklyn Flea. “Its name is Charlie, and you fly it when you want to communicate ‘yes’ or ‘shift naturally,'” explains Natalie. “We bought it because we’d just moved back to town, were about to have our first baby and we felt as though it may be our family mascot.”
Blue cooler console and basket: House Goods
nat the fat rat
A gray Ikea dresser sits round the hall to keep entry clutter in check. A wooden version of New York City out of Muji sits on top.
nat the fat rat
While the flat is technically a one-bedroom, two of those closets are large enough to get makeshift bedrooms — that is where Henry (Huck) sleeps. The cozy nook is just the ideal size because of his toys and crib.
nat the fat rat
Natalie bought the Alma Bloom Mini crib to fit snugly into Huck’s sweet little room. Art out of Uncommon Goods, bedding from Ikea and Freshly Picked plus a mobile from The Little Tiny round outside the space. The darling piano was discovered on Amazon.
nat the fat rat
Natalie and Brandon’s bedroom is soft and soothing in white. Lacy white drapes, patterned bedding and layered rugs add texture and warmth.
Armoire, drapes; Ikea
nat the fat rat
“My very best resource is crap day,” says Natalie. “It’s amazing the things you will find discarded on the road! Just be certain it passes the sniff test and to wash it in an inch of its life as soon as you get it home.”
Mirrored nightstand: Target; lamp: Home Depot; bedding: West Elm
nat the fat rat
Like the map print in the living room, Natalie created this “To the Moon and Back” print himself with stencils and printed poster paper.
nat the fat rat
“We are incredibly blessed to have discovered this place, and we’re so happy with it, from top to bottom,” says Natalie. “Though I would not mind if the water in the shower have only a little hotter … “
