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A Tiny Corner of an NYC Bedroom Became the Most Inspiring Office
ABOUT THIS BEFORE & AFTER
HOME TYPE: Apartment
PROJECT TYPE: Office & Dens
STYLE: Industrial, Minimal, Modern
SKILL LEVEL: Professional
RENTAL FRIENDLY: No
If you work from home, you might want to create a workspace that inspires and motivates you — even if that means getting a little unconventional. For Sean Matthew Robinson, it made the most sense to turn what used to be the apartment’s living room into his bedroom… and a corner office.
Before Sean moved into the industrial Tribeca apartment, the front of the apartment was originally being used as a tiny communal living nook, and two small bedrooms were located on the opposite end of the apartment. The renovation essentially “switched” the living area and the sleeping areas, and Sean was able to carve out the ideal spot for a home office, too.
He Wanted an Environment That Would Inspire Him, and the NYC View Does Just That
The windows at the front of the apartment (the former living room-turned-bedroom) overlooked Ninth Avenue and gave him a great view of his NYC neighborhood, creating the ideal working environment.
“Your surroundings can have a real impact on your mood, and as a video editor who often works from home, it was important to create a workspace that felt elevated and inspiring,” Sean says.
He Spent Hours Finding the Perfect Furniture and Decor for His New Space
“I’m a video editor and have done a great deal of remote work for Paramount and MTV, particularly on RuPaul’s Drag Race, so I wanted the space to reflect the pride I take in my career,” Sean explains.
So with the help of architect Matt Giddens, who designed Sean’s apartment, and general contractor Francisco Sosa, who made it all happen, they renovated and remodeled the entire apartment.
Related: House Tour: Sarah Sabatino
Sean wanted to create a home that would be his sanctuary — making him feel comfortable and safe. So during the year-long renovation process, he was able to take his time finding furniture and artwork that truly reflected his aesthetic.
“I would spend hours searching for a single piece, then Photoshop it into a photo of the apartment to see how it worked in the space,” Sean shares. “I repeated that process and compared options until I was sure everything fit perfectly.”
The Long Renovation Process Allowed Him to Take His Time Decorating
“Nothing about the process was easy” because, as Sean describes, the year-long renovation meant that there were months of waiting for overseas deliveries and “a constant stream of workers hauling supplies up and down three flights of stairs.”
However, the results made it all worth it for Sean — “they exceeded my expectations,” he comments.
Sean added a cream resin desk and two floating shelves to the office corner of his now-bedroom — choosing durable materials so his workstation would be easy to clean and maintain. Plus, the shelves created a vertical storage solution for his limited square footage.
“Every inch had to be intentional and efficient — integrated storage quickly became a priority!” Sean says.
The Renovation Exposed Brick, and Now the Office Feels Open
Now that the transformation is complete, the finished office feels open and uncluttered. The renovation exposed bricks and revealed original beams, creating the industrial aesthetic that Sean loves.
“Looking out the window onto Ninth Avenue keeps me connected to the energy of the city,” Sean expresses. “While the office itself allows me to feel calm, grounded, and safe inside my own creative sanctuary.”
Sean’s home office now combines the best of both environments and positively impacts his mood and inspiration.
Check out Sean Matthew Robinson’s full apartment tour to see the rest of his home. Inspired? Submit your own project here.
Shop This Before & After