Maya McHenry’s affinity for interiors started with her mom, having watched how she could style an eclectic assortment of vintage goods in one space with ease and intention over the decades. “I grew up in Los Angeles, spending hours with my mom in places like Anthropologie, Restoration Hardware, and antique shops,” the New York City–based publicist tells AD over Zoom.
McHenry will never forget the first time she heard her mom use the words “shabby chic” to describe her design ethos. So when it was time to move into her second rental apartment in 2022, the millennial put “shabby chic” into full throttle—but, of course, making it her own by blending it with a slew of other styles. The 300-square-foot studio is McHenry’s take on extremely maximalist yet organized chaos, contrasting from the quintessential quiet that hushes over the Upper East Side.
With high ceilings and tons of storage opportunities, McHenry takes full advantage of the space (which costs her $2,400 per month). Every cranny is decorated with statement-baring tchotchkes and second-hand finds that all hold a special meaning or an interesting story. The current state of her home falls under what she describes as a “quirky, Art Deco” umbrella, featuring mix-match printed carpets, a kitschy array of disco balls and neon signage, and her ever-growing collection of checkered coasters (she swears she has “at least a hundred”). McHenry’s home also relies on “tomboyish and childlike” cues, as seen with her KAWS collectibles and streetwear-inspired coffee table reads.
With a free-reigning timeline and no specific budget, McHenry’s only priority was ensuring the space looked and felt authentically hers. “Just like what people say when you’re dating someone, I’m the only person whose opinion should matter,” she says. “It’s my apartment. I’m the one who has to live and sleep in it. So I’m the one who has to love it—and I do.”
Below, McHenry discusses the inspiration behind her “shabby chic” abode, her favorite splurge items, and design tips on mastering controlled maximalism.
Architectural Digest: What was the vision for the space?
Maya McHenry: The move was abrupt, so I didn’t have too much time to decide how to decorate it. After I moved in and got situated, I started curating the space a few months later. To keep myself organized, I made a mood board of how I wanted it to look and feel and the stores I wanted to shop from. I prioritized what I needed the most—a couch, bed, dresser, coffee table, and stools—and then figured out the specifics afterward.
