Spoiler alert:  This is a self-portrait (as a young man in Hell’s Kitchen).  Upon moving into Manhattan, I quickly began to appreciate small-space living.  While this was actually a three bedroom apartment, it felt like an oasis for my two roommates and me.  While only my former bedroom is featured here, we each took pride in the expression of ourselves throughout the cozy apartment.  Drawing from a life-long affinity for Americana, I maximized the use of the wall above the bed to feature found and shopped items, from flea markets and thrift stores to more treasured heirlooms and purchases.  Custom drapes softened the deep blue walls to conceal the closet.  Custom valances helped to make the tenement windows a bit more tailored in appearance.  A mix of textiles featuring a Pendleton Indian Chief served as a focal point of the room, accented with store-bought and custom pillows.  A shelf was put in above the foot of the bed, toward the ceiling, to elevate books and keepsakes, helping to balance the room top to bottom.  I will always look back fondly on the experience of living in that room, forging my future.