Designing a Home With Heart
When Sydney Fazende began reimagining her 472-square-foot SoHo apartment during the pandemic, she wasn’t just thinking about furniture, colors, and textures. She was thinking about love—how to make her small New York home feel warm, intentional, and filled with joy.
“I wanted to love the space I came home to,” Fazende explained. “It’s not just about having things look nice—it’s about how a space makes you feel.”
At first, the project was about creating balance in a tiny footprint. Living in under 500 square feet meant every piece had to be purposeful. She leaned toward light, airy finishes, soft fabrics, and natural touches that wouldn’t overwhelm the apartment. Her inspiration started with the bold exposed red brick wall that runs through her living area. To offset its weight, she layered in neutral furniture, a cream-colored Moroccan rug, and pale wood accents, giving the home a bright, organic modern style.
But the real magic didn’t happen until Pepita, a fluffy Havanese puppy, entered her life. That little dog transformed the space from stylish to soulful. “When I tell you that I love to come home to her, it’s the realest thing,” Sydney shared with a laugh. “She’s what makes this apartment feel alive.”
A Space Built Around Pepita
Though the aesthetic was important, Fazende admits that much of her home’s layout actually revolves around her dog. Pepita isn’t just part of the apartment—she runs it.
Every piece of furniture doubles as a lookout perch. “She always wants to know what’s happening, whether it’s inside with me or outside on the street,” Sydney said. The ash wood and auburn velvet accent chairs were chosen not only for style but for height—perfect for Pepita to see into the kitchen while Sydney works.
Still, nothing beats the Arhaus sofa, Pepita’s undisputed throne. Draped in a blanket just for her, it gives the pup the perfect view of the street below. “She sits there like the mayor of SoHo, greeting everyone who passes,” Sydney joked. “She’s friends with all the neighbors.”
Unlike most dog parents, Fazende doesn’t bother with a dog bed. After trying several options, she realized Pepita just wasn’t interested. “It was like a Goldilocks story,” she said. “None of them worked for her. In the end, she always chose the couch.” That decision, while unconventional, actually saved valuable floor space in the petite apartment—a win-win.
A Bedroom Made for Cuddles
While the living space is airy and open, Sydney’s bedroom has a very different mood—soft, romantic, and cozy. Rounded edges define the design: the arched headboard, curved nightstand, and globe-shaped lamp all work together to create a feminine, calming retreat.
“I wanted this room to feel romantic—but romantic for me,” Fazende explained. “A little girly, a little softer than the main space.”
Of course, Pepita has her own nighttime ritual. She starts out neatly at the foot of the bed, curled up on her fluffy blanket. By morning, though, she’s inevitably migrated up to Sydney’s pillow, close enough to nuzzle her face. “It’s like she slowly inches her way up during the night,” Sydney laughed. “By the time I wake up, she’s basically my roommate.”
That cozy closeness is exactly what Sydney wanted from her space: not just something pretty to look at, but a home that nurtures connection.
The Joy of Creating a Perfect Fit
What makes Sydney and Pepita’s apartment truly special is how seamlessly everything blends together. The neutral palette of creams, browns, and warm wood tones matches Pepita’s fur so perfectly that she almost looks like part of the décor. “She was meant for this apartment,” Sydney admitted with a smile.
But beyond the visual harmony, the real story is about the emotional fit. Designing a small apartment in New York is always a challenge, but Sydney managed to create a home that feels expansive and welcoming, despite its size. And she did it in a way that puts love—and her pup—at the center.
“Coming home to her is everything,” Sydney said. “She makes this space what it is.”
Designer Isabel Klee, who visited the apartment for a tour, summed it up perfectly: “You’re a perfect fit—both of you. The home, the dog, the design—it all just works.”
Sydney’s SoHo apartment isn’t about perfection, trends, or even maximizing space in the traditional sense. It’s about joy, comfort, and companionship. Every corner tells a story of balance between style and practicality, every piece of furniture has a purpose, and every design choice honors the bond between a woman and her dog.
In just 472 square feet, Sydney and Pepita have built a life full of warmth and personality. It’s proof that a home isn’t measured in square footage—it’s measured in love. And sometimes, love comes on four tiny paws.
