Astoria Interiors: A Prized Piano On 30th Ave

Welcome back to another edition of Astoria Interiors, a series where we go inside neighborhood homes to showcase design on the most local level. Today we head inside a well-traveled one-bedroom on 35th St, where an Astoria adventurer has collected art and artifacts from all over the world. But Emily has also found history right here at home—her living room features a century-old piano, passed down through Astoria artists’ homes over the years. 

With all of us spending more time at home (please stay home!) we’d love for you to submit your pad for Astoria Interiors. Please send a selection of six well-lit photos (including captions!) and a series of responses to these questions. All types of homes are welcome and encouraged. Send your submission to dore.anna@gmail.com with “Astoria Interiors” in the subject line. Submissions will be accepted on a rolling basis.

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Name: Emily Kistner

Social handle: @ekist 

Location: 30th Ave & 35th Street

Years lived in: 3

Size (# of bedrooms, bathrooms):  1 bed, 1 bath

Tell us a bit about you and your Astoria apartment: My name is Emily, and I’ve lived in Astoria for 6 years. I’m an avid solo traveler, very proud aunt to 2-year-old Abigail, and I just started training for my second marathon. My design style is a combination of mid-century furniture with 70s boho design elements.

Describe your design aesthetic in 5 words or less: Mid-century, bohemian

What’s your favorite room and why? My living room. It’s spacious, serene, and a great room for hosting neighborhood get-togethers, which I like to do often.

Favorite local element? My piano! It was gifted to me and, legend has it, has been passed around several Astoria artists’ homes over the years. It’s over 100 years old.

Most prized piece? That quirky yellow lamp in my room. I saw it on some design site and became obsessed. Turns out it was only being sold in the UK so I ordered it, shipped it to a friend in London, and had her mail it to me. I have to plug it in with a converter and had to go to a specialty lightbulb shop on the Upper East Side for the right bulbs… ha! Every time I turn it on I have to laugh a little.

What part of your home are you most proud of? I’m especially proud of the macrame piece in my bedroom. I wanted a large wall hanging and at the time, macrame hadn’t really caught on yet and was very expensive. So I decided to make my own! I bought a spool of rope from Home Depot and found that stick outside my apartment on 33rd Street in Astoria.

Best apartment advice? Your home should feel like a safe space. Even as a renter you should paint the walls, hang art. I’ve lived in NYC for over a decade, and having a comfortable place that feels like yours makes a big difference in a sometimes chaotic lifestyle.