Bold Colors Turned This “Vast, White Concrete Canvas” into a Vibrant Sanctuary
Erin Derby
·14 min read
"The one thing people always ask about in my home is whether I painted everything myself, followed quickly by, 'Do you rent this place?' and then, 'Wait, you actually live here, this is your home?'" begins Averie Cole, who's rented this Jersey City loft for a year and a half. "The bold colors and murals definitely surprise people, and they’re always curious about how much of it is my own work — which, of course, it all is!" Credit: Erin DerbyCredit: Erin Derby
Averie, who shares her home with 6-year-old son, Auggie, and a pupper named Odessa, says that in this home, there's a "No Beige Energy Allowed" rule. "If you come in with neutral vibes, prepare to be colorfully overwhelmed. Embrace the pink or politely leave." Credit: Erin DerbyCredit: Erin Derby
Averie has done plenty of DIY in this home. "The hallway light, in particular, was a fun DIY project — I painted it myself. Most of my pink furniture started as old, brown, and damaged pieces I found on the side of the street. I painted them pink and gave them new life, transforming them into beautiful and functional additions to my home." Credit: Erin DerbyCredit: Erin Derby
Averie was able to do a lot of decorating with existing furniture pieces or with secondhand scores. "My only big purchase was the vintage dining table I scored on Facebook Marketplace for $400." Credit: Erin DerbyCredit: Erin Derby
Another house rule? "Paint First, Regret Later: Life’s too short to second-guess a paint choice. Just go for it." Credit: Erin DerbyCredit: Erin Derby
"My favorite thing about my home is the ombré peach and pink kitchen, which I painted during a break from drinking alcohol. The ceilings start with this soft, warm peach that gradually deepens into a playful pink toward the lower end," Averie describes. Credit: Erin DerbyCredit: Erin Derby
"I spent a whole weekend on the transformation, and it completely changed the vibe of the space. The project came after trying so many other design ideas that just didn’t feel right. But once I imagined the ombré effect, I knew it was the one, and I just ran with it." Credit: Erin DerbyCredit: Erin Derby
"Painting the kitchen was really the beginning of the pink theme in my home and it was such an empowering and therapeutic experience during that sober stint, and now it stands as a vibrant, joyful reminder of what I can create when I focus on doing something beautiful for myself." Credit: Erin DerbyCredit: Erin Derby
"I’m also really proud of my pink coffee mug stand in the kitchen," Averie shares another proud DIY project. Credit: Erin DerbyCredit: Erin Derby
"Another favorite project is the rattan furniture in the living space, which I rescued from my building’s trash room. It was in pretty bad shape and missing the glass, but I had new glass made and spray-painted the whole thing pink. I’m so happy with how it turned out — it’s the perfect mix of upcycling and adding my own style." Credit: Erin DerbyCredit: Erin Derby
"My home doubles as a multi-use space, functioning as both a photo studio and an exhibition/event venue," Averie explains of something unique about the home. "I’ve hosted art events here, the most recent exhibition 'Meeting Mama,' which was up for eight weeks. I’m in the process of hiring it out for other events and as a getting-ready location for brides." Credit: Erin DerbyCredit: Erin Derby
"As a wedding photographer, I often see couples getting ready in hotel rooms that can feel visually uninspired. So, I had this idea to offer my space as a more creative and dynamic alternative. The front features a large crisp white photo studio with loads of natural light, perfect for photos, while the rest of the apartment bursts with color and quirk. I love to share my space and see the joy it brings others." Credit: Erin DerbyCredit: Erin Derby
Averie is also proud of all the quilts in the space. "I made each one myself, having learned to sew when I first moved to the U.S. from Australia in 2016. During the pandemic, I discovered quilting, inspired by my good friend Lorena Uriarte, a world-renowned quilter and educator. These quilts add so much color, dimension, and texture to my home." Credit: Erin DerbyCredit: Erin Derby
"Each one is completely unique, something no one else in the world could have or even replicate. The process of quilting has been both rewarding and therapeutic, and I’d love to dedicate more time to it. I’ve been thinking about making quilted pillows as a winter project, adding even more layers of personality to my space.” Credit: Erin DerbyCredit: Erin Derby
A challenge in this home has been the bedroom. "It’s such a large space with no windows, and everything I tried initially made it feel chaotic and overwhelming. I experimented with so many different ideas, but nothing seemed to work. Eventually, I decided to color drench the entire room in a pale pink-peach hue and add a checker wall for some subtle interest. The goal was to create a Zen space that felt calm and private — a place to recharge and escape from the world. It contrasts with the living areas, which have this louder, punchy, performance like feel." Credit: Erin DerbyCredit: Erin Derby
"Painting the bedroom was a serious undertaking, especially with the 13-foot-high ceilings. It took way longer than I thought, and I spent so much time touching up corners and tiny spots. I quickly realized I needed protective gear to avoid getting paint in my eyes and through my hair." Credit: Erin DerbyCredit: Erin Derby
"Over the past year, I’ve probably spent around $1,200 on paint supplies, and that’s a conservative estimate considering how much I’ve spent on paint samples. I’d wait for sales and grab sample pots for $3 each, which saved me quite a bit. The bedroom alone cost around $250 in paint — it took five gallons to cover such a large space, including the ceiling." Credit: Erin DerbyCredit: Erin Derby
Averie says that "lighting was another major hurdle, as there was no existing lighting at all. I had to figure out how to mount plug-in fixtures to the dense concrete, standing on a huge ladder and making it all work. It was a messy, time-consuming process, but in the end, it transformed the room into a serene retreat." Credit: Erin DerbyCredit: Erin Derby
Averie changed the light fixtures in the space, the proudest DIY in the entire space. "I know it might not sound like a big deal to some, but for me, it was a huge hurdle to overcome my fear of electricity. It felt like a major accomplishment because I didn’t hire someone else — I took the challenge on and figured it out on my own. So yes, that absolutely counts as DIY in my book!" Credit: Erin DerbyCredit: Erin Derby
“As a photographer, I was on the hunt for a space that could double as my home and studio,” begins Averie Cole, who’s been photographing weddings for ten years. “When I walked into this apartment, the soaring ceilings and flood of natural light had me sold instantly. Plus, being smack dab in the heart of downtown Jersey City, with all its awesome bars and restaurants, was a huge bonus.”
"I work a lot. If I’m not shooting portraits in my studio, I’m editing photos, making sure everything is perfect for my clients. That’s why having an inspiring home — one that feels alive and joyful — is so important to me. My space isn’t just somewhere I exist, it’s a place where I love to create and gather," Averie writes. "The kitchen is the heart of my home. It’s where I get to pause from the hustle and put my love for cooking and hosting to use. I’ve always been drawn to throwing dinner parties, bringing people together over good food and conversation. In a past life, I spent 10 years bartending, and those skills still come into play. The kitchen often transforms into 'Averie’s Bar,' where I’m behind the bar shaking up cocktails for my friends. We’ll sit there for hours, laughing, sharing stories, and making memories, the kind that linger long after the glasses are empty. It’s those moments that remind me why I put so much thought into my home, why I make it colorful, vibrant, and full of personality. Here, I get to do more than work. I get to share, celebrate, and create." Credit: Erin DerbyCredit: Erin Derby
“I actually had a photo studio on the third floor of this very building for a couple of years, but it was pretty tight on space. After my marriage ended, I started keeping an eye out for a place where I could both live and work. I stayed in touch with the building manager, and when this larger unit became available, it was like everything fell into place.”
"Some people say they don’t want to invest in a rental because it feels like a waste of money, but I’ve never had that attitude," Averie admits. "I believe in investing in the present and making the space I have now as inspiring and enriching as possible. I want my home to uplift my daily mood and make anyone who walks in feel something. There’s still so much more I’d love to do if I had a larger budget, but the great thing about paint is that it can make a huge impact for very little money. Take the blue arch and purple dots mural in my entryway — that cost me under $50, and it completely transformed the space. Paint is definitely my favorite way to breathe new life into a room without spending a fortune." Credit: Erin DerbyCredit: Erin Derby
“What really sealed the deal was the building’s backstory. It’s a heritage-listed warehouse that’s worn many hats over the years — about 20 years ago, it was a storage facility before being transformed into residential lofts. Moving in here wasn’t just about finding a cool apartment; it was about joining a vibrant community of creatives. The place is buzzing with painters, interior designers, furniture makers, photographers, cinematographers, and fashion designers; it’s this collective energy that makes living here so special,” Averie continues.
"I found my vintage dining table on Facebook Marketplace for $400, and I’m absolutely obsessed with it. The day I went to pick it up was filled with so much anxiety and chaos. The table was all the way up in Vernon, NY, and I wasn’t even sure it would happen until an hour beforehand. I had to rent a U-Haul all by myself, which was a whole ordeal. I had to arrange a babysitter for my son, and I didn’t have anyone to come along to help me load it. Plus, the table is huge and heavy. To top it off, my driver’s license had expired, and I only had a temporary one saved on my phone. U-Haul required a printed version, so I made a mad dash to Staples to print it out," Averie describes. "Despite all these obstacles, I was determined to make it work. Once I finally had the table secured in the back of the van and was driving back to Jersey City, I felt so powerful and accomplished. The couple I bought it from were lovely — they were moving to California that week, so it had to go. I showed them photos of my apartment, and the woman was so happy that the table was going to a good home. It’s one of the best purchases I’ve ever made, and I’m so grateful to have this beautiful piece of furniture in my space." Credit: Erin DerbyCredit: Erin Derby
“Before I moved in, my home was this vast, white concrete canvas — an empty loft brimming with so much potential. It had this industrial vibe, with soaring ceilings and raw finishes, and it just begged for color and life. I remember walking in and immediately picturing how I could transform it, and honestly, I started dreaming up ideas the second I signed the lease.”
Averie estimates that some murals, like the ones in the living room and the hallway, "each cost about $150 in paint." Credit: Erin DerbyCredit: Erin Derby
“Now, it’s a completely different world. My home is this vibrant, playful sanctuary that brings me so much joy every day. It’s full of bold colors and whimsical details that celebrate my inner child. Painting and designing this space was more than just decorating — it was therapy. I poured all my energy into it while navigating the end of a seven-year marriage, and for the first time, I had the freedom to express myself without compromise. Every wall tells a story, reflecting my growth, my resilience, and this newfound sense of independence.”
"Living in Jersey City for the past eight years has given me the perfect backdrop to explore my passions, from quilting to painting murals. Painting my own apartment inspired me to start a mural business, helping others add vibrant color to their spaces, even if they don’t have the time or confidence to do it themselves," Averie explains. "Bringing my community together has been so important to me. As I don’t have family here, my friends have really become my support unit, and my home has transformed into a sanctuary for creativity, connection, and joyful gatherings." Credit: Erin DerbyCredit: Erin Derby
“What makes the space feel truly personal and meaningful are the walls covered in art created by some of my closest friends. It connects me even more deeply to my home and celebrates the incredible, creative women in my life,” Averie explains. “One of my oldest and dearest friends from Australia, Sarah McCkloskey, has her work featured prominently on my walls, serving as a beautiful reminder of home and where I come from. Then there’s Rebecca Johnson, a newer friend I met whilst living in Jersey City, whose art is feminine, whimsical, and full of beautiful vibrant colors. I was especially drawn to all the pink in her work! Being surrounded by their art fills the space with warmth and inspiration. It’s more than just a collection of paintings — it’s a celebration of the joy and strength my community brings me, and it makes my home feel alive in the best possible way.”
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