Only Murders in the Building recently returned for its third season – with more mysteries, romance, and new characters to enjoy. This includes struggling actress Loretta Durkin, played by multi-award-winning actress Meryl Streep. 

Ironically, highly successful Streep plays a struggling actress in the show, who is overjoyed to finally be cast in a production. Yet she finds herself in a classic whodunit when Paul Rudd’s character, Ben Glenroy, dies on stage. 

While the twists and turns of the plot are captivating to viewers, it seems that Loretta’s apartment is the real star of the show. So why exactly has the New York City apartment sparked the interest of interior design lovers?

Charming style 

Loretta lives in a small apartment – but what it lacks in size it makes up for in style. The apartment is chocked full of pattern and texture, from the large rug on the living room floor to the wallpaper, curtains, bedspread, and traditional sofa. 

Yet somehow it doesn’t feel overpowering. The charming design is a great example of a maximalist style done well, creating a warm and inviting feel that mimics Loretta’s quirky character.

Cosy lighting 

Throughout the NYC pad, you’ll spot plenty of cosy, ambient lighting that brings warmth to the space. There are no harsh overhead lights here, with the set designers opting for a mixture of lamps to bring the apartment to life. 

You may spot several desk lamps, floor lamps, picture lighting above artwork, and charming string lights that decorate the iron railings. Each emits a warm, golden glow to add to the charm of the apartment.

Smart storage

One of the most impressive aspects of interior design is the use of space. The designers have cleverly integrated a range of space-saving solutions that make Loretta’s apartment practical. This includes the concealed Murphy bed that pulls out directly onto the living room sofa!

There are also fitted wardrobes and cupboards, hollow steps for storage, built-in drawers, and a pull-out bookcase. Every single inch of space has been well-organised using multi-functional storage solutions that make the studio function for the character.

Clever decoration

Did you notice the many easter eggs scattered about Loretta’s apartment? This was done as an “homage to Streep’s illustrious career” according to Variety. They say that set designer  “Murray got no other notes on design requirements, so he “decided to attack with all the Easter eggs and inside jokes you could find”. 

This includes a framed tea towel with Streep’s character name from the film ‘Suffragette’, an arrangement of tulips on Loretta’s desk as seen in the movie ‘Julie & Julia’, and a series of books that feature the logo from ‘The Devil Wears Prada’. 

The quirky interior design style of Loretta’s apartment has certainly caught the attention of interior design lovers. Each element has been expertly crafted by the set designers to bring warmth and charm to Loretta’s tiny NYC pad.