If you’ve been a longtime fan of YouTube vlogs, you’re likely familiar with Mai Pham. At just 23, she has built an incredible life, audience, and business through her channel, serving as a huge inspiration for young women chasing their dreams. We’ve all followed her from place to place over the years, and while her moving vlogs are always a favorite, the most recent one feels different—it feels grounded.
Rather than the usual chaotic move-in vibe, Mai was incredibly intentional with the look of this apartment. The space speaks to her childhood, her interests, and her Asian heritage. By mixing high-end finds with treasures from Facebook Marketplace, the apartment truly feels like a home and an embodiment of who she is. Today, we’re breaking down this aesthetic to help inspire you to give your own home that same personal, lived-in feel.
1. The Entryway: Setting the tone of the home
In her hilarious apartment tour posted earlier this year, Mai highlights how her upbringing—specifically being raised by her grandmother, a Buddhist monk—deeply inspired her home. The entryway immediately sets the tone, respecting Asian customs by requiring guests to take off their shoes. If you’re going for an Asian-inspired home, this is a beautiful and practical tradition to adopt.
Mai views the entryway as the precedent for the entire home; it sets the mood for everything to come. Her space features a map of Asia on the wall, paired with a stunning paper lantern, a curated selection of books, and a dedicated shoe cupboard. It’s a perfect example of how to combine heritage with organization.
She also incorporates items for protection, such as a golden Buddhist plate and an “evil eye” symbol. Whether it’s a cross, a Buddha statue, or another meaningful symbol, adding a protective element is a great way to make your home feel safe and personal.
To get the look for your own entryway, consider these pieces:
- A Dedicated Shoe Cupboard: Keeps the space tidy while honoring the “shoes off” rule.
- Cultural Maps or Art: A great way to pay homage to your roots right at the door.
- Paper Lanterns: These provide soft, ambient lighting that feels warm and inviting.
- Symbols of Protection: Incorporate a piece that represents your faith or personal beliefs to ground the space.
2. The Living Room: Art Gallery Meets Comfort
Mai describes her living room as more of an art gallery than a typical lounge. The space is filled with Noguchi lamps and Asian art posters, creating a curated, intentional vibe. Instead of a standard indoor sofa, she chose a unique wooden outdoor couch and styled the room with wooden screens shipped directly from Kyoto. The room also features a Japanese wood table, self-watering plants, and even wood logs placed strategically to bring in a natural element.
One of the most interesting points Mai makes is that she feels Asian furniture has its own soul. Because many of these pieces are handmade and have existed for years, she believes they carry a sense of life within them. In her primary lounging area, the color teal takes center stage—from the artwork to the lamps—while traditional scrolls and temple imagery on the walls reinforce the Asian-inspired aesthetic. A vibrant red Persian rug ties the whole look together with a pop of “flavor.”
Since the living room is quite spacious, she also includes a massive green modular couch and traditional tatami mats. Notably, Mai opted out of a TV, choosing a projector instead to keep the entertainment setup sleek and minimalist.
To bring this “living gallery” feel into your own home, here are a few key takeaways:
- Noguchi-Style Lighting: Use paper lanterns to create soft, diffused light.
- Mixed Wood Textures: Don’t be afraid to use outdoor furniture or raw wood logs to add character.
- A Signature Color Palette: Use a specific shade, like teal or red, to ground your art and decor.
- Alternative Entertainment: Swap the bulky TV for a projector to keep your walls focused on art.
- Meaningful Heritage Pieces: Incorporate items that feel “alive” or have a history behind them.
3.The Bedroom & Bathroom: A Sanctuary for Sleep
Moving into the bedrooms, the master suite continues the intentional theme. Right at the entrance, you’re met with a piece of art and a cute entryway table. A large Noguchi lamp hangs overhead, providing that signature soft glow, while the bed is styled with the trending Bonlino ruched white bedding and silk pillowcases for a luxurious touch. To keep the energy grounded, the nightstands are accompanied with a cute bonsai tree and crystals, with another traditional Asian scroll on the wall to tie it all together.
The guest bedroom takes a bolder turn with a beautiful orange, lime-washed hue. Mai mentions the idea that “rooms should make you feel pushed out of them,” which she interprets through a minimalist lens; keeping the space strictly for sleep by avoiding couches or chairs. Instead, the focus is on a cool shelf decorated with meaningful miniatures like salt lamps, small statues, and other decorative treasures.
In the bathroom, the walls are covered in a shimmering wallpaper that reflects light beautifully, paired with a round mirror to add a softer, feminine touch. The countertop is kept organized with a marble tray for skincare and perfumes, while plants and trees are placed throughout to create a total zen sanctuary. Even the hallways are curated, featuring framed Studio Ghibli paintings and posters that add a touch of nostalgia to the home.
To recreate this serene, high-end bedroom and bath vibe, consider these additions:
- Statement Paper Pendants: A large hanging lamp instantly creates a focal point in a bedroom.
- Ruched Bedding & Silk: Mixing textures like ruched cotton and silk makes the bed look and feel expensive.
- Minimalist Guest Spaces: Focus on the essentials (a bed and simple decor) to keep the room dedicated to rest.
- Shimmering Textures: Use wallpaper or reflective surfaces in small spaces like bathrooms to bounce light around.
- Themed Hallway Art: Framing posters from your favorite films, like Studio Ghibli, is a great way to add personality to transitional spaces.
SHOP THE AESTHETIC
The Essentials.
- The Statement Sofa:
- The Akari Style:
- Organic Seating:
- Asian-Style Finds:
Living Room Furniture
- Vintage Style:
- Window Dressing:
Wellness & Beauty
- Mai’s Signature Scent:
- The Sleep Savior:
- Zen Tech:
The “Zen” Details
- Plant Care:
- Crystal Healing:
- Unique Essentials:
Final Thoughts: Building a Home with a Soul
At the end of the day, Mai’s penthouse isn’t just a lesson in high-end design; it’s a reminder that our homes should be a sanctuary for our past, present, and future selves. Whether you’re adding a simple prayer mat to your bedroom or hunting down the perfect vintage screen on Facebook Marketplace, the goal is to create a space that feels like you. Building a home with a soul takes time, a bit of thrifting, and the courage to trust your instinct and practice free will to create the space that feels best for you.
Want to see every corner of this iconic NYC sanctuary ? Check out Mai’s full video tour below for the ultimate dose of inspiration:
Watch the Full $18,000 NYC Penthouse Tour on YouTube.
and another in detail,from HOMEWORTHY: