Melanie Demi, known online as @themeldemi, travels the world with her three dogs. However, she values coming home just as much.
A digital creator in travel, lifestyle and pet content, Demi shares a two-bedroom railroad apartment in Bushwick with her husband Albert, two Great Danes, and a dachshund mix. Despite the large dogs, the couple proves that you don’t have to sacrifice space — or style — to live in New York City.
From Sterile to Eclectic
When Demi first moved in, the apartment felt overly white and clinical.
So she warmed it up. Colorful rugs, vibrant artwork, and plants lining every windowsill transformed the space into something lively and welcoming. Today, she describes her aesthetic as eclectic — with what she jokingly calls “a splash of Great Dane slobber.”
A Couch Built for Five
The apartment’s biggest investment sits front and center: a $5,000 couch that stretches the length of the living room.
Demi chose it specifically for her Great Danes. The sofa is waterproof, pet-resistant, and large enough for five family members to lounge together comfortably. Removable white covers make cleaning easy — a practical must in a dog-filled home.
Behind the couch, a gallery wall displays art and keepsakes collected during travels with the pups, adding personality and storytelling to the space.
Designing With Zoomies in Mind
Although the couch makes a bold statement, the rest of the furniture stays intentionally slim.
Narrow consoles and entry tables preserve walkways and prevent collisions when the dogs get the zoomies. In fact, Demi jokes that the clearance between furniture is perfectly “two Danes deep.”
The thoughtful layout keeps the apartment functional without feeling cramped.
A Backyard Oasis in NYC
Beyond the living room and kitchen sit the bedroom and office — both leading to a backyard.
That outdoor space ultimately convinced Demi and Albert to sign the lease. It gives the dogs room to run and sunbathe, while the couple enjoys working outside on pleasant days.
Demi calls it their “little oasis,” something she never expected to have in New York City.
Making It Work at Night
At bedtime, two adults and three dogs squeeze into a king-sized bed.
Surprisingly, it works. Once the Danes curl into tight little balls, everyone finds space — even if Demi sometimes wakes up twisted into unexpected yoga poses.
To make sleeping easier, the couple uses the Scandinavian sleep method. Each person has their own duvet, which prevents midnight tug-of-war with either spouse or dog.
A washer-dryer in the unit also makes daily life with pets significantly easier — another nonnegotiable for Demi.
Comfort Over Perfection
Living with large dogs means embracing a little chaos.
Demi doesn’t obsess over perfection. If the bed stays unmade or a little fur lingers, she lets it go. For her, the priority is creating a home where everyone fits — comfortably and authentically.
Between the travel mementos, bold colors, and dog-friendly design, the apartment reflects both her family’s personality and their lifestyle.
Ultimately, it’s not about having a pristine space. It’s about building one where love, comfort, and a few muddy paw prints coexist happily.