The Times Discovers Roommates! (And $17k Renovations) In BK

One of the reasons we get a kick out of love the NYT is their pure excitement for "discovering" trends that the rest of us "regular folks" have known about for quite some time — including the fact that Brooklyn is just as awesome as Manhattan. In their latest breaking news piece, the intrepid reporters bring to us the story of five 20-somethings who are — gasp! — roommates, who live in — double gasp! — Bushwick.

The five pals (two architects, two fashion designers, and one ad exec), decided two years ago to split the space (and rent) of a 2,700-square-foot loft in a former knitwear factory. Although the ragtag group of roomies and inadequate bathroom situation (there's only one toilet!) reminds us of our own lives, it's safe to say this gang is doing things a little more upscale than the rest of us. For starters, they collectively spent $17,000 refurbishing and building out the space, and their living room looks more like the set of Friends than it does the typical Ikea-covered pad. (Take, for example the custom aluminum backdrop behind the his-and-hers sinks, the Vera Wang damask wallpaper, and the baby grand piano).

To be fair, this talented group no doubt has a flair for interior decorating, and a knack for finding reclaimed pieces (and, in some cases, a corporate discount). But, leave it to the Times to do the hard digging and come up with this haven. What do you think of the place and of the profile? Check out the slideshow after the jump and comment below. (The New York Times)