That is actually slightly smaller that my dorm room in undergrad! No one could pay me enough to move back to a space that small, I would go nuts.

Madness

Could you imagine living in that small space with two cats?!?

Hmm. If they learned to cook and do laundry, they might be able to afford another room.

There is no way I could make this work. By the 2nd day my husband would be dead.

poor cats.

For one person, maybe. For two people PLUS two cats...NEVER!

oh boy, makes me feel lucky for the small space I have. insanity.

Why would you ever want to live like this??

I live in a loft with three cats and I can't imagine living in a space that small.

I couldn't do it -- I'm more of a nester and I like to cook. But more power to them!

thanks...but no thanks....if they stopped eating out every night they could probably afford a bigger space.

I would definitely kill the husband, cats whatevahhhh.

I have a sneaking suspicion these people also have a weekend home in the country.

SwedishChef...what?

I would be fine living like this if I ate out a lot too but I would have to really discipline myself to keep it cheap and healthy. I would do something different with the bed, make a loft or something...and I could never do the dry cleaning thing, I would have to have a space for my clothes (under the loft bed). Oh and FORGET living with another person!!! And my border collie would hate me forever.

I know NY is expensive but COME ON!

I agree with pretty much everyone else's comments: poor cats, cook and do your own laundry and I'd probably kill my husband.

Good luck to these people though!

My boyfriend and I lived in a studio for a while. It was literally my most favorite place ever. The house I bought is 1,000 sqft (only because of an add on room) and I almost feel lonely in it. We could so live in this space.

If they can survive living there, their marriage can survive anything.

On another note, $150,000 for 175 sq/ft is insane and seems like it would probably be more expensive (square footage-wise) than something a bit bigger. And, $700 in maintenance fees for an apt that small seems absurd.

yeah, it's fine that they don't have much space, but those poor cats! my lil buggers would slaughter me in my sleep if i kept them in such a tiny room hahah

but hey, i like that these folks can make this work. i wish i could, actually. i'm just too much of a homebody.

This wouldn't be a bad space for someone who travelled to New York somewhat frequently for work (or maybe even someone who worked for the airlines). 2-3 days every other week--that sort of thing. I'm surprised they don't have captain's bed or something else to give them more storage. A space that small you have to design almost like a boat--lots of hidden storage.

@SwedishChef: Why do they 'disgust' you? I would prefer if you stuck to saying things like "Gersh gurndy morn-dee burn-dee"

NO! Do they eat on their bed? Insanity.

File under dumbest New Yorkers ever.

Why anyone would choose to live like this is beyond me. I'm all about less being more, but no one should have to live in such confined quarters unless absolutely necessary. I feel like somewhere in the world there are probably jail cells larger than this.

I could live anywhere if it has windows - which they do have

I'm so glad I live in LA.

@CrazyLady: You're right, that's over $850 a square foot, and a ridiculous maintenance fee to boot.

New York real estate never ceases to amaze me.

I love that these two like-minded people found each other. I keep saying I'd rather save money on housing and spend it on travel - but these folks actually do it. Inspiring, really. A lot to be said for knowing what makes you happy.

And the dry cleaners-as-closet thing is hilarious.

From the article:

"I used to collect vintage clothing, for example, and the cost of storing it and moving it was just not economically viable. So when we decided to move to Manhattan..."

I'm not trying to "hate", but what exactly is economically viable about paying $1000/square foot (very expensive for Morningside Heights), plus huge dry cleaning and eating out bills, plus an astronomically high condo fee? It would be really interesting to see exactly how expensive it is to live this kind of lifestyle, and how much of that money could be put toward a larger condo with a conventional mortgage and fewer daily expenses.

If one's dream is to own real estate in Manhattan (a strange dream, but OK), then there are ways to do so without making so many sacrifices.

Good grief! If forced to live in such a small space I would
at the very least have a sofa bed...

I don't know how they doit but I would go insane in that space. If they like it, more power to them but I hate to see animals as large as cats in such a confined space.

I'm curious as to what the two cats think about living in such a small space with two people.

Wow. First of all, I'm surprised at how negative these comments are! If you don't have anything nice to say...

Second, yes, anyone who doesn't live in NYC will think that the space for the price is insane. That's the deal. NYC is its own special... well, island. Normal rules do not apply. [Note: I don't live in NYC.]

Third, no one's asking any of you to live in a space like this. The article is giving the perspective of a couple who *are* living in a space like this.

Lastly, for those commenters saying, "They should stop eating out/spending money on things/use the money to buy a larger space," if you read the whole article, it says that they plan to have their entire mortgage paid off in a couple of years. So this couple is giving us a good example of living within and below their means, working towards a debt-free life, and practicing financial responsibility. That's worthy of praise, not criticism.

hey, if it works for them, then good for them - and their cats. design-wise, though, there is nothing really interesting here. i'd love to see what some of the smallest coolest winners could do with the same space :) some built-in storage...a murphy or loft bed...some color or artwork on the walls...would be interesting to see what it could look like!

Personally, I'm all for downsizing, living with less, being less wasteful, etc., but I think this is ridiculous. It's one thing to want or need to live in the city, but $150K for one room to house two adults AND cats?

The clothing-storage thing is one thing I think is particularly nutty, but having the cats' litter box in your (only) living space? Yuck.

@noraL

At least they could downgrade that queen size bed to a full and save a few inches ....

quite honestly the bed takes up a LOT of space and it was not picked out well. They should have at least picked out a bed with some drawer storage in it (so they wouldn't have to keep their clothes in the refrigerator or whatever). A sofa bed would work too (but nobody except them ever wants to be in the apartment).

The best thing I think would have been to get a loft bed. They do sell full size ones. You could put a whole living room underneath there.

Those poor cats...

why are people so sad about the cats? I had a room in a rooming house about this size when I was in college and my cats were fine. For the smell I put their litter box into a cabinet they could open...I don't think they were any happier when I moved to a 850 sf apt or 1500 sf house...they liked having windows to look out of and a nice place to sleep and eat. I'm not sure why that's abusive. The owners live next to a garbage chute (don't even have a garbage can) so probably change the litter all the time.

that said, I'd need a tv, table/desk and chair in there

If they are never home, then why not have a small place like this? They are lucky.

i wish they were a little more creative with their place. looks boorrrrrriiinngggg in there.

i do love the teeeeeny bathroom though!

I don't understand the incredible backlash against what this couple is doing. Come on, this is the same site that derides homes over 1000 sq feet as enormous energy wasters.

Cats, unlike dogs, do not require a huge amount of living space, especially if they've never known anything else. They certainly have better lives than they would on the street or in an animal shelter.

Yes, it's expensive, but if they can afford it and if it provides the lifestyle they want, why knock it? How is this different than the tiny tumbleweed houses that have been praised on this site?

Nothing like rolling over in bed & smelling a cat's litter box 5 ft away. Gross.

and dry cleaning all of your clothes is just ridiculous.

It seems to work for them, and I think it might be nice to have almost no possessions to worry about. I'm sure the cats are fine.

Poor layout. The Japanese would have a field day with that much space.

I feel the same way about this home as the golden pyramid-shaped home I used to pass on family road trips.

They're a little nuts and grasping for attention, but, hey, whatever floats their boat.

The first photo shows them drinking wine and the last one shows booze (not books) in the bookcase.
Yeah, I'd drink a lot too if I put myself in that living situation.

Time to fire the accountant. How much per sq ft?

LOVE IS BLIND

I blogged about this yesterday:
http://rearrangeddesign.blogspot.com/2009/12/unreal.html

I used to live in Yonkers and our co-op wanted to sell my 2br apt for 129,000

It's five times the size of this place for only 15 minutes north.

They should at least decorate a bit more! White walls, ew. And so much wasted floor space! Get a table in there or something, jeez! There is something inherently awful in people who never use their kitchen.

I like it, you can do so much with this small space. I myself live in the smallest place I ever had, and it's my favorite. Location, location, location!

I would go crazy without being able to cook, but aside from that I would have to have a clothing closet. I am sorry but there would be lots of ways to do it in that apartment if someone wanted to without it taking up a huge amount of space. And even with the bench at the end of the bed I would need desperately to have a few stacking or folding chairs and a folding or wall table. Something.

It's who I am. They may certainly do whatever they want but I would prefer to eat healthily and have my clothing without having to travel to get it.

Scoot - I'm with you. I really think they haven't taken advantage of vertical space. I look at their apartment and the first thing I think is not "wow, that's small"... it's "what a ton of wasted space". Choosing to live in a space that size isn't crazy - most people do not spend much time in their apartments in NY. However, they could do much more with some well-place storage and reconfiguring of the space.

this part of the article is pretty awesome though:

"The couple will pay off their mortgage in two years, when they plan to remodel some of the apartment, adding a Murphy bed and larger windows. They will then be saddled only with their maintenance fee, which is just over $700 a month.
"It's like having a rent-controlled apartment," she said. "We're going to own something in Manhattan in two years. How many people can say that? And we're very happy doing more with less."

Wow, the negative comments amaze me. I agree with Michelle123 - how is this worse than the street or the animal shelter? Plenty of people don't even have this much space. If I could get away with eating out every day, I would do it too.

I guess some cats need more space than others just like humans. I just moved my (single) cat from a space much larger than this. At 350 square feet he was a very depressed cat who resorted to using all the carpets as his litter box. It was not a good situation for all involved. I recently bought a house and he now has the run of about 1000 square feet (the whole house but the 2 bedrooms). He is much happier now that he can run longer distances. He plays more is generally friendlier and hasn't had an accident in the 3 months we been in the new place. He needs the space to run around. My cat would not be happy in this couple's small home.

Wouldn't work for me. I spent seven years in a room that small or smaller (college and when I had started work) but that was (a) all alone (b) without a pet. I would never want to voluntarily do it again!
Good for them if it works, different strokes for different folks.

3 yrs ago, i paid $150k for a 450-sq ft studio in brooklyn--separate & full kitchen & bathroom. i love it, but could never fathom having another being living there w/me--(wo)man or beast.

that said, this couple appears happy with their *choice* and seem to look at this as a challenge. this could be their lovely pied-a-terre in the city when they're ready to move on to bigger.

and it'll be fully paid for--jealous!

yes, they could use a little AT help on the decor!

k.

The building had 9 places like this, 8 of them were turned into 4 apartments, and this one was left over. The 4 resulting apartments, each of which is two of these, sold for just under $500,000 apiece.

Comment on them: They are saving [a tiny bit] by not having a gym subscription, not buying a MetroCard, not hosting people at home... And it seems that they like all that - Good for them!

Comment on the Apt: I like their bathroom - nicely finished. Stil, the space needs some character on the walls. Maybe artwork near the bed? How about minimalistic curtains?

the thing that gets me is $700/mo condo fees...is that normal in NYC?

good for them, although i agree with a lot of the other posters who feel the space is sadly underutilised and underdecorated.
and if we're all about the small footprint, drycleaning isn't exactly the most environmentally friendly thing to do.
that said, i work with a woman who lives on a 45 sq. ft. boat and loves it.

Since this is a design blog, let me first comment on how undecorated this space is. If I had to (or chose to) live that way it would look like a swanky hotel room with a kitchenette.

I also don't understand the outrage. These people are trying to live within their means, unlike most Americans, and do it in one of the world's most expensive cities. They are happy. Their CATS are probably happy.

I really, truly just don't understand the lack of perspective some people have on this site. These people have more space per person, with better conditions, than a family in a favela in Rio de Janeiro or a grass hut in Zimbabwe or a tiny middle-class apartment in Tokyo, even.

So what makes this post different than the 100sq rooms in Hong Kong? This 175sq foot apartment is nearly as small. But somehow this isn't a "health hazard"? Hmmmmm..

I guess I'm in the minority when I say that I kind of like it. the view from the windows looks amazing and it appears like they get a lot of fresh air. I agree that they should maximize the space by having a loft bed (but truth be told I HATED my loft bed and would never go back to one). and the decor isn't to my liking but wow, living in a nutshell like that really appeals to me. just think of how quickly you could clean?!?! :)

Interesting little space, would be fun to decorate/renovate it. I think that it's fabulous that these people can make this small space work for them; would rather see people living like this than in a McMansion.

Regarding the cats and ppl saying "oh gross, litter boxes", I clean my cats litter box twice a day and you can't even smell them.

I think it's amazing how bitchy some of the comments here are about the choice these people have made; it's their lives and apparently it works for them. They're not hurting anyone by living like this, and they're certainly not trying to make you do it too.

I'm with you, Scoot. Usually ITheir supposedly clever solutions pretty much boil down to "Throw money at it, et voila!" These solutions would never occur to me simply because they are a ridiculous waste of money! Is it really that important to these people to have a Manhattan zip code?

I could never live in a space this small. How could I ever have friends over for dinner and a movie? How could I ever invite people to stay with me from out of town? I mean, I have a pretty small apartment (500 sq feet, 1 bedroom) but I can still entertain at least a few people comfortably.

Ooops. I meant to say, usually I enjoy these small home articles because the owners come up with such clever and resourceful ways to adapt.

It works for them, and they will make a profit when they sell in two or three years. I know people who have lived in much worse circumstances while renovating a house.

Amazing way of disciplining your aquisitions! Instead of just ordering those books at Amazon, you have to think, gee, where would I put them? Or, "nice shirt!, I wonder where I will put it". Or, "do I really need more than 4 pairs of socks?". However, it makes iTunes very attractive.

Oh! and two cats! Lordy Lordy!

Living in a closet is insane, even it were free

Wow. I think my apartment is the same size and I have two cats also. The outrage is embarrassing me a bit. However, I also have a porch that the kitties are allowed to enjoy when it's not snowing. But I'm actually beginning to think my place is closer to 230 or so since I have a full sized fridge off the side of the main space and I've had friends over comfortably.

I've been thinking about a loft bed but that would ruin awkward sexual encounters college accompanies so...idk.

It's like living in a boat -- or Tokyo. But there must be a better way to deal with the clothing and eating situation. Perhaps they could learn from the Japanese (or from sailors).

Sounds tiny and they did a great job, but uh... with all that money they're spending on eating out and dry cleaning they could get a bigger place.

I love small spaces, but they didn't make a single effort to work with the room. There's a lot of wasted space there. If its small, it should at least be cozy!

I can't stop wonderiing if they run to work with clean underwear and socks in their hands? In a fanny pack?! I just can't work out the logistics of that one...! And what about the ubiquitous big bag every NYer carries everywhere because we don't have cars to stow stuff in? Cell phone, wallet, keys, etc.

At first I thought these people must be crazy, but then I read their reasons for living in a small space and they sound really genuinely into it. I used to work around the corner from there and it really is a lovely spot, looks like they have a fantastic view. My apartment in Brooklyn is about 500 sq feet as I am not willing to give up my vintage clothing collection or cooking and I enjoy living with my possessions. But after reading about their lifestyle, I don't really think it's crazy at all. It sounds like they don't like to cook or care much about their furniture, but they work a lot and they like living in a nice neighborhood and eating out. Besides, people do drastic things for a nice view.

I read this article yesterday in the Post, but I don't get it...$150,000 for 175 sq. ft? Plus and additional $700 in maintenance fees for that tiny room? If they could afford to eat out all the time and pay the dry cleaning bill every day, they could certainly afford a larger place.

I too don't understand this outrage. This is someone
else's choice of living. It doesn't have anything to do with others. How could this 'disgust' someone is beyond me as well.

I admire these people for knowing what their priorities are and stick to it. If they want to live in a large metropolitan city and enjoy everything that a big city like NYC can offer, then they have to put up with the rediculous real estate price. Again this is their choice. It has nothing to do with us. The point is, that they have this dream and they're making it work!

Owning a condo (albeit a small one) in Manhattan and be able to pay it off is a serious accomplishment.

I agree that they could better utilize this space. Judging from this article, it seems like they're putting decorating off until they pay off the apartment. Makes sense to me. Again they surely know what they want in life and stick to it. Very admirable.

What are their hobbies? I don't see any books!

HORROR. Claustrophobia would get me! Oop, ack, barf.

I think it could actually be a very freeing experience to live with so little.

And, in the article, the owners said that they plan to do some renovation work on the place after it's paid off.

Mugs.

I hope their dry-cleaners charge them extra for using them as storage (unless they don't have a lot of clothes and pick up all their orders within a week or so, not leaving them there for months and months, that is).

Kinda crazy, but I think I could live in such a small space with two cats. Not sure about another human. And I would probably install some kind of wardrobe, maybe alongside the wall next to the bed.. Hell, and I'd probably have to rent out a small storage unit someplace for things that don't fit but I don't want to get rid of (books) or for swapping out seasonal clothes.

@tashar, obviously their hobby is NYC, and being out there doing something NYCy, not sitting around at home! ;)

I admire that couple for making that small space work for them and their lifestyle. If they mainly use the condo to sleep because they're not home much, how much room do they need? They're going to have it paid off in 2 years, which is amazing. For that alone, I'm envious.

I couldn't live in a space that small, but I've got 2 dogs, one of whom is about 60 lbs. and likes napping in the middle of the floor. Maybe with cats it would be easier. Maybe?

wow, people are really beating up on this couple for the way they live... strikes me as a bit mean.

I wouldn't want to do it, but hey, they seem happy. my only issue is that instead of a lesson in "less is more," eating out for every meal and having their laundry done by someone else seems expensive, wasteful and incredibly dependent on the cheap labor of others.

No outrage here. I sincerely hope these people get a movie or a book deal--because they just spent $150,000 (plus $700 a month!) for the smallest apartment in NYC!!! They will NEVER be able to unload this place. Ah, hindsight.

Small is not the issue - but they are doing it all wrong by using a regular sized kitchen to do it in. And why would they not use the vertical space in any way!?

This is a fantastic design dilemma and I hope there is a designer out there who could see this as an advertising opportunity and give these two a freebie!

well they are definitely contributing to the economy with all the services they receive so bully for them!

They store their clothes at dry cleaners, but they have room to store a ridiculous amount of wine and liquor. Priorities seem to be in line, because if I lived in a space that small, I'd be naked and drunk too.

@ yul

To their defense, they only bought the place 3 months ago :)

I really think this couple could benefit from hiring a designer who is versed in designing for tokyo style apartments or microhotels (pod hotels). Unfortunately there are some aspects of those apartments in tokyo that are not available in the States or are prohibitively expensive (such as form fitting appliances, special furniture like robot beds, better storage and of course, the layouts are more efficient from the get-go). So it's hard to compare. Also, I would think most 175 square foot apartments in Tokyo would be suitable for 1 person, I wonder if a lot of Japanese would be surprised with 2 people and 2 cats living in the space!

I can't speak for the couple, but this routine (having to embark on a scavenger hunt in the new york winter to find out where my next change of clothes is coming from) would get really tired, really fast, even if it was my choice to begin with. What's wrong with a laundromat? No place to stash the dirty clothes? :-P

Not my bag but at least they are happy.

Well... I'm a relatively new viewer of AT, and am thrilled that there is an actual apartment! posted here. I live in a small house, and was hoping that this would be a site dedicated to apartment living. I guess I need to widen my definition of apartment to include 5,800sf houses and such, which are frequently shown here. Don't get me wrong, I think many of them are gorgeous, I just close my browser with envy.

I think 175sf is small, but jeez, if they're happy I say LIVE ON!!

They're doing exactly what they want, when and where they want to do it. I suspect that's more than can be said for some of the bitchy commentors here. A life, people. It's out there. Find it.

I agree with all the posts about wasted space and zero style.

Bare white walls craving some color and clever storage or display space. It's boring, badly lit, horrifically laid out. Ick. I can only assume they just sleep there.

I've made plenty of small bedrooms cozy, inviting, interesting and multipurpose in my time. This home is none of those things.

NYC is not a regular city.
We all make choices in life. We all make compromises.
In NYC it is very normal to take your clothes to the cleaners to get washed. This does not always mean dry cleaning. Most New Yorkers do not have washing machines in their apartment and choose to have someone else do their laundry. It is convenient and just as pricey as laundromats and in-building laundry rooms.
Also, there are many places to go and hang out other than at home. You can go read a book at Starbucks or preferably one of the many other cafe options. You can eat at one of a hundred restaurants all within walking distance of home or work.
I agree with others that I personally would have done more with maximizing storage, but hey, it works for them. If you have never lived in NYC you will never understand them. I'm not sure I fully understand them, but as I stated earlier, we all make our own choices in life.

This place looks like my old apartment in Seoul, Korea... and everyone else's that i knew. Fine for singles but i don't understand how families live in them.

Aw man- I love all the non- NYCers claiming that this is relatively normal for the city- it's really, really not. Paying 1k/sq ft isn't surprising for real estate south or 96th (or hell, 125th on the west side) but that price, combined with the rather exorbitant maintenance fees, is an indication that these folks seem to have made an unwise real estate investment, plain and simple. I'll be surprised if they make any profit when they sell it.

Don't get me wrong- I'm ALL for small footprints and less consumerism- but this couple isn't doing the environment any favors with the take out and dry cleaning, and their not being admirably frugal either. This article is humorous as an example of eccentricity, but I'm certainly not going to white knight this couple for living as they do. If anything it's a tale of how they're wasteful with their money, space, and resources, and don't even get a modicum of luxury in exchange for their ridiculous lifestyle.

From a design standpoint, eh- I'd rather see an interesting and fun example of small space living- there are plenty of >100 sq ft microhomes and >50sq ft sailing boats out there that are more tasteful and better examples of how to use small space creatively.

Do they get their socks and underwear dry-cleaned too? I'm confused by that. Also, where are their books? THE BOOKS!? WHERE ARE THEY?? Don't even try to tell me it's possible to live without books. It cannot be true.

That's not a studio apartment that's a regular bedroom that they made into a studio apartment. That's New York. I would lose my mind in that little space.

I live in this couple's neighborhood, in a similar building 5 blocks south, in an apartment a bit larger than this one. 11 x 18' studios in my building, with separate kitchen, go for $300,000 , not including monthly maintenance (and yes $700 is actually quite low maintenance in NYC) , and they are never on the market for more than a couple months.

So, to everyone who thinks this was a poor investment, think again. There is NOTHING in the $125K price range south of 116th street. So, these folks will have no problem unloading this to any parents buying their Columbia students a place in the city.

I wouldn't live with anyone else in my apartment. But people do, for years, in studios even smaller than this one. Sometimes, they even have kids in there. That's NYC.

Wasn't there a recent post with photos of people living in tiny rooms in Hong Kong? There were couples living in 100 sq ft, I think.

They could build more storage into the place but they could never have adequate storage.

For all those people who say cats don't need space are ridiculous. Just like any other animal (but cats especially) need to have space to be physically active, otherwise they will be unhealthy.

So unless they have some cat trees or a lot of vertical space to climb to be active, I call this couple irresponsible cat owners. Seriously, talk to any vet and tell them you keep two cats in a 10 x 14 space filled with human furniture for their entire lives and see what they say.

Horrible.

There is absolutely not story here. AP has featured spaces just as small and far more creative in how they were used than this place. These people haven't done anything warranting all the coverage they are getting. There is nothing in and of itself innovate amazing about living in small apartment.

Boy...you better really like each other.

Not to be schmaltzy, but there's certain things that make a house (or apartment) a home, especially when you live with a partner -- certain simple things in life that transcend dwelling size, like the ability to make your sweetie a pot of chicken soup when s/he has the flu, or serving them breakfast in bed on their birthday...how can you, when you don't even own a pot or a pan?

I meant....they...

This is insanity. Pure insanity.

Oh crap- I have to officially redact my real estate rant- for some reason I kept reading it as "Washington Heights" not Morningside... ctina is absolutely right about prices/maintenance south of 116th.

Still a wasteful way to live though, I'll stand by that one!

This is my dream!!!
A tiny place to make into jewelry box...
Go team!

The fact that they have to keep clothes at a dry cleaners and eat out every meal proves they don't actually live in the space, just sleep and wash there, madness!!!

In many countries outside of the USA living conditions of this size are normal.

I find this rather refreshing. I find this truer to what AT started out as...ideas and a forum for people who live in small apartments...not the 1000 sq. ft. places we've been seeing lately. I'd love to see this apartment again once the windows have been replaced and some decorating done. I live in 320 sq. ft. and I'm sure they have much to teach me.

And, I assume they are saving money with their commute to work - even with public transportation that could be more than $20 a day for those two. I say live and let live - how do we evolve if everyone does the same thing?

Well, I'll post something nice to say... I love the bedding. Anybody know where I can find those sheets and duvet?

I work in real estate in NY and condo fees should generally be around $1 per square foot in Manhattan. $700/month for that tiny apt is crazy.

I have no issues with 2 people living in a small apartment (my husband used to stay with me in my studio apartment before we were married), but agree with some others that they could have gotten much more for the same money in NY.

Personally, I would be too nervous about resale value to buy an apartment like that.

I went through the same hassle of dealing with small spaces in NYC apartments, but I bought a bed at www.modani.com called the cavali bed and it is great for extra storage. It actually has 1 compartment underneath the mattress where you can store stuff.

I have seen apartments in this building...I generally found them overpriced for the space and location.

That said, as someone who now lives in Gramercy and rarely cooks, I have to defend them for eating out all the time. Eating out in NYC doesn't mean plunking down cash for a full sit-down dinner every night. There are a million little delis and takeout places on every corner. I often pick up a little soup, salad, pizza, banh mi, whatever for just a few dollars a night. It really doesn't have to be that expensive.

Sometimes people do things just because it is a challenge. I for one applaud their efforts and if it works for them, more power to them! Kudos!!

Three cheers for these homeowners, and their cats! That said, they have no flair for decorating. The uninspired design is giving the place a depressing vibe.

The idea that the price per square foot is "normal" for this part of the city does not really take into account a lot of intrinsic benefits of owning a larger place.

If you buy a 500 sqft studio/1br at the same price per sqft (say $900) as a 175 sq ft studio, you are obviously getting a lot more value with the 500 sq ft place even if the price is multiplied accordingly. You are getting the ability to have a little oasis of space (not just a 5 foot wide room), ability to have guests over, ability to cook your own meals and to store your belongings, and ability to purchase items that you like without having to worry (as much) about where you are going to store them. And of course resale value is much better (not to say that a 175 sqft studio would never sell, because obviously it did...) And two people can live there much more comfortably. These are benefits that you cannot put a price on.

I rather live in Queens and Brooklyn to save my sanity.

I lived in a smaller studio in college (in Michigan). It's a pain, but it can be done.

You CAN actually cook in the mini kitchen provided, if you want to. (Not lavishly, but efficiently.) As someone with a new house and gorgeous new kitchen who eats out nearly every meal (in New Hampshire), I can relate to New Yorkers who have millions more options for restaurant food -- not everyone thinks cooking is fun! And I don't see how eating in restaurants is any less ecological than cooking at home, if you don't use disposible containers and cutlery...

Elderly cats like mine don't move around all that much -- they sleep most of the time. So if you can find a suitable way to handle the litter box, small apartments are actually ok for them. I don't know if I'd want one long term for kittens or younger adult cats, but even the might be ok for a year or two.

They definitely could use some decor, but it sounds like that is their plan, so maybe we should cut them some slack. I don't understand the dry cleaner issue, though. With under bed storage boxes and an armoire (where that shelving unit stands), they could have ample room for keeping their clothing at home. The inconvenience would bother me a lot.

I'd support the Murphy bed plan, and they could use a small table and chairs.

If you absolutely want to live in Manhattan, things like that can happen...
Not bad for a pied-a-terre.
At least, the place looks clean and well maintained.
The window is a plus, but IMO it would need more ambiance lighting.
Did I read $700 monthly maintenance?
Ouch.

I've lived in a tiny apt like that before... It's a shoebox.

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$850 per square foot is ABSURD, even for new york. I just closed on a place in DC (which is cheaper, but not by a whole lot) that's almost 5 times the size, and the price per square foot is about half what these crazies are paying.

They obviously have no issues blowing a ton of money on restaurants and drycleaning, so I guess they can afford it...

if they don't cook why have such a large kitchen that dominates the whole place? why not reconfigure the space and rethink how to use it? i have no problem with the square footage or the cats

"Irresponsible cat owners", megnez? Seriously, you're saying that two cats in a 175 foot apartment is somehow worse than a 175 foot cat room at some animal shelter shared with 50 other cats or a 3x3x3 holding cage?

They could have done a lot more with their apartment. I feel like there is a lot of wasted space.

My boyfriend and I live in a 190 sq. ft. apartment with no windows, only skylights and we are able to have people over and cook all our own meals.

Yikes! The people living in single rooms in China, that you recently featured, live better than these two.

@ctina: I'm curious to see these Manhattanite families you describe, who live in apartments smaller than this (and with children and pets).

I recently read one of those 21 Questions interviews in New York Magazine, and someone said that New Yorkers had 'fetishized inconvenience.' I think this housing situation is exactly what he's talking about.

Believe it or not I've seen smaller. They should really buy a bed that has storage drawers underneath. Dry cleaning all the time is ridiculous. Where is the stove? Well they look happy..who cares how small/big your place is as long as your happy. ;)

@CrazyLady

I'm interested too since The NY Post calls this the "tiniest" condo in the entire city (not sure if it is substantiated or just conjecture).

Holy cow there are a lot of comments for a tiny space.

This inspires me, a former New Yorker, to go kiss the walls and floors of my spare rooms.

"The building had 9 places like this, 8 of them were turned into 4 apartments, and this one was left over. The 4 resulting apartments, each of which is two of these, sold for just under $500,000 apiece."

Does that mean that the other 4 units have $1400 a month condo fees? I admire their ability to live in such a small space, but the condo fees are really throwing me.

New Yorkers, are $5 per square foot/month condo fees normal?

Absolutely NEVER! That place is only a couple feet larger than my bedroom which most of my belongings are in and it drives me crazy. I could not sleep practically in the kitchen. Just looking at that makes me somewhat anxious. I can't imagine keeping my clothes at drycleaners- not only would that cost a lot, but what do you do on holidays or if the weather suddenly changes? And eating out all the time (in NY no less) is so expensive and probably pretty unhealthy. It seems they are actually throwing away a lot of money by living in such a tiny place.

Coffeehr- they def. need a bed with storage.

Are they taking their underwear to the cleaners too, or would they rather throw it away and buy a new pair? Seems they've lost economy with space as well...is there a reason they'd rather use money on eating out 3x a day than towards mortgage?
Why not install a Murphy bed and have more space when you're not sleeping?
Oh yeah, and those cats would be the first things to go (after my sanity). It would be like living in the litter box!

Waaait. So, if I read that article right and look closely at the picture, I think that their largest cabinet (the one on the left) is filled with champagne!?! Maybe that's why they're so happy living there!

That, and the fact that they've only been there 3 months so far....

Kathleen-
A quick google reveals that the average price/sq ft in DC is actually less than half the average for NYC. Is it still absurd? Yes. But not for NYC.

I agree with most - if they learned to cook and do their own laundry then they could have afforded at least another 100 sq ft. I kinda understand the whole studio thing and why people like it - but come on, this space was most definitely more meant for one person.

I guess eating out everyday and never stepping foot in a dyi laundromat is more important than personal space...weird.

I grew up in a trailer with three brothers and sisters. It was 7 feet wide by 30 feet long. It was cramped and slightly crazy.
So I don't mind the New York small space.
What I do mind is that it is UGLY. I mean come on.....
Ugly Swiss Coffee colored walls and a big dumb bed. Art??? Coffee table? Combo washer dryer from Europe?

Why would you have an ugly place if it was that small? Do they know about Murphy beds? How about some excellent lighting and a decent nice color. Tell those folks that I could spend a day there and make that place at least nice to spend time in! Just cover my airfare!
I do have to add..they could have a little washer dryer combo and only three interchangeable outfits. It would save them HUGE money. Growing up, each kid only had three outfits and one going to church style outfit. We didn't suffer and lived in a loving environment.
This just might be what America is headed for! Not big dumb wasteful spaces that eat up out environments resources!

They plan to build a Murphy bed. It's in the article about these people. They're waiting until it's paid off, which they estimate will be in two years, and then they plan to do renovations.

That's probably why they haven't done much to it at this point. Why invest a lot of time and energy when you know you're going drastically redo the place?

so much for having friends...

Well, they said they weren't nesters. If they were the types to decorate and make things homey, the space would be too small for them. But they like to be out, which I think is nice. Plenty of people in New York eat out all the time anyway, even with more space. I do feel bad for their cats though. They look like the kind who may want to jump around. Do they have a balcony outside their window?

You know I appreciate their wanting to pay off the apartment in two years - but I don't understand not taking a little money now and redoing the place and just paying the apartment off in say a year and two months.... It seems like a pretty long time to wait to improve things what the place is that small. If they can afford what they do in mortgage payments each month then they have the cash to make the changes so it isn't as though they would be needing to get a loan to buy a murphy bed... plus if they save some money on dry cleaning they could pay off the mortgage even faster!

I must agree with Astur. They could do a few things now - like get the murphy bed so they can actually use the apartment for more than sleeping. It doesn't kill to invest in a few pieces you know you'll have after the renovation.

I really think this is absurd. In Morningside Heights, the real estate is generally cheaper comparing to other areas and it is not the best neighborhood the city can offer. I don't understand why they wanted to stick to that neighborhood; well, I assume that they must have reasons.. but only for the sake of the two poor cats, I would make better choice than cramming myself there. Don't they know there are places called "Brooklyn" or "Queens" where there are so much more and better things they can get with the money?

Look at all that space dedicated to booze and wine! I guess they tolerate each other by being hammered all the time.

Maybe the question isn't 'how do they make it work' but 'why'?

I work near this apartment and saw it when the renovations were first done - it really does take a New Yorker to take this apartment and smile while inside of it! :)

why? i can see myself renting a place like this if i cant afford better, but buying...why?

I can't imagine living without a bathtub.

There is nothing wrong with living in such a small space--my place is between 3x or 4X as big but I certainly admire people that can live in small spaces.

I have to agree with those that say that the space could be used in a much more liveable way. I think the space, small as it is could be much more homey and definitely much more practical. Having clothes in the kitchen depresses me. While I wouldn't get rid of the kitchen because I cook, if you aren't going to use the kitchen at all then tear it out and build a real closet. I also agree with the comments about lack of decor.

However, they do say that they are going to renovate after they pay their mortgage. If they are uber-responsible and refuse add to their debt by fixing it up now, who are we to judge? It wouldn't be my choice, but then I couldn't pay a 150.000 mortgage off in two years either.

The negative feedback here is illuminating. It reminds of the negative feedback "No Impact Man" got (although these people are definitely not "No Impact"). I wonder what it is about seeing people live a little differently from the norm that inspires such hostility. Fascinating.

Nonetheless, I can't support the style statement that bed is making. This is still a design blog, right?

the decor is boring, but i don't have to live there. lots of much larger places are equally boring. that said, it would be a fun challenge...

feeling sorry for the cats? don't. they have plenty of space.

I just ran across this article and I have to admire that they can live with such few things. What I find irritating is the pretension with which people say "New Yorkers" like every one else is a bunch of country folk. I've been there and it is a fascinating city but I live in a 550 sq ft apt in a nice town for less than they pay in maintenance fees so it seems exorbitant to me.

It seems to me that this is exactly the way this couple wants to live right now. Ain't nothing wrong with it.
I would feel sorry for anyone forced to live this small, but will not put down this couple for choosing to live in a... well, in a space restricted apartment. Not everyone wants a big house, a two car garage and a white picket fence.

My first "apartment" was smaller than this. I used to stand in the middle of the room and turn in a circle to give the "tour". I was single, it was adequated for that time. I can see this space would work fine for someone who mainly sleeps, drinks coffee, works on the computer. It may be that they have family storing some treasures, or a storage unit. Maybe they just feel freer having less stuff? If they have a work space where they can create, do, whatever, they don't need it so much at home.

What's even funnier to me than the people who are incredulous that a couple would choose to live in 175 sf is the people who are incredulous and consider it "abusive" to be incredulous, but call the incredulous "bitchy." The irony is delicious.

I lived in 150 sf. in college, but that didn't include a kitchen (it was college, all I needed was a microwave and a mini-fridge). My next apt. was 350 sf, and honestly, it was my favorite apartment of all (walk-in closet and kitchen in that one!).

To each his own, but I work from home on occasion, so 175 sf. wouldn't work for me. Heck, I have a rug that wouldn't fit in that apartment, and my current abode is only 700 sf.

Two words: Murphy Bed.

If you can get the bed out of the way you would be able to add on something for your clothing which would free up space to store your food. (Eating out all the time is a massive waste of money if you ask me.) You would also be able to add in a table and chairs that could double as a work space. And if you're really into changing the room: a small love-seat on wheels for easy moving. That way you wouldn't have to dirty the bed every time you wanted to watch TV.

This space is livable, but that bed has got to go.

I love the bathroom! whats the square footage plese!

$2.00: men's shirt $6.00: ladie's shirt
$7.00: men's pants $7.00: ladie's skirt
=9*25 days= $225 =13*25 days= $325

Monthly Dry Cleaning of $500-550

here's a novel idea: save money from the perpetual dry-cleaning and live in a better space.

Okay, before you all think New York prices are crazy check this out, it was posted as €200k only 6 months ago it's now €175k (that's about $225k). It's the west of Ireland, where the salary of a person with a third level education is about half what it is in the states.

http://www.daft.ie/searchsale.daft?search_type=sale&id=407618&map_lat=53.277184502&map_lng=-9.05647148784&map_zoom=15&daftID=40cfcb18943e7f1306018ba2fc848137&unique=8-2010.1-2.0868b4fd9b68f1b37d5d3f047e399470&adserver_ccid=ct2&__utma=200121531.2043540830.1281563451.1281563451.1281563451.1&__utmb=200121531.13.10.1281563451&__utmc=200121531&__utmz=200121531.1281563451.1.1.utmcsr%3D%28direct%29%7Cutmccn%3D%28direct%29%7Cutmcmd%3D%28none%29&fr=default&limit=10&offset=0

Regarding the apartment in New York, the $700 per month maintenace fee is a lot (it would be €1000 pa here). But other than that...

sorry that links so long

It’s ingenious! Easy to clean. No laundry, grocery shopping, cooking or dirty dishes. Lots of spare time to enjoy life!

Dry cleaning uses a lot of unhealthy chemicals.

Try an under-counter combination washer/dryer.
Store wardrobe in pull-out baskets under an elevated bed.
Add upper and lower clothing rods to the tall cupboard.
Iron clothes on a large towel over the kitchen counter.

Rather than tables and desks, use your lap.
Replace paper, books, tv, stereo, alarm clock with a handheld computer.

Store bedside items in a basket under the bed or tote bag on a hook.

If cooking:

Store stackable pans/dishes, weekly dry goods and a utensil basket in a single cupboard.

Store a portable stovetop vertically under the kitchen sink.
Try a collection of one-pot recipes.
Rather than a dish rack, dry dishes on a towel.

Bathroom:

Store towels and cosmetic baskets on open narrow shelving over the toilet.
Add a full-length mirror to the back of the bathroom door.

To limit wardrobe, recombine several two-piece outdits.
Try one pair of dress shoes, sneakers and boots – or go barefoot.
Rather than a hat or umbrella, try a hooded jacket.
Add coat hooks near the entry door.

Paint the walls a pale yellow - to warm and brighten the room - even on a rainy day...

Rather than a coffee maker, heat water in the microwave.

Try instant coffees and powdered cream.

Dry wet dish towels on hooks:

Add hooks to the inside of the lower kitchen cupboard door.

Grocery stores provide many ready-to-eat foods.
Store breakfast and lunch in a collapsible cooler bag – have a picnic.

From the deli: meat, cheese, cold salads
From the bakery: rolls, bagels, pastry
Produce: fruit, veges, green salads
Cooler: yogurt, cottage cheese, bottled drinks

Try single-serve condiment packets.

My aunt lived on Beacon Hill in Boston. She walked two blocks to work at Mass General Hospital. She walked to the grocery store on her way home from work. She used public transportation when needed and never had a car. She was strong and healthy.

Besides clothing, what else is being stored in the kitchen cupboards?

Why do so many people hate on them :S. They look happy with their choise and I think it's amazing they can live like this. Thumbs up!