A 208-Square-Foot Brooklyn Studio Apartment Feels Much Bigger

Alyssa is a writer and copywriter by profession, but considering how beautiful and well-organized her tiny 208-square-foot studio apartment is, she may need to add expert designer to her resume, as well.

Her small home just doesn’t feel all that small, which is due in large part to the architectural aspects of the rental, as well as her use of the space. Built-in ledges serve as shelves for books and objects. Her decor is minimal, but personal, with many elements from her travels.

My Style: Eclectic—mainly mid-century modern, but with some boho elements. A lot of the brighter elements, like the blanket on the couch and the ornaments on my shelves, came from traveling, particularly to Mexico and Denmark. Everything tends to have a very personal resonance for me.

Inspiration: Many, many hours logged on Pinterest over the years, plus a lot of carefully considered trips to vintage and consignment stores.

Favorite Element: The marigold couch. I had to talk myself into buying it, but when I did I realized it was the centerpiece of the apartment. Also, the wall-to-wall shelving is absolute brilliance and every apartment should have it!

Biggest Challenge: Avoiding clutter, especially as I buy more plants and books.

What Friends Say: Nobody can believe it when I tell them the square footage! The layout makes it feel bigger somehow.

Biggest Embarrassment: I fall asleep on that couch more often than I’d like to admit. The sheepskin has a lot to do with that.

Proudest DIY: Situating the desk and dining table in their own little perfectly-sized nooks.

Biggest Indulgence: Bodega plants. I cave in and buy a new one every month despite my best efforts.

Best Advice: When you’ve got a lot of brick and wood, soft lighting is the way to go.

Dream Sources: Jungalow, Kelly Wearstler, Jonathan Adler

LIVING ROOM

• Mid-Century Colorful Linen Sofa — Furniture Mania
• Curvy Stripe Crewel Pillow — West Elm
• Broken Stripe Pillow — West Elm
• Flokati Rug — IKEA
• Handmade serape blanket — Mexico City
• Simple Living Mid Century Edison Desk — Overstock
• Corvus Madonna Mid-Century Walnut and Black Finish Accent Chair — Overstock
• Mid Century Modern Plant Stand — AgeOldTrades on Etsy
• Ricardo Ladder Bookcase — Wayfair
• Antique Brass Arc Table Lamp — CB2
• Artwork over desk — Hawk Krall
• Artwork over bed — Eunice Luk

DINING ROOM

• Folding table — Overstock
• Chairs — Unknown/Craigslist
• Blue art over table — Dina Greenberg

BEDROOM

• Hemnes Bed Frame — IKEA
• Geometric pillow — CB2
• Pillows — Target
• Lamp Finial — Etsy
• Lamp — Unknown, Dig This
• Lampshade — RetroVintageAtomic

BATHROOM

• Geometric Shower Curtain — Target
• Geometric Rug — Target

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