This 225-Square-Foot Brooklyn Apartment Proves Going Dark Works in Small Spaces

Emily found the small apartment on StreetEasy when she was looking for a place to live on her own for the first time. “I was apprehensive when I started my search, my budget was low, and I knew I wanted to live in this general area, which often rents on the expensive side,” she writes.

“I loved the exposed brick, the compact size, and the communal backyard,” writes Emily, who wasn’t deterred from the home’s small size. “I love living in tight quarters because it makes you get real intentional real fast; nothing comes in or out of my home without thought and everything has its place.”

The history of the apartment, built around 1900, is interesting, too. “According to other tenants in my building, some of whom have lived here for upwards of 50 years, it used to be called ‘The Academy,’ because the young people who grew up here would ‘graduate’ and go to Sing Sing prison,” she writes. “And if you ask my elderly neighbor, a man was killed in my apartment in the ’80s (I haven’t found any proof), so I guess it’s lucky I don’t believe in ghosts.” 

• Bedroom & Accent Wall — Valspar “Aged Pine”

• Litter Box Cabinet — Wayfair

• Wicker Cabinet — World Market
• Ottoman — Joss and Main
• Green Chair — West Elm Outlet

• Desk — IKEA
• Bookshelf — IKEA via Facebook Marketplace
• Light Wood Wall Frames — Opposite Wall
• Nightstand — Wayfair
• Dresser — IKEA

This tour’s responses and photos were edited for length/size and clarity.
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