This small studio is the first time Kristy Marhin has ever lived without roommates, so she wanted to create a fun and young space for her first solo home. She was able to do just that even though the rental is only 230 square feet. “I love fashion, colors, and pop culture and reflect the same style into my decor through posters, unique candles, disco ball, and a funky rug,” Kristy writes.

My Style: Fun, young, colorful.

Inspiration: Eclectic home stores such as: Coming Soon New York and vintage stores such as: abbode, Saturday Peaches  

Favorite Element: The bookshelf⁠ — it really divides the room and creates functional, decorative purpose in the room.

Biggest Challenge: It’s super tiny, but I was set on creating space to have a couple of friends over. I was able to find a loveseat that fits perfectly and a small kitchen table so I’m still able to have a friend or two over for dinner.

What are your favorite products you have bought for your home and why? The acrylic wheeled table — I have a kitchen table and a desk — but I use this more than either of them! It’s my favorite and so convenient.

Proudest DIY: The record corner — I’m not very handy but I hung up all the shelves for this, and found all the records at a thrift store.

Biggest Indulgence: The rug — it probably cost more than anything in the apartment, but I love it.

Please describe any helpful, inspiring, brilliant, or just plain useful small space maximizing and/or organizing tips you have: Shelving/storage systems in place have been the most helpful to me. In the bathroom, and as a divider of the space — it’s pretty, and makes keeping the space clean easy.

Finally, what’s your absolute best home secret or decorating advice? Don’t buy everything at once, and don’t buy everything from the same store. I think the cutest homes have a mix of thrifted, collected, and new. If you take your time to buy things you really love rather than just buying furniture or decor because you need it, your home will be filled with things that make you happy and define your style, rather than just something that fills the space.

• Mirror — Klaudia Frameless Asymmetrical Wall Mirror from Wayfair
• You Look Good Decal — ElleBirch from Etsy
• Shelf — MUFANSEN Shelf with Hooks – Amazon
• Over the Door Coat Rack — Over the Door Hooks – Amazon
• Shoe Rack — Basics 9 Pair Shoe Rack from Wayfair
• Yin Yang Candle — Shopforloveclub on Etsy

Furniture:

• Loveseat — Gotcher 61” Square Arm Loveseat in Oat Polyester Wayfair
• Rug — Moroccan Handmade Carpet in White & Blue from AfriKesh on Etsy
• Side Table — Acrylic C-Shaped Accent Table from Walmart
• Bookshelf — 6-Tier S Shaped Bookshelf from Walmart

Bookshelf Decor:

• Nike Air Force 1 Planter — Original Rose
• Twist Candle Pink — 54 Celsius on Etsy
• Disco Ball — Amazon

• Table — Adelais 2 Person Dining from Wayfair (no longer on site)

• Duvet Cover — Dappu Cotton Blend Amazon
• Paris Flower Market Art above Bed — Moore2print on Etsy
• Curtains — Anjee White Sheer Curtains 72 Inch on Amazon
• Desk — South Shore Desk from Amazon
• Pink Chair — Legare Bent Plywood Chair from Amazon
• Record Shelves — Cerpourt 8 Pack Clear from Amazon
• Dresser — Vintage  
• Blue Candle — Goober Candles from Coming Soon
• Head Vase — Stoneware Vase H&M  
• Gold Candle Holders — Vintage

Art above dresser:

• Purple Les Fleurs Poster — The Printable Concept on Etsy
• Flower Bar Poster — The Printable Concept on Etsy
•  Young Obama Smoking — Society 6 (no longer on site)

• Shower Curtain — Wildlife Cutouts by Henri Matisse Society6
• Bath Mat — Sweet Cheeks Bath Mat Urban Outfitters (Multicolored one no longer on site)  
• Make Up Cart — Design Portable Rolling Laundry Utility Cart Amazon
• Acrylic Shelves — FEMELI Acrylic Bathroom Floating Shelves – Amazon

Thanks Kristy!

This house tour’s responses were edited for length and clarity.

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