A 235-Square-Foot Brooklyn Studio Hides a GREAT Wall-Mounted Work-From-Home Desk
Name: Emily Forgione
Location: Crown Heights — Brooklyn, New York
Type of home: Studio apartment
Size: 235 square feet
Years lived in: 1 year, renting
Tell us a little (or a lot) about your home and the people who live there: I live by myself in this cute and cozy studio in Crown Heights, Brooklyn. I love this vibrant neighborhood and having Prospect Park and lots of friends nearby. I didn’t think I could afford to live alone in this area, and was preparing for my fifth (!) New York City Craigslist roommate hunt, when this affordable studio basically fell into my lap and I had to take it. It was a dream come true to have my own place! Nevertheless, as was the case for many New Yorkers pre-pandemic, my apartment used to be little more than a place to sleep, as I was always at work or out and about in the City. Suddenly having to work and spend all my time here pushed me to do a complete overhaul of my space, to make it as comfortable, bright, spacious, and pleasant to spend time in as possible!
My landlord installed new white kitchen cabinets and a ceiling fan, and I installed a stick-on tile backsplash to add some color to the kitchen area. I got a bigger, more comfortable couch, and rearranged the entire space and mounted my TV (by myself!) to maximize space. I also added a wall-mounted folding desk and chair, to save me from having to sit on my couch all day to work. And finally, I filled my space with plants, which fills me with joy! I had never been super into plants before, but tending to these living things and watching them grow has been a calming, uplifting hobby in the midst of an anxious, scary time.
What is your favorite room and why? I live in a tiny studio, so the whole place! I’d say my desk area is my favorite nook.
Describe your home’s style in 5 words or less: Colorful, summery, warm, tranquil, botanical
What’s the last thing you bought (or found!) for your home? A photo print of an Art Deco building in South Beach, Miami for over my desk. I love visiting Miami Beach in the winter, and this photo instantly transports me there, and adds some bright color to my desk area.
Any advice for creating a home you love? If you see something that instantly speaks to you and makes you happy, get it. Go with your gut. Add reminders of people and places you love around your home. And when in doubt, add more plants!
This submission’s responses and photos were edited for length/size and clarity.
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