This 250-Square-Foot Brooklyn Rental Makes a Strong Case for Ignoring Small-Space Design Rules

After a 14-year relationship ended, Catherine Taveras moved out of a 2000-square-foot home in Staten Island. The home she chose next was this 250-square-foot apartment in Brooklyn Heights. “Although my starting-over apartment could fit in my old home eight times, my life somehow feels more with less,” she begins of the home she’s lived in for a year now.

Cathrine is a Brooklyn-based creative working as the Social Media & Influencer Marketing Manager for Japanese clothing brand UNIQLO, but she’s also a curator of vintage apparel, accessories, and furniture, and she says that design has always been a theme in her life. 

“I find myself consulting with friends and family on how to style their spaces and closets. Becoming a full-time interior designer is the end goal for me,” Catherine explains.

“Having relocated to Staten Island during the pandemic, where I stayed for five years, I knew my life would lead me back to Brooklyn but just couldn’t imagine how. Within two hours of my apartment being listed, I sent an email on Zillow, through Streeteasy, called the broker, left a voicemail, sent a text, and emailed,” she writes about how she found this rental, located in a building from 1940.

“Although the apartment was 1/8 the size of my previous home, the layout felt like it was made just for me,” she writes. “The bedroom separated from the main living area as an alcove makes the space feel larger than 250 square feet. With the location and layout, I feel like I’m living a version of Carrie Bradshaw’s life (minus the walk-in closet) all within my budget.” 

• IKEA ELVARI Wardrobe
• Laura Davidson Kennedy Elbow Chair 
• Ivilon Tension Rod
• Turkish Rugs Exclusive Area Rug
• Glass Warehouse Modern & Contemporary Full Length Mirror

• Burrow Range 2 Piece One Arm Sofa with Table
• Turkish Rugs Exclusive Area Rug
• Blonde Vintage Credenza from Furnish Green
• Design Within Reach Story Bookcase
• IKEA MOSSLANDA Picture Ledge
• Mushroom Table Lamp
• Tension Pole Lamp from Dobbin St. Vintage Co-op
• Vintage Wood Desk from FB Marketplace
• Laura Davidson Soho II Padded Management Chair
• Article Mara Marble & Walnut Cafe Table
• Laura Davidson Kennedy Elbow Chair 
• Wood Framed Mirror from Everything Goes Thrift & Vintage
• RYB Linen Sheer Curtains

• IKEA LABBSAL Baskets
• IKEA FLADIS Basket
• Tissue Box Cover

• Article Nera 5 Drawer Chest
• Article Nera Queen Low Profile Bed

• Rebrilliant Double Wicker Laundry Basket
• Waffle Shower Curtain
• Waterproof Lamp
• Bose Soundlink Micro Bluetooth Speaker

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