This 250-Square-Foot Studio Is a Great Example of How to Lay Out Essentially One Long Box

Name: Brendan Gates
Location: Los Angeles, California
Type of home: apartment
Size: 250 square feet
Years lived in: 11 months, renting

Tell us a little (or a lot) about your home and the people who live there: This is the first place I have ever lived in by myself! I moved in around the same time that quarantine started, so I had a lot of time to imagine and execute the type of space that I wanted to live in. It’s such a gratifying experience to be able to curate every detail of a space exactly how you want it to be, and it’s always evolving.

I think my friends would describe me as fun but I’m also a stone-cold weirdo. As much as I try to be more sophisticated in my style, the quirky elements end up seeping in. You can tell a lot about someone’s personality by how they choose to decorate their space. I love gold, so I have a lot of gold elements and accessories throughout my home. I also tried to incorporate a lot of geometric shapes and patterns.

Describe your home’s style in 5 words or less: Quirky Cute Fun Eclectic Geometric

What is your favorite room and why Like everyone who lives in a studio says, it’s all technically one room, but I would have to say my “bedroom.” I wanted to feel like I’m sleeping in a little jungle and have plants surrounding me. It is quite magical waking up with the sun streaming in and looking up to see my little plant friends sitting above me. If there is ever a big earthquake I might end up covered in dirt, but until then, I’m really enjoying it!

What’s the last thing you bought (or found!) for your home? The last thing I bought for my apartment was my bedspread. I wanted a new duvet cover set that matched the rest of my apartment. Also, when you live in a studio, your bed becomes a major part of the decor and how you choose to dress it greatly affects the overall look.

Any advice for creating a home you love? When I come home, I want to feel like I’m returning to my cocoon to recharge and feel safe from whatever is happening in the outside world. Especially now, I don’t think that feeling can be underestimated. I think filling your space with objects and feelings you love is so important. Also, being selective about everything that is taking up space and making sure everything has a place makes things feel less cluttered.

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

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