Freelance photographer Marie Stotz has only lived in this studio apartment for a couple of months, but she’s created a simple and elegant space for herself in just 260 square feet. “This is my first time living on my own after sharing a three-bedroom in Chinatown for years,” explains Marie. “I never thought I would move uptown, but after comparing the size of studios downtown with studios uptown I was sold! I knew I would be working from home for the foreseeable future, so having a larger space (for NYC haha) with great light was a priority for me. Once I started my hunt, being close to Central Park was a huge plus as well. It’s so nice to be able to walk there in the mornings and wander over in the middle of the day when I need a break! I love the anonymity and quiet of living uptown, but I will admit that I still do most of my socializing downtown.”

My Style: I love anything with a story behind it. And plenty of plants!

Inspiration: Nola Darling’s bedroom in the original version of “She’s Gotta Have It.”

Favorite Element: Definitely the huge windows! Having great light was a non-negotiable for me and it took a while to find something with windows like this within my budget.

Biggest Challenge: I think my biggest challenge was mastering the layout of a studio apartment for the first time and figuring out my storage situation. I definitely had to edit things down quite a bit. Using underbed storage for my cameras, photo supplies, and out-of-season clothing saved the day!

Proudest DIY: I was lucky and didn’t have to make any major improvements to the space. My biggest DIY was probably just assembling my desk setup and chair!

Biggest Indulgence: Because I brought most of my furniture from my old place (or stole from my parents) I was lucky and didn’t have to buy too much! My biggest indulgence was probably buying a new desk setup. I originally wanted a vintage desk but I couldn’t find anything I liked and needed to start working soon after moving.

Is there something unique about your home or the way you use it? I don’t think there’s anything too unique but I did end up using a stack of books and magazines as a bedside table… because there was no room to fit a real one!

What are your favorite products you have bought for your home and why? Definitely my Janie Korn candles — Janie is a friend and I adore her pieces. The colors of these contrast perfectly with the green details on my fireplace. Apparently they burn beautifully but I love them too much to do that!

Please describe any helpful, inspiring, brilliant, or just plain useful small space maximizing and/or organizing tips you have: Always get a bed frame that gives you plenty of storage underneath!

Finally, what’s your absolute best home secret or decorating advice? I always recommend waiting for the right pieces (whether they are new or secondhand) as opposed to furnishing your place quickly with brand new things you don’t love.

• Sofa — Bought from old roommate
• Coffee table — Family heirloom
• Kitchen table — Family heirloom
• Chairs — Vic Bertani’s Etsy shop
• Desk Chair — George Oliver Task Chair from Wayfair
• Desk — Latitude Run Desk
• Candles — Janie Korn

Thanks Marie!

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

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