A 300-Square-Foot Studio Goes from Work to Weekend Thanks to a Fold-Down Desk and Fire Escape

Name: Caitlin Tateishi and my Boston Terrier, Edgar Allen Poe Boy (Poe for short)
Location: New York, New York (East Village)
Type of home: Studio apartment
Size: 300 square feet
Years lived in: 1.5 years, renting

Tell us a little (or a lot) about your home and the people who live there: I have never appreciated my small oasis more than I have over the past four weeks in quarantine. I moved into my East Village studio about a year and a half ago, with my Boston Terrier, Poe. The vibe is definitely feminine, featuring my dusty rose velvet couch. It also has a mixture of bohemian elements, a few nods to Americana, and a dash of minimalism (hey, it’s a studio!).

I have definitely worked and planned a lot to make my small space super functional. The convertible side table in the entrance folds out into a full dining table for dinner parties. During the work week, while we’ve all been working from home, I set up a corner office with a great minimal fold-down desk. This comes down every Friday so the space feels like it’s “weekend ready” again.

Poe LOVES this apartment. Probably because he can usually see me at almost every angle, and has his own window perch where he regularly enjoys sun patches for his afternoon snooze. I get excited every time I walk into my apartment. It has definitely been a sanctuary during this very scary time in NYC.

Describe your home’s style in 5 words or less: Bohemian feminine Americana oasis.

What is your favorite room and why? I live in a studio, so most of my apartment is my favorite room! My favorite corner is definitely near the fire escape window. I set up a little corner office during the work week (while working from home because of the quarantine), and every Friday, I close down the desk and put out my little outdoor rug on the fire escape. This becomes my little outdoor reading nook, complete with lights and a cup of tea.

What’s the last thing you bought (or found!) for your home? I bought these soft, oversized faux rabbit fur pillows that I put on my bed. They’re not only stylish, but super functional. My dog has taken to stealing them and turning them into his own personal dog bed. Also started to buy fresh eucalyptus, which I put under the shower head. The oils release when I’m showering, and create my own personal spa.

Any advice for creating a home you love? Don’t rush! I’m a big believer in getting to know your space and letting the room open up to you, before choosing any decor. I love Pinterest for inspiration and planning a design. Also a big proponent for trying to keep things as minimal as possible, to make sure there is enough space to breathe and move around. And finally, as you can see, house plants and candles are definitely two things I require to feel relaxed in my NYC home.

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