A Cute 330-Square-Foot Rental Features Temporary Updates and Smart Storage Ideas
Name: Emily Wickstrom
Location: Back Bay Neighborhood — Boston, Massachusetts
Type of home: Apartment
Size: 330 square feet
Years lived in: 2 years, renting
Tell us a little (or a lot) about your home and the people who live there: This is my first solo apartment and as a huge extrovert I knew I wanted to be near the action in the heart of the city. I compromised on square footage in favor of the two things that mattered most to me—sunlight and location. My building’s stairway has royal blue carpeting and vintage floral wallpaper that made me fall for this place immediately. I chose my bedroom’s (removable) wallpaper inspired by that pattern and tried to keep a little of that feel throughout the space.
Even though I’m a renter, I haven’t been afraid to make temporary improvements like swapping out ugly silver kitchen pendants for one large rattan pendant and switching out the knobs on my cabinets. I’ve found most of my furniture from shopping sales online, I love a good IKEA hack (like my curtains), and at least 50 percent of my decor is from H&M Home. I like mixing good quality staples with cheaper items and thrifted accents. I went slowly with the decor and the layout, taking time to live in the space before deciding what to do in here. I do have a problem with buying too many plants without knowing where they’ll “live” but for everything else I bring in, I make sure I have a need and a spot for it before I purchase.
What most people ask me when they first come over is “How do you survive without a full sized fridge?!?” I just go to the grocery store more often! I actually think the least convenient part of the kitchen is the smaller sink, but nothing else about the space bothers me. All of the appliances in here are miniature—I had to buy quarter-sized baking sheets to fit in the oven because half’s were too big!
Describe your home’s style in 5 words or less: Romantic, casual, layered, natural, cozy
What is your favorite room and why? My favorite room is definitely the living room. I’ve tried a couple different furniture layouts in here because it was important to me to have a full-sized couch and coffee table. While I’ve been working from home I set up a small folding table for my workstation but I take it down each night, light a candle, and enjoy the mood in here. In the summer the tree blooms outside my window and makes me feel like I live in a secret treehouse.
What’s the last thing you bought (or found!) for your home? My best friend just started a candle company Grey Lady Candle and they’re heavenly! I also thrifted some coffee table books and I love how unique they are.
Any advice for creating a home you love? If you want to look at Pinterest for ideas that’s great, but make sure you’re putting your own spin on things to make your space your own. If you like a cozy, layered look like I do, take your time collecting pieces you love and don’t rush the process. If something bothers you about your space, change it! And lastly, bigger isn’t always better!
This submission’s responses and photos were edited for length/size and clarity.
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