This Teeny 340-Square-Foot NYC Studio Works Thanks to Double-Duty Furniture

Name: Dale Aucoin
Location: Hell’s Kitchen — New York City, New York
Type of home: Co-op
Size: 340 square feet
Years lived in: 3.5 years, owned

Tell us a little (or a lot) about your home and the people who live there: [The building this studio apartment is in] was originally a hotel and went co-op in the ’80s. Because of its proximity to the theater district, the building has been home to a number of older celebrities including Doris Day and Betty Grable. Benny Goodman and Glenn Miller shared suite 1411 in the building for a period of time and wrote a song called “Room 1411.” The best part of the building is the amazing staff. In addition to managers Mary and Nigel, we have several awesome door people plus “porters” who take care of the trash/recycling and general building cleaning. We also have a live-in super and several handy persons. My apartment is tiny but it easily transforms from living room to bedroom (thanks to a Murphy bed) to home office (thanks to a rolling AV cart that I hide in a closet). I can even have dinner parties with my folding IKEA table and chairs.

I live here full-time and I work from home full-time. I was even here for the entire pandemic and surprisingly didn’t go too stir-crazy. I currently work full-time for a software company doing technical consulting but I also just started a business called Clean and Queer. I’ve always been good at organizing things and small spaces so it seemed like a good business to get into. This is the 31st apartment/house that I have lived in. I think that makes me a professional packer/mover. It also makes me really good at looking at a space and seeing how furniture can be placed for maximum efficiency.

I identify as Queer/Gay, Neurodivergent (OCD and anxiety), and as an immigrant.

What is your favorite room and why? LOL, I only have one room, if you don’t count the bathroom.

Describe your home’s style in 5 words or less: Clean modern functional

Any advice for creating a home you love? FUNCTION: Know yourself and what you need from your home. Make sure your home, furniture, and accessories can provide that for you in the most efficient way possible. COMFORT: Surround yourself with things that make you comfortable and happy. It doesn’t matter what other people think, it’s your home first. Finally don’t be afraid to get rid of things that you don’t need. Memories don’t live in things, they live in you. If your stuff isn’t making you happy, give it to someone else who can appreciate it.

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