A 350-Square-Foot Studio Apartment Cleverly Repurposes a Clothing Rack as a Room Divider
Name: Liza Taney
Location: Upper East Side — New York, NY
Type of home: Studio Apartment
Size: 350 square feet
Years lived in: 10 months, renting
Tell us a little (or a lot) about your home and the people who live there: 2020 was a chaotic year for so many different reasons, and I’m incredibly thankful to have spent a majority of it in this space.
This is my first solo apartment — I can’t say I had a style plan going into it, but I knew I wanted the space to feel familiar and uplifting given that staying inside was the best thing for everyone. Despite being one room, I definitely feel like I’ve created a place that feels like home.
I’m a nostalgic person, and that definitely comes through in the details around the apartment. There are personal details — like the Liza Minnelli record my mom gave me, and a painting from my dad [from] my grandparent’s house. But there are also less personal details that I still consider “nostalgic.” Like the sketch of “Helen” in my entryway that I found at Housing Works (there’s a beautiful note from her son on the back of the frame), and the many things I’ve found on the sidewalk/in the my building’s trash room on trash day (who throws out a perfectly good snake plant?!). One person’s trash is another’s treasure, I guess?
Describe your home’s style in 5 words or less: Colorful, mid-centry modern hodgepodge
What is your favorite room and why? I spend a majority of my time in the living area, so we’ll go with that! However, the disco ball in the bathroom skylight was a huge leap of faith and makes that room a close second.
What’s the last thing you bought (or found!) for your home? I guess it wasn’t really “bought” or “found,” but the last thing I added to the space was the portrait of my grandmother on my work desk! I had loved the painting from a young age, and my mom had it re-framed and gave it to me for Christmas this year. Both one of the best parts of the apartment and the best Christmas gift I’ve ever received.
Any advice for creating a home you love? Don’t get too caught up in “trends” or following a specific style by-the-book. Those things can be a great guide, but whatever direction you go in, make sure it’s based around items that make you feel most at home.
This submission’s responses and photos were edited for length/size and clarity.
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