A 405-Square-Foot Studio Feels Bigger Thanks to a Skillful Layout

published Sep 11, 2023

A 405-Square-Foot Studio Feels Bigger Thanks to a Skillful Layout

published Sep 11, 2023
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Bedrooms
Square feet

405

Sq ft

405

Prior to living in this 405-square-foot Philadelphia studio apartment, Cara owned a 1600-square-foot home in Greensboro, North Carolina. “When scaling down in such a major way, it was important for me to be very intentional with my designs and product/decor/furniture selections,” Cara, who works full time as a speech therapist, begins. “I had always dreamed of living right in the middle of a big city, so at the age of 31, a newly single, empowered female, I decided to quit my job, sell my house and move with my sweet dog Sterling, to embark on a new adventure.” 

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“I had never been to Philadelphia prior to deciding to move, but I did know I wanted to be in Center City and that I wanted to live in a building with amenities,” Cara explains. When she walked into this studio, she knew it was the one.

“The windows, the natural light, the room layout, the rooftop/amenities, and the kind building staff were all things that contributed to my decision,” Cara describes. “The staff member who provided the tour also mentioned that the other residents in the building were wonderful and very social. This was also an important factor for me, as I only knew one couple in Philadelphia prior to moving.”

Cara knew that she only had budget for a small studio apartment in Center City, so she made sure to prioritize good views and natural light for her plant collection. “The studio also came with built-in cabinets, which was a game changer for me,” she admits. “They provide a large amount of storage space and saved me money as I did not have to invest in as much furniture.” She also chose wisely when it came to laying our her space.

Cara says she has a “deep love for home decor and design,” which is evident with how beautifully she’s designed her small space, which she shares with her 13-year-old black lab, Sterling. She chronicles her decor love on her Instagram account, @girlgonecity, and her YouTube channel.

Resources

ENTRY

LIVING ROOM

DINING ROOM

KITCHEN

BEDROOM

Thanks Cara!

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