A 425-Square-Foot Rental Does a Good Job of Not Feeling Like the Studio Apartment It Is

Name: Brianna Nunes
Location: Koreatown — Los Angeles, California
Type of home: Apartment
Size: 425 square feet
Years lived in: 3 weeks, renting

Tell us a little (or a lot) about your home and the people who live there: I moved into this apartment on March 1, 2020. Eighteen days later, the “Stay in Place Ordinance”/lockdown was put into effect. I’m 27 years old and this is my first time living alone. I just moved to LA after living in San Diego for a year, but I’m originally from Chicago.

Leading up to the move I knew I wanted to have as many things in place as possible to make the transition smooth and quick. I’m a Virgo, so planning is my favorite sport. I purchased the couch, coffee table, arm chair, and TV stand/panel ahead of time. I’m so happy I did. I would not be able to get through this quarantine had my house not come together in time like it did.

My biggest concern (prior to quarantine) about downsizing from a two bedroom to this studio was the concrete slab that covered one of the windows in the living area. I wasn’t sure what to do with it and how to not make it an eyesore. I ended up finding this TV stand that comes with a panel to mount your TV on. My maintenance drilled through the concrete for me so I could hang it, and it actually looks like an intentional covering now! You would never think twice when looking at it. This home is my safe space and is exactly how I dreamed it would be.

What is your favorite room and why? The “living room.” It looks and feels like a living room would in a multi-room apartment. It feels totally separate from where my bed is and has the most use out of any other room. I love how the TV is mounted on the panel.

Describe your home’s style in 5 words or less: Cozy, natural, warm, woodsy.

What’s the last thing you bought (or found!) for your home? The full length mirror! I have a lot of pink accents in the home (art, bedspread, entry runner) and I didn’t want this home to come across as too feminine. I knew I had to add black metal to help bring more of an industrial finish, but it was so hard to find one I loved. I ended up going home with this one from World Market and I’m so happy I did. It adds such a great element to the home!

Any advice for creating a home you love? Take your time. Think about what it is that you want to come home to every day. This home is your safe space, especially for those who live alone. Make sure your space represents you and your tastes—that’s the joy of living alone after all, being able to pick exactly what YOU love!

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