This 450-Square-Foot Studio Nails the NYC Cool Girl Look

“Living alone has allowed me to transform my apartment into a true personal sanctuary — one that reflects my love of art, theatre, color, and New York City itself,” begins Rachel Maria Stuart.

“Working full-time at a renowned art museum, I’m constantly surrounded by creativity, and that sense of expression naturally carries into my home, where every detail feels intentional and inspired,” she continues.

Rachel has been renting this Upper West Side studio apartment, built around the 1920s, for three years. She worked with Jeanie Engelbach, also known as apartmentjeanie, to help create her space.

Before moving in, Rachel described the studio apartment’s vibes as “[v]ery dull, blank, and uninspiring.” But now, after adding her personality, she considers it to be an “[e]clectic, artistic, boho, welcoming and cozy,” space with the vibes best described as “NYC cool girl (if I do say so myself),” she writes.

“My identity is woven throughout my apartment — from my love of soft pastels and rich velvet textures to the artwork I continue to collect and the personal objects that hold deep meaning for me. Every piece tells a story, making the space feel layered, intentional, and distinctly my own,” she says.

The studio is tied together by two big ideas — something I think anyone else in a studio apartment could take note of. One, Rachel’s gorgeous rug (that she originally got from West Elm but is no longer available) is colorful, patterned, and undeniably a centerpiece.

Secondly, the small space works thanks to a dedication to using storage bins and vertical space organization. Plus, the rental most importantly reflects Rachel.

“My favorite thing about the space is its individuality. I’m not one for minimalism, strict coordination, or neutral palettes — my apartment celebrates color, contrast, and personality. Nothing is overly matched, yet everything feels cohesive, capturing my style while leaving space for future evolution,” she writes.

Thanks, Rachel!

This tour’s responses and photos were edited for length/size and clarity.
Share your style: House Tour & House Call Submission Form