A 450-Square-Foot Studio Apartment Uses Space Wisely

Name: Ashley Johnson
Location: Berkeley, California
Type of home: Apartment
Size: 450 square feet
Years lived in: 1 month, renting

My apartment is a studio, but I wanted each part of the apartment to feel like its own space. I love color but also wanted the apartment to feel relaxing, as I’m just starting law school and want my home to be a place I look forward to coming home to at the end day. This is part of the living room and a designated desk area for studying.

I love flamingoes and this neon light really highlights my Gray Malin photographs.

My taste is pretty eclectic. I love investing in mid-century pieces but also wanted the decor to be varied. The slatted bench is an authentic mid-century piece that was in my grandma’s basement for many years. My dad helped me sand it and refinish it. Because I’m a grad student, I tried to decorate on a budget and most of the pieces come from Wayfair, Target, Living Spaces, and other online retailers.

When I saw this apartment, I gravitated to the alcove for my bed. It really helps to make my bedroom space separate. I wanted the area to feel like a calming and meditative space and tried to use neutrals and textures to give it a cozy vibe.

My kitchen is small, but very functional. The backsplash was the same as the granite countertops. I used removable wallpaper to make it look like tile, which brightens up the space.

The bathroom is quite large, and I tried to keep it simple.

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