A 500-Square-Foot Studio Proves You Don’t Have to Be a Super Minimalist to Live in a Small Space
Name: Alexandra Heide
Location: Los Angeles, California
Type of home: Studio Apartment
Size: 500 square feet
Years lived in: Almost 2 years, renting
Tell us a little (or a lot) about your home and the people who live there: I moved into this studio so I could walk to work (I’m a strategist at an agency in Culver City) and I loved that it had the old California motel vibe with the front door opening to the pool, while being new on the inside. I’m pretty eclectic and immediately mapped out a plan for the space, filling it with things that make me happy like my disco ball, blown-up travel prints, my record collection (and the ones I took from my mom), a projector… you name it. I think people think you have to be super minimalist to live in a small space, but I’m kind of a maximalist at heart and need to surround myself with things I love as long as they stay organized.
I’m creative and a highly sensitive empath, so you’ll see all kinds of art and objects as well as affirmations and beliefs on my wall. I’m also obsessed with books and art-directed magazines, so those need to be near me at all times. A coworker once said that I “reinvent myself through my appearance daily” and I take it as a compliment. I think life’s too short to subscribe to one style; I want to play with them all
What is your favorite room and why? I love my kitchen. It’s the nicest one I’ve had and the countertops make me happy whenever I see them.
Describe your home’s style in 5 words or less: Eclectic. Art-driven. Outside-in. Intentional.
What’s the last thing you bought (or found!) for your home? I’ve been upgrading my pillow game since quarantine, so I picked up a set that the Wythe Hotel uses and haven’t stopped thinking about. I also have a taper candle obsession, so Hawkins NY has been fun for that.
Any advice for creating a home you love? Fill it with things that make you happy. Buy all the plants. Don’t let anyone tell you to get rid of your books when you move.
This submission’s responses and photos were edited for length/size and clarity.
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