A 500-Square-Foot New York Studio Apartment Feels Much Larger Thanks to a Great Furniture Layout

We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.
Post Image
Credit: K

Name: K.
Location: Upper West Side — New York, NY
Type of home: Studio Apartment in Brownstone
Size: 500 square feet
Years lived in: 3 months, renting

Credit: K.

Describe your home’s style in 5 words or less: Minimalistic, cultural, earthy, airy, homey

Tell us a little (or a lot) about your home and the people who live there: I live here alone! I am a doctoral student in Clinical Psychology, working on my dissertation and last year of clinical training in NYC.

Credit: K.

I moved here about three months ago and it was my first time living outside of Brooklyn (born and raised) believe it or not! I was wary of leaving Brooklyn, where my heart is, but I couldn’t have been happier moving to this part of the UWS! My place allows me to wake up feeling refreshed and come home to cozy up on the couch.

Credit: K.

I have many plants as well as items from the Middle East, which is where my family is originally from. I am also right by the park with a beautiful view of the water! I love to host people so I have multiple spaces to sit in (velvet bar stools for the kitchen counter, couch, dining room stable, side stools) even for a small studio, and they have all come together nicely. The place is truly a reflection of who I am and strive to be.

Credit: K.

What is your favorite room and why? The whole place since it’s a studio! I love that although it’s an open space, I was able to split it up so that it doesn’t look like everything is jumbled together. So it looks airy and open as one room but also feels like it has different nooks.

Credit: K.

What’s the last thing you bought (or found!) for your home? I cleaned glass cold brew bottles and used them as vases for dried lavender. Also, a mosaic lamp from Turkey!

Credit: K.

Any advice for creating a home you love? Allow it to be a reflection of your true self and fill it with things that help you stay mindful!

This submission’s responses have been edited for length and clarity.

Share Your Style: