A 511-Square-Foot Rustic Boston Studio Apartment Is Warm and Inviting

Taryn Lipiner has been renting this 511-square-foot studio apartment for four months: I wouldn’t say that I have a particular theme in my apartment, although I love bringing many different pieces into a space and seeing how they work together. This apartment feels like “me.” I love looking around and seeing different pieces that are tied to memories.

I would definitely say that my identity is reflected in my home through the mixture of rustic, cool-toned furniture, and also through the use of a few pieces that bring a bit more color into the space. For example, these two prints (I believe they’re actually greeting cards!) that I found in a gift store and ended up framing! I draw a lot of my inspiration from my mom, who has always had an eye for interior design. She’s the first person I ask before I decide on something for my space.

Describe your home’s style in five words or fewer: Warm and inviting.

What is your favorite room and why? My favorite area of my studio is my kitchen. With a studio, it’s great because you really have such an open concept. I tried to make it feel like the kitchen and dining room table blend into the living room and bedroom. I often see studios that are very separated, so my goal was to create balance, if that makes sense.

What’s the last thing you bought (or found!) for your home? This antique spice cabinet! Funnily enough, I actually sent a picture of a chair to my mom that I was thinking of getting, and in the picture was the spice cabinet in the back. It didn’t even catch my eye at first, but my mom pointed it out and we ran to claim it. I couldn’t imagine any other piece of furniture for this area of my studio. It offsets a lot of the more modern finishes in my apartment, and helps provide a cozy feeling to the space. I also love that there’s a story behind it!

Any advice for creating a home you love? Don’t think too much about how all the pieces will fit together in your space. Sometimes you’d be surprised at how well things look good together once they end up in your home versus how you might picture them in your head!

Thanks, Taryn!

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