A 525-Square-Foot Studio Has Cozy, Distinct Sections Without Walls

Name: Haley Rich and one dog, Aggie
Location: Downtown San Jose, California
Type of home: Apartment
Size: 525 square feet
Years lived in: 7 months, renting

Tell us a little (or a lot) about your home and the people who live there: This 1917 building has charm starting at the front door. The hallways are lined with marble and there are small ’20s details everywhere. The apartment itself has 10-foot ceilings and windows almost the same height.

I’ve spent the last six months making it my own. I’m a graphic designer by trade but enjoy creating spaces. I’m drawn to vintage pieces and much of my home is from the ’50s and ’60s with other pieces mixed in to make it feel like me and not a period home. I have been able to create distinct sections in the studio that help with the fact that I work from home. I have a “bedroom,” “office/workout room,” “living room,” and “kitchen” all without having walls separating them. I’ve made sure to make space for my dog, Aggie, to have her zoomies and her three beds. My old space was only 250 square feet so 525 square feet is a HUGE upgrade for me.

Describe your home’s style in 5 words or less: Warm, sunny, plant-filled loft

What is your favorite room and why? Considering this is a studio there is only one room BUT my favorite area is the where the bed is. I opted to paint the walls black and create an eclectic gallery wall of art that I’ve collected from my travels. The color of the walls, the “wall” of plants and the arch creates a space that feels separate from the rest of the studio, almost like walking into another room!

What’s the last thing you bought (or found!) for your home? I found a small shelf in the $5 bin at Target and was able to create a corner for my dog. I topped it off with a portrait of my other pup by @kareydraws.

Any advice for creating a home you love? Don’t rely on trends; they change. Instead think about what you really want your space to be. Furniture, art, plants, books, anything you love that you bring into your space will create meaning for you and give you a reason to love your own home.

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

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