A 294-Square-Foot Studio Has a Great Renter-Friendly Small Space TV Stand Solution, and It’s Honestly Sexy

Name: Kristen Rosario
Location: Uptown — Chicago, Illinois
Type of home: Studio
Size: 294 square feet
Time lived in: 7 months, renting

Tell us a little (or a lot) about your home and the people who live there: The studio is located in an upcoming neighborhood called Uptown, just a mile away from Lake Michigan. I absolutely love the location and my impeccable view of the Chicago skyline — the main reason why I fell in love with it. I live here solo and it was the decision as I am to decorate my first apartment in the big city with pieces I love. The building is lovely as it features a gym, a rooftop with glorious sites of the lake and skyline, plus in-unit laundry (a major luxury in the city).

My whole life is and has been surrounded and inspired by home design. I work at as full-time design consultant for an luxury outdoor furniture company and part-time as interior design assistant. I knew my first apartment would be an intentional space reflecting of my passion for all forms of design. As you usually start a design project — you create a mood board. Getting ideas for color palettes, design features, textures and even plants I wanted to incorporate in the space. Inspired by Bauhaus and Scandinavian designs, I wanted to play off the two distinct design eras. I choose small décor pieces in pops of dark reds, cobalt blue, and pale yellows and added pieces like the light oak and walnut for the texture and warmth in the space. Blending the two designs and few others created a vibrant, clean, and minimalist space.

What is your favorite room and why? As my whole apartment is a tiny studio — I have favorite nooks in the space. Currently, my favorite nook has been my kitchen area. The apartment came with these two open shelves to display what your heart desires. I had the intention of displaying my fun, bright blue glass, design books, and little plants to bring life to the small nook. I really love how it came out and made the space feel open and vibrant.

Describe your home’s style in 5 words or less: Stylish, mid-century, Bauhaus-inspired, sun-drenched studio.

What’s the last thing you bought (or found!) for your home? I have been recently inspired by the Bauhaus movement with it curved chrome legs and lamps so I wanted to find pieces that reflected. Luckily, Facebook Marketplace has a variety of sellers showcasing this style and more! I was so geeked to purchase the two grey barrel cantilever chairs for only $200 a pair. I knew that having a small space, that I would be limited to floor space and did not want to overcrowd the space too. I looked for functional yet very stylish stands for my TV and ended up finding this sleek, mid-century tripod. It’s the first piece of furniture when you walk in and I love that it makes a statement and it looks like a piece of art on an easel (plus it doesn’t have to be mounted on the wall — perfect for rentals!). Here is the link to where I got mine: https://www.displays2go.com/C-30052/Mid-Century-Modern-TV-Stands-Feature-Tripod-Sawhorse-Easel-Designs

Any advice for creating a home you love? My best advice is to be intentional with your home and style. Take the time to invest in quality and timeless pieces as they can adapt to any future space and interior style. Everything I choose and purchased for this studio has a sole purpose of function and timeless style that I can take to any future home I do go to (aka adaptable furniture). Also, don’t forget your local vintage sellers and Facebook Marketplace — they have a great unique selection of timeless furniture and décor.