Charlotte’s Sophisticated 300 Square Foot Studio

Name: Charlotte Brown
Location: Upper West Side, New York City

What I love about my 300 square foot Upper West Side apartment is how it encompasses warmth and is a home where tranquil is infused with curiosity. And I am surrounded by the design and creativity that influence me everyday. My aesthetic was to create a classic home that time travels to the simpler Victorian time period with a modern twist. I hunt for unique pieces with characteristics that will make my apartment whimsical and otherworldly. I was able to accomplish this style by selecting seating that combines the natural tones of linens and are elegantly constructed from elaborately carved wood with matching legs and beautiful curved lines.

The medallion side chairs add the element of French romanticism and play off the shade of my muted tufted sofa and large arm chair. I modernized and lighted up the space by juxtaposing a faceted mirrored side table and contemporary white square coffee table. The upholstered headboard integrates the understated with the playful, with clean lines and subtle details from the nailhead trim and silver metallic accents in the fabric. I had to incorporate a soft and neutral color palette since the apartment has dark wood wainscotting and one window. I brought in color through eclectic accessories and framed landscape photographs, postcards and modernized my wall by framing decorative wrapping paper and objects in shadowboxes. The artwork and frames exemplify the bond between the nature I love and the character in the decor.

The biggest challenge of living in a teeny tiny urban apartment is making a functional home and having stylish storage solutions since everything is within sight. I was able to achieve a functional and organized home by selecting visually appealing pieces of furniture and placing them in the right sections. The multi-functioning IKEA kitchen island offers a tabletop, counter top for cooking and has two shelves for pots and pans (which is hidden from the rest of the apartment by a divider). This island defined and separated my kitchen from the living room.

The green antique credenza is where I openly store my serving pieces and glasses. The credenza desk functions as a secondary work surface, and features shelving, small drawers, and secret storage compartments. The black armoire in my bedroom area is where I keep my clothing, linens and towels. I covered the glass with decorative wallpaper to hide my clothing. Under my bed is where I store seasonal clothing which are organized in plastic bins. I was able to find a multipurpose coat and shoe unit that I placed in my hallway. I installed two bars in the closet to hang all my clothing and use the floor space for more shoes and cleaning supplies.

My favorite pieces in my apartment are my collection of snow globes and curated collection of eclectic treasures from my travels around the world. Buying diverse accessories over time creates an open story book and adds a layered wonderland to my home.

Thanks, Charlotte Brown!

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