Studio Apartment

This luxury marketing professional turned this small and basic Jersey City rental studio apartment into an intentional, elevated retreat.

This raw industrial studio is now a warm, smart home, thanks to a stylish vintage furniture curator turning it into a light-filled, multifunctional home with storage hidden in plain sight. Every piece in this Bushwick studio pulls double duty — proving small spaces can live much larger than they are.

Lauren’s cat, Mabel, even has her own little sleeping nook.

Natalia Flórez is an interior designer and knew exactly which small, renter-friendly changes would make the biggest impact in her 430-square-foot rental apartment in Cali, Colombia.

A private outdoor patio is an almost a mythical luxury in New York City, but Kate Ruberti's 538-square-foot studio apartment is a gorgeous unicorn, inside and out!

Designer Melody Kim's rental studio apartment in Brooklyn's Park Slope neighborhood is only 350 square feet, but she's made an absolutely stunning and stylish home — and filled it with a ton of holiday cheer despite the small size!

Lindsay O’Brien’s 450-square-foot Los Angeles bungalow has a built-in bookcase instead of a solid bedroom wall, creating a spacious, open home that feels much larger than it actually is.

The decor is a testament to the renter’s background.

“Every design decision was made with intention, focusing on affordability, practicality, and aesthetic appeal. The result is a cozy studio that feels both modern and inviting, proving that great design doesn't have to come with a high price tag.”

“It’s my creative lab in the morning, a workspace in the afternoon, and a chill spot to unwind with friends at night,” writes designer and founder Tyler Correawhite of her sleek and small Brooklyn studio apartment.

Alba Pagán has managed to fit herself, a part-time dog roomie, and a ton of books into just 195 square feet. And she's done so for 10 years!

In just 500 square feet, painter Josh Ayala created a warm, stylish space that’s part art studio, home, and place to show off personality.

Hee Yeon Hwang loves the colors lavender and green, art, trinkets, daisies, and her dog, Doo Yoo. And she’s managed to showcase all of these elements and more in her tiny rental on the Upper East Side.

Packed with art, vintage treasures, and personal touches, this 400-square-foot Manhattan apartment is an incredibly cozy, warm, and personal home for a creative couple and their cute dog.

“It was a true blank canvas!” begins Tess Roy (@tessandteddy_ on TikTok) of this brand-new 500-square-foot studio apartment she’s been renting for two months, paying $3,015 a month. “I’ve been living in NYC on and off for about eight years, and in June, I finally hit the jackpot — I got an apartment through the NYC housing lottery!

Lina has only been renting the space for nine months, but in that time she's managed to take what was an all-white, run-down space and turn it into an incredibly cute and cozy home.

Elijah Banks’ 800-square-foot studio apartment in Los Angeles might be a rental, but it's packed with personality, plants, and a giant green shag rug.

With just $5K and a creative vision, Keegan turned a cold, boxy studio in Echo Park into a warm, charming rental home.

Kylie used salvaged architectural materials like windows, doors, cabinets, plumbing fixtures, and more to transform a dated garage into an incredibly cozy cottage.

It was important to Serena to create a home that was calm but could also “easily host up to 10 people because I love having my friends around me in this place.”

With only 290 square feet and one closet, Elizabeth created functional storage out of thin air with $300 (and a few tears).

See how renter Sarah Elsner created a nook for her bed with a standing shelf and a DIY dried flower bar hanging above her bed that she's been collecting for 20 years.

Discover how this renter used an IKEA find, a common building material, and hand tools to make a brilliant and stylish DIY room divider in a studio.

“I’d also describe my home as mid-century-Parisian,” writes renter Anna. “I even have a bunch of decor that came straight from the set dec department of 'The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel'!”

This rental came with dust, grime, and even cigarette butts in the kitchen sink, but Elizabeth “looked past all of that for the great layout and price!”

Gina’s been renting this micro studio for 7 years, and has made tons of improvements to make it functional, including a very cool custom multi-purpose table she made with her dad.

"My client dreamed of a space that felt cozy, livable, and truly hers, so we transformed every corner with intention," writes interior designer Audrey Mae Montalban Letada.

Discover six storage tips that make this cozy 300 square-foot Toronto studio feel ultra-livable.

Marisa is a floor sitter and prefers the ground over the couch. See the cozy small-space solution she came up with instead!

Graphic designer Min turned her tiny rental into a calm, plant-filled escape — with warm lighting, a hammock, and space for Kuro the dog to lounge.

This renovated 1900s apartment in Barcelona is small but sexy and ultra-functional.

“I want my studio to tell you who I am through its decor; every corner of the flat contains clues as to who I am," explains renter Charlène.

In studio apartments, you have to get creative when hosting!

“My space is slightly cluttered, but also intentional. Everything has a place. Nothing matches perfectly, but goes together. It’s my little urban cottage,” writes Claudia.

“Making a small space work efficiently, and not being afraid of color, is definitely a result of my having embraced New York culture, which allows for any type of style experimentation,” writes Kim Narby.

The renter even teaches yoga classes in the living room.

Tour an elegant yet cozy studio apartment located in Toronto that rents for $1,560 a month.

The studio’s in an almost 100-year-old building in the heart of Hollywood and while only 485-square-feet big, is a "total dream: exposed brick, stunning windows that swing open, the original built-in 1920s vanity.”

Rachel has been renting this small Portland for three years and has DIYed quite a bit in the space. She refinished furniture, made a pendant light, and even created mirrors, too.

When Sin Ying Tracy Leung first bought this small apartment, it was “old, dull, and lifeless,” but three years later it’s now a colorful, playful, eclectic, and warm home.

"It may seem a bit cluttered to some, but I love it!" exclaims Melanie, who shares this tiny studio with her cute cat. "Maximalism isn't for everyone, but I keep it clean!"

Rhea knows a thing or two about living in a small space; she’s made a stylish but functional home in this 420-square-foot studio apartment.

Juan De Anda “built shelves into the awkward spaces in walls, had custom storage seating made to measure, and even turned hinged doors into sliding barn doors.”

Los Angeles-based writer, comedian, and actor Christina Anthony turned a “small and simple” studio apartment into a “cozy, colorful, vintage, and dreamy home.”

Salome Mergia's Upper West Side studio was furnished a lot from places like Housing Works, Salvation Army, Goodwill, and other vintage spots.

After decluttering and downsizing, Matthew Jeffers embraced this small studio’s natural flow to create a personal retreat — what he calls “functional tranquility.”

Jasmine Espinoza actually grew up in this building and was able to get a deal on this small but cozy studio apartment: $1,500-a-month rent!

Natalie, her wife, and their dog have moved eight times within the last 12 years, but I feel like this beautiful small studio might be their home for a while.

See inside this teeny rental apartment that Ria has made feel cozy despite the small size.

Tour this small San Fran studio apartment in a 1906 Edwardian building with ornate molding and gothic door hardware.

See inside Gina Fuchs’ small Brooklyn studio apartment that’s full of color, tchotchkes, small-space design ideas, and perhaps most importantly, a ton of fun!

“I know it might sound silly to pick an apartment because of its bathroom, but finding an apartment with a decent bathroom is really difficult in NY,” writes Jhenene.