Jesse's Eclectic, Functional Space
Name: Jesse Wong
Size: 306 square feet
Home type: Studio apartment
Location: New York, NY
What you're looking at:
Overview of the whole place. Aesthetics, maximalism, and the functionality of an entire multi-room suburban house can all still work in a 306-square-foot studio apartment. After bouncing all over this city for years, I've finally found my very own sanctuary. (Image credit: Jesse Wong)Overview of the whole place. Aesthetics, maximalism, and the functionality of an entire multi-room suburban house can all still work in a 306-square-foot studio apartment. After bouncing all over this city for years, I've finally found my very own sanctuary.
The living room and home office nook. Move the coffee table and accent chair aside and it becomes my home gym. Pull down a projector screen and it's a cinema. Expand the dining table into the main space for a dinner party. Fold the table completely away for a dance party.
Years lived in: 1 year, rented
Household: Just me!
Have any design professionals worked on this space? No
Do you currently live in your Small/Cool space full-time? Yes
Describe your space:
My vision for this space was to combine beauty and function. Not only did I want to fill my space with color and art and items that tell a story of who I am, but it was equally important to cram as much utility as possible. Many studio apartments will forego a dining table, or a desk, and sometimes even a couch. I didn’t want to sacrifice any of that. It was important for me to create separate and dedicated spaces for living, sleeping, dining, and working — all in one room. I wanted to create a sanctuary for myself to relax, make art, and practice yoga, but also cook for friends and entertain.
Did you DIY anything in your space? And, if so, what's your favorite DIY?
I’ve covered nearly every surface of my walls with not only framed art and photography, some of which I painted or captured myself – but also curated an eclectic blend of objects I’ve collected from around the world, things from local flea markets over the years, old crates I’ve turned into shelves that double as storage, a world map with travel pins — all of which remind me of touching moments and life-changing experiences, and reflect who I am.
How do you make your small space work for you and feel bigger than it really is?
Vertical storage is crucial in small spaces. I’ve definitely used all my wall space for both style and utility — from hanging cookware and kitchen equipment; to mounting wall shelves, ledges, and crates; to stacking books to the ceiling. The space is also always changing in multiple configurations. My dining table seats two by default, can be folded away fully, or expanded to host dinner for eight. My coffee table and side chair are lightweight and can be easily moved aside to clear the main area for home workouts. Instead of a TV, I use a projector with a white window shade mounted to the ceiling.
How does your home reflect you?
I’ve filled my space with a mix of my own art, artists who inspire me, and mementos from my travels. I also included art and photography that pays homage to various social movements — from the fights for racial justice, queer rights, and gender equity — all of which have had intersectional impact that allows me to live my life today. In the age of ebooks, keeping a physical library offers a daily visual reminder of literature that’s had a profound effect on me. I framed the opening passage of "The Joy Luck Club," a truly powerful and cathartic piece of prose that reminds me of my own upbringing.