An Actor Created “Functional Tranquility” in a 550-Square-Foot Brooklyn Studio

Written by

Adrienne Breaux
Adrienne BreauxHouse Tour Director at AT Media
I grew up watching TV shows like "This Old House" and "New Yankee Workshop" with my parents, and learned early on that not only is it possible to remake your home’s surroundings to fit your lifestyle and personality, but that it’s also fun. When I got to college, I started…read more
Erin Derby
Erin DerbyPhotographer
Originally from California, but turned New Yorker since 2000, I've been shooting my entire life and am still inspired and excited about it. Lately I have been putting my energies into my Fine Art, which can be seen on my website and on Saatchi Art. Being infatuated with interior…read more
published Oct 7, 2024

An Actor Created “Functional Tranquility” in a 550-Square-Foot Brooklyn Studio

Written by

Adrienne Breaux
Adrienne BreauxHouse Tour Director at AT Media
I grew up watching TV shows like "This Old House" and "New Yankee Workshop" with my parents, and learned early on that not only is it possible to remake your home’s surroundings to fit your lifestyle and personality, but that it’s also fun. When I got to college, I started…read more
Erin Derby
Erin DerbyPhotographer
Originally from California, but turned New Yorker since 2000, I've been shooting my entire life and am still inspired and excited about it. Lately I have been putting my energies into my Fine Art, which can be seen on my website and on Saatchi Art. Being infatuated with interior…read more
published Oct 7, 2024
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Bedrooms
Square feet

550

Sq ft

550

“After two months of browsing real estate websites, I came across this studio in a moment of serendipity,” begins actor Matthew August Jeffers. “I was juggling virtual press interviews for a film release, and in the breaks between each one, I scanned listings. This unit had been on the market for just 13 minutes, and something about the photos captivated me; the cozy private balcony, coupled with the luxury of an in-unit washer and dryer (be still, my heart), was exciting.”

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Credit: Erin Derby
Matthew says the “Miss America 1959” sash hanging from the pothos plant is something guests always ask about. He also says the motorized blinds he had installed were a great purchase, "allowing for precise control over the room’s exposure to natural light, which has a huge impact on how the space feels throughout the day."

As soon as Matthew saw the listing he texted the real estate agent. “An hour later, I was touring the space, and I turned to him and said, ‘Tell me what I need to do to make this mine.’ Despite already having an application submitted, he encouraged me to apply with a personal letter. A day later, I was holding the keys,” Matthew continues.

Matthew says it’s the studio apartment’s “intelligent design” that appealed to him most.
I had grown increasingly disheartened by the awkward studio layouts in the city, where the kitchen seems to spill into the bedroom. This studio, however, had a natural flow, which appealed to me. Having lived in two- and three-bedroom apartments for over a decade, I had initial reservations about downsizing to a studio. But as someone with dwarfism, I’ve spent my life optimizing small spaces, and I saw this as an exciting challenge to do so once again.”

Credit: Erin Derby
"The piece that unlocked the space for me was my custom piano stand, which sits right at the heart of the apartment. Once that was in place everything else just clicked!" Matthew admits.

The apartment had been “freshly cleaned, painted, and outfitted with modern appliances” when Matthew moved in, which he says made it a blank canvas full of potential. “This allowed me to focus my energy on opening up and brightening what initially felt like a small, narrow space. Although I hadn’t previously decorated a studio apartment, I was mindful not to fall into the common trap of over-cluttering.”

Credit: Erin Derby
To transform a closet into a home office, Matthew "removed the door, added playful wallpaper (because who wants to stare at a blank wall?), and scored a $30 desk from the kids' section at IKEA. It’s the first desk that actually fits me! I gave it a little upgrade with a designer lamp from the MoMA store, adding a touch of chic. I take some pretty high-profile meetings in that cozy nook, which feels like a perfect symbol of my journey — making waves in small spaces."

Having lived in New York City for over a decade, Matthew was faced with the task of doing a lot of decluttering to fit comfortably in this smaller space. “Having two-bedroom apartments gave me the luxury to showcase a maximalist aesthetic. Transitioning to a minimalist approach was difficult at first — I had to kill my darlings,” he describes. “To ease the process, I paid double rent for a month, giving myself time to thoughtfully curate what truly mattered to me and what I could let go of. But it helped me realize that much of what I held onto was just clutter. Now, my space feels more aligned with my essence.”

Matthew says he’s someone “who craves peace and quiet,” which is why he’s made sure to make his studio apartment feel like a personal retreat, what he describes as “functional tranquility. It’s a space where I can recharge and stay productive at the same time. I take meetings, dive into a good book, cook meals with ingredients from the Union Square Farmers Market, edit my photography, care for my plants, and watch great films. It’s my little sanctuary.”

Resources

Credit: Erin Derby

LIVING ROOM

Credit: Erin Derby

KITCHEN

  • Aquarium — Pacific Aquarium & Plant
  • Wire Mesh Fruit Bowl — MoMA Store
  • Vitamix — Vitamix
Credit: Erin Derby

BEDROOM

Credit: Erin Derby

CLOSET OFFICE

Credit: Erin Derby

BATHROOM

Thanks, Matthew!

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