Micah’s Small & Stellar Bed-Stuy Studio

Name: Micah Clasper-Torch, designer and artist
Location: Bed-Stuy — Brooklyn, New York
Size: 260 square feet
Years lived in: 2 years; Rented

Tours photographed on rainy days always have a way of making me extra aware of the true coziness of a place. Micah’s space contains within in it such a wonderful sense of who she is and the things that make her happy and productive. Within her small amount of square footage, she makes her office, living and dining areas work to create an entirely comfortable home, which she also rents out to others on AirBnb, for a snug Brooklyn experience.

Storage is always an issue in petite apartments, and Micah makes the most of her closet and cupboards. But what I like about the space is that she isn’t shy about filling it. Without making things too cluttered and tight, she’s maximized every inch of the floorplan and wallspace, giving a great sense of the things and people that are important in her life. It’s the perfect place for working on various endeavors, having a few friends over, or simply resting, all hallmarks of a well-crafted, functional and warm home.

My Style: Vintage modern. I love mixing natural wood and antique furniture with pops of color and modern accents. While I admire sleek, modern and minimalist interiors, I always find myself decorating towards a more cozy, eclectic, and whimsical look.

Inspiration: The two biggest influences on my design sense have been the time I spent working at Sebastian + Barquet (a Chelsea gallery that sells 20th century furniture), and my parents’ home, which was (and is!) an ever-evolving melting pot of flea market finds, refurbished furniture, art painted by my grandmother or aunt, and treasures from their travels abroad in every nook and cranny.

Favorite Element: Besides the good bones of the apartment (the exposed brick wall, mantel and all the light), I love that so many details in my apartment are filled with sentimental meaning. Being able to look around and see a card written by a friend in Germany, a candle given to me for my birthday, a fan from a wedding in Spain, or a letterpress quote from a dinner party is a constant reminder of memories and people who are important to me.

Biggest Challenge: With such a small studio, my biggest challenge was fitting a bedroom, office, living and dining space into one room!

What Friends Say: They all think it’s so cute and homey! I love the first reaction of people who walk into my apartment — it’s like having them step into my own little world.

Biggest Embarrassment: The bathroom door handle is currently broken, and if you shut the door you’ll get trapped inside!

Proudest DIY: Mounting the shelving in the bathroom without a power drill.

Biggest Indulgence: Arrow light from A&G Merch.

Best Advice: Let your home evolve. Be intentional with each purchase, and know that it doesn’t all have to come together in one day (or week, or year!) There is no right or wrong when it comes to details. If it speaks to you or has sentimental meaning, there’s a way for it to fit in. Also — do not underestimate the importance of flowers and plants!

Dream Sources: Horseman Antiques, ABC Carpet & Home, RePOP, Collier West, Sebastian + Barquet.

• Daybed: IKEA
• Pillows, Ralph Lauren, Housing Works, homemade
• Sideboard: IKEA
• Arrow Light: A&G Merch
• Hanging Boxes: Junk
• Carpet: IKEA

• Plants/Flowers: 28th Street Flower Market, Red Rose & Lavender
• Table: Housing Works
• Yellow Chairs: Housing Works
• Mirror: vintage find
• Secretary dresser: Housing Works
• Candle: Species by the Thousands
• Rabbit: Jamali Garden
• Glass bottles: Jamali Garden

• Dishes: Fishs Eddy, various antique stores in Rhode Island
• Tin EAT Letters: Anthropologie

• Desk: Sanford & Sven’s
• Light: Home Depot
• Captains Chair: My parents’ house
• Lace Bedspread: Vintage find
• Frames: Vintage + thrift shop finds
• Artwork: My own art + prints of other artists I admire

• Dresser: refurbished thrift find
• Mirror: My parents’ house
• Candle: Collier West
• Bookshelves: IKEA

Thanks, Micah!

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