A 490-Square-Foot Studio Apartment Feels Much More Spacious Thanks to Its Serene, Minimal Style
Name: Annie
Location: Valley Village — Los Angeles, California
Type of home: Studio Apartment
Size: 490 square feet
Years lived in: 6 months, renting
Tell us a little (or a lot) about your home and the people who live there: I just moved from a 375-square-foot place to this 490-square-foot studio in the Valley and I feel like I’m just swimming in space. While small, the studio’s floor plan is laid out really well with a large bathroom and closet space in the back and living and kitchen space at the front; enough space to have my big cozy couch, homemade dining table, desk, and bed. A large sliding glass door opens out to a small patio that’s perfectly shaded, gets a great breeze, and has some fun string lights wrapped around the rail for dreamy evenings (and dog-attracting). My very favorite feature in the studio is the bright red 1970s original wood-burning fireplace with original floor surrounding it. Such a cool piece of history in the middle of a modern newly-renovated place.
Describe your home’s style in 5 words or less: Minimalist, Bright, Comfortable
What is your favorite room and why? It’s a studio–can I say “the only room” and have it count? My favorite space in the room is the couch that faces my patio and the busy outdoors. I can see the sunset from there and am such a people-watcher.
If you could magically change something about your home, what would it be? I’d add a washer/dryer to it. Otherwise, it is all I need right now.
What’s the last thing you bought (or found!) for your home? I resisted the urge to purchase anything new for my space when I moved into it six months ago and instead challenged myself to create a space I love with everything I already had–because it is enough. It worked. I love it.
Any advice for creating a home you love? Get in tune with the things you really really love and fill it with your favorite things. Trends will come and go but if we frame our very favorite photos and decorate with letters and cards and things that hold memories and homemade items, they just never go out of style (and they don’t cost a dime). I also think it’s ok if every space isn’t filled with decor – white space can BE decor. Nate Berkus says “what you don’t do is as important as what you do.”
Thanks, Annie!
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