A 440-Square-Foot NYC Studio Apartment Is Scandinavian-Inspired and Incredibly Serene

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Name: Carla Loo and 16-year-old dog, Scooter
Location: Sutton Place, NY
Type of home: Studio Apartment
Size: 440 square feet
Years lived in: 1 year, renting

Tell us a little (or a lot) about your home and the people who live there: I moved to my place about a year ago and live here with my adorable 16-year-old dog Scooter, who is disabled. After years living on the west side I was ready to explore a new neighborhood. I had never really heard of Sutton Place but upon discovering it, I fell in love with the chill vibe, the convenience of being close to everything and how secluded it feels from the rest of the city.

The layout of the apartment allows me to place furniture in a way that I can still make it functional between a living and working space. I’m typically working on a variety of projects at CL Collective, a creative communications agency I started two years ago and it is important for me to be surrounded by an inspiring environment and with the things I love! It also gives Scooter enough room to roam around in his wheels.

My personal style is different from my home style. I tend to wear lots of colors, prints, and have a very free spirited and eclectic fashion sense. My home however, is more minimalistic but I still like to add some pops of color that feel serene and feminine; I think this balances things out in my life. While I like to play with my wardrobe, I prefer to keep things monochromatic and softer at home. The one thing I can say found in my studio/work space, is the artwork featuring jewelry references and crystal ornaments. I work a ton with jewelry companies and have developed a love for the industry so I like to remind myself of what inspires me each day.  

Describe your home’s style in 5 words or less: Minimalist, feminine, Scandinavian-inspired

What is your favorite room and why? My little office nook. I never used to have a work area in my studio but I have been spending a lot of time here lately—it allows me to create, brainstorm, and run my day-to-day business affairs. 

What’s the last thing you bought (or found!) for your home? My pink velvet desk chair, it is so comfy!

Any advice for creating a home you love? If you enjoy interior design and have plans on redecorating your space, I suggest looking up platforms like Pinterest or blogs that show ideas. There are so many stores and outlets to get inspired by and it is possible to create a relaxing place to come home to and at different price points. 

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