A 450-Square-Foot Brooklyn Studio Was Furnished for Just $1,900

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Bedrooms
Square feet

450

Sq ft

450

Small dining table beside sunny window in studio apartment.
Credit: Sonam Dolker

Sonam Dolker has lived in this 450-square-foot studio apartment for over a year: My home is small studio apartment on the sixth floor. I can’t say it lacks space because every space feels perfectly suited to my needs. I get great light and beautiful views of the Verrazano bridge, and a fire escape for a tiny bit of exterior space.

Credit: Sonam Dolker

In the bustle of New York, coming home to this space immediately makes me feel at peace.

Credit: Sonam Dolker

I was born in Nepal, raised in Queens, and have lived in Brooklyn through my 20s. The art I’ve collected through the years reflects these places. Some of my favorite pieces: a painting of three women of color tied together by their hair surrounded by fire and water, which I commissioned through my former roommate Mikaela Gonzalez; a small painting of a street on Flatbush that is dear to me, which I saw Medar de la Cruz painting on his Instagram story and immediately asked to purchase; a small painting of a bag with photo albums we never look at, which was painted in Nepal by my best friend Shristi Shrestha; another is an abstract painting by Spencer Alexander, a local muralist and iconic sign maker of businesses in Ditmas Park.

Credit: Sonam Dolker

Describe your home’s style in five words or fewer: Balanced, artful, cozy, peaceful.

Credit: Sonam Dolker

What is your favorite room and why? I only have one room, because it’s a studio. I’ve divided the space into bedroom, living room, dining area. My favorite place would probably be the dining area, where I have friends sit on the chair overlooking the view of the bridge when I host dinners.

Credit: Sonam Dolker

What’s the last thing you bought (or found!) for your home? The last thing I purchased was a small desk lamp. I put it on my bookshelf. It makes for great ambient lighting on occasions.

Credit: Sonam Dolker

Any advice for creating a home you love? Fill it with art that means something to you. Make sure every space is functional, whether it is a space to rest, work, entertain, read, put on your make up (if you do that), or even just kick off your shoes.

Credit: Sonam Dolker

Thanks, Sonam!

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

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