East Meets West in This Small Chicago Studio Apartment

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Bedrooms
Square feet

600

Sq ft

600

Living room with white walls, white sofa, wood floor, large sliding glass doors with cream vertical blinds, brown Persian area rug with cream fringe, round wood coffee table, part of dining area can be seen in foreground
Credit: Meezan Mir

Meezan Mir has been renting this 600-square-foot studio apartment for a month: I’ve spent my life between the U.S. and Southeast Asia, so while I’m extremely influenced by the clean, bright style here today, l’ve added elements of my South Asian roots to ground me and add color. In my home, you’ll see a modern, white couch rooted by a Persian rug from my grandmother or a mid-century TV stand by an Indonesian drum. This is how I feel most at balance — internally and externally.

Credit: Meezan Mir

I’m a Pakistani American woman, and my identity is absolutely reflected in my home. From my grandmother’s Persian rug to the Singaporean bench, this home reflects my history of living abroad. Out of all the places l’ve lived, I call Arizona home, as it’s where I did most of my schooling.

Credit: Meezan Mir

I pay homage to it with a painting of a cactus getting a haircut on my wall.

Credit: Meezan Mir

Describe your home’s style in 5 words or fewer: East meets West.

Credit: Meezan Mir

What is your favorite room and why? The serene space l’ve created in my living room — even in a studio, I wanted a place where my family could all come and spend time together. There’s enough seating complete with a coffee table that’s perfect for Uno nights.

Credit: Meezan Mir

What’s the last thing you bought (or found!) for your home? A bouclé desk chair — soft enough that I’ll actually want to stay seated while working!

Credit: Meezan Mir

Any advice for creating a home you love? When deciding how to decorate a space, choose elements that will bring you peace.

Credit: Meezan Mir

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