A Teeny 225-Square-Foot Studio Has All the Small Space-Saving Solutions

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published Apr 5, 2019

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Name: Whitney Thayne and Rorschach (Rory) the cat
Location: Brooklyn Heights — Brooklyn, New York
Size: 225 square feet
Years lived in: 3.5 years, renting

I’ve always been a fan of creatively using organization to make the impossible happen. At 225 square feet, this apartment has been one of my “biggest” challenges, and has more or less felt like life-size tetris. Truly, the smaller the space, the more you have to dream up space-specific techniques to function. But my tortiseshell cat Rorschach (“Rory”) and I have made this space our nest, a retreat from whatever New York throws at you from one day to the next.

An IKEA fold-down counter, a chair hanging on the wall, see-through nesting side tables… these are just a few of the ways Whitney has maximized space in her tiny apartment. (Image credit: Whitney Thayne)

Describe your home’s style in 5 words or less: Eclectic, cozy, efficient

(Image credit: Whitney Thayne)

What is your favorite room and why? The main living space, for its many functions. I work with costumes for film and theatre, sometimes having to tailor for film projects from home. This can be a little daunting, but still very doable. I sit my machine on one of the acrylic side tables and my ironing board on the fold-down IKEA counter. I’m also a baker on occasion, so having no counter space means I have to place my stand mixer on the side table as well and hope for the best.

IKEA’s TRONES storage cabinets are shallow and perfect for a small space. (Image credit: Whitney Thayne)

If you could magically change something about your home, what would it be? Square footage, light, and noise. I’m in the front garden-level unit, so I hear every single person coming in and out of the building.

(Image credit: Whitney Thayne)

Knives on the wall and a shelf above the sink all provide extra storage space. (Image credit: Whitney Thayne)

What’s the last thing you bought (or found!) for your home? The Dyson Pure Hot + Cool Link. It’s a heater, fan, and air purifier all in one. Which meant I was able to lose the three separate appliances, a major boon in this space.

(Image credit: Whitney Thayne)

Which fictional character would be most at home in your place? Polly Pocket

(Image credit: Whitney Thayne)

Any advice for creating a home you love? Buy what you truly adore. Think about what is cohesive piece by piece. Approach your space thinking about the energy you want to have in it, and find products, layouts, colors, textures, smell—everything that serves that energy to be your haven.

Thanks, Whitney!

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*This submission’s responses were edited for clarity and the images edited for brightness.

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