A Teeny Tiny (200 Square Foot!) Sunshine-y Studio in Rio
Name: Iná
Location: Copacabana — Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
The basics: 2 + years renting | 200 square feet
Iná’s small studio is so open and bright, it looks much more expansive than its small footprint would lead you to believe. Yellow pops out against crisp white, while plants add some earthiness.
Tell us a little about your home and the people who live there: My home is a tiny, 200 square foot studio apartment. Although it is very small, it has everything I actually need. Living in a small space really helps you to see that you don’t need much to be happy and it is actually awesome to build a minimalist lifestyle.
When I moved in I started almost entirely from scratch. With a very low budget, I bought a few furniture pieces and handmade almost everything else with a little help from my father. That was a really important process that reignited my passion for art, decoration and design. I started blogging about my apartment and everything that was happening in it, all of the DIY projects I created and organization and decoration tips. That was when I started to realize that my true path must be connected to art, decoration, design and creativity.
I’ve always had a big connection with nature, so I try to bring it inside with my decor. It helps me feel more balanced and connected to the things that really matter, to my essential connection with nature. Plants, crystals, wood and organic textures bring warmth and a natural touch that I love. About one year ago my boyfriend, Robson, moved in and now we are two in a very small space. Living as a couple in a tiny studio apartment is challenging but it is also very constructive. We have to be in tune to make things work. Ultimately, it has been a great experience!
What is your favorite room and why? My apartment is a one room situation, so the corner I enjoy the most is the living room/bedroom I created by using a futon instead of a couch and a bed. It made it possible to gain more circulation space during the day, and the futon builds this zen atmosphere which enhances the feelings of warmth and coziness.
If you could magically fix something about your home, what would it be? I guess I would wish for better electrical finishings, ’cause I had to improvise a lot. Also, a bigger bathroom sink. It is a tiny apartment but not everything has to be tiny, right?
Which fictional character would be most at home in your place? I don’t know, maybe Iris from The Holiday. She lives in a small, cozy, beautiful house. I like to think someone like her would feel very welcomed here.
Iná’s words of wisdom: It doesn’t matter how big or how small your place is. What really matters is how you feel in it. To love and feel loved by your home, decorate with things that have a meaning for you, that connect to you. Also, plants will always bring some extra love!
Thanks, Iná ! You can see more on Nosso Apé.
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