230-Square-Foot NYC Rental Studio Apartment

Name: Kristy Marhin
Location: East Village
Size: Around 230 square feet
Type of Home: Studio Apartment
Years lived in: 6 months, renting

This small studio is the first time Kristy Marhin has ever lived without roommates, so she wanted to create a fun and young space for her first solo home. She was able to do just that even though the rental is only 230 square feet. “I love fashion, colors, and pop culture and reflect the same style into my decor through posters, unique candles, disco ball, and a funky rug,” Kristy writes.

My Style: Fun, young, colorful.

Favorite Element: The bookshelf⁠ — it really divides the room and creates functional, decorative purpose in the room.

Biggest Challenge: It’s super tiny, but I was set on creating space to have a couple of friends over. I was able to find a loveseat that fits perfectly and a small kitchen table so I’m still able to have a friend or two over for dinner.

What are your favorite products you have bought for your home and why? The acrylic wheeled table — I have a kitchen table and a desk — but I use this more than either of them! It’s my favorite and so convenient.

Proudest DIY: The record corner — I’m not very handy but I hung up all the shelves for this, and found all the records at a thrift store.

Biggest Indulgence: The rug — it probably cost more than anything in the apartment, but I love it.

Please describe any helpful, inspiring, brilliant, or just plain useful small space maximizing and/or organizing tips you have: Shelving/storage systems in place have been the most helpful to me. In the bathroom, and as a divider of the space — it’s pretty, and makes keeping the space clean easy.

Finally, what’s your absolute best home secret or decorating advice? Don’t buy everything at once, and don’t buy everything from the same store. I think the cutest homes have a mix of thrifted, collected, and new. If you take your time to buy things you really love rather than just buying furniture or decor because you need it, your home will be filled with things that make you happy and define your style, rather than just something that fills the space.

This house tour’s responses were edited for length and clarity.