This 250-Square-Foot NYC Studio Is Exactly What Apartment Therapy Is All About | House Tours

After living in Tokyo for a few years, Nonprofit Fundraising Consultant Melissa Chang moved back to New York City and has been living in this 250 square foot studio apartment for about a year. Melissa describes her style as cozy, vintage, nostalgic, Asian and American.
"I got lucky and found my studio on StreetEasy right at the start of 2021 - still at the time when everyone was leaving the city because of COVID and rents were down for a very brief spell," she writes. "I love that my studio has a wall of windows, so even though this place is under 250 square feet, it feels bright and airy."
Learn more: www.apartmenttherapy.com/250-...
CHAPTERS
0:00 - Intro & Style Inspo
1:11 - Living Room Space
1:36 - Japanese Influence
2:12 - Dual-function furniture
2:48 - Sleeping Nook & Family Elements
3:52 - Advice for Home
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[@kathrynparker9790]

Taking one's shoes off before entering a home is a fantastic , important, hygienic habit. Many, many cultures all over the world do this.

[@ChairmanMoMedia]

I live in Canada. We take our shoes off. I think it's because of The weather!

[@TheEmzies]

Yeah, I'd never enter a home without first removing my shoes. It seems weird to me that this is associated with particular cultures.

[@napperforlife2020]

@@ChairmanMoMedia not because of the dirty germs?

[@merrymaid2890]

Here in Sweden we always take off our shoes before entering a home. It is very rude not do that. Sometimes we allow someone to enter with shoes on because they maybe just gonna stay for a couple of minutes. But the custom then is that they either start to take of their shoes and we say “no-no, just come in” or that they ask if we want them to take of their shoes or not. Then we often say that it is okay to keep the shoes on. You never ever take for granted that it is okay to walk into a persons home with shoes on. Never ever. It doesn’t matter if you are the landlord or a handyman. The rule applies to anyone or everyone unless the host/hostess says otherwise. The only exception is of course first responders.

[@brianparent4882]

I’m from Quebec and we were brought up in a shoes off home. We also could not sit on our beds with our street clothes on. I still practice this

[@carnival30]

This is the tiniest apartment space I’ve seen but somehow she made it look roomy and spacious. It’s so adorable 🥰

[@skywalker6648]

Actually, it only works because of the tons of light and tall ceilings. Change those factors and you would not like it as much.

[@Bat_Boy]

Where’s the air conditioning? Must be rough in the summer.

[@denverdubois5835]

Pause the video when she shows the full apartment map with little dollhouse furniture cutouts. You'll see what the maker of this video glossed over--that this small place has a reasonably sized kitchen and bathroom and TWO closets, plus upper storage above the larger closet! These factors would make this flat totally livable for me. The mirrored wall is the doors to a very large/long closet, and there's a smaller "coat" type closet by the bathroom.

[@irishcladdagh3]

Omg I noticed that too!!! Amazing kitchen n bath

[@suzaynnschick158]

I love home decor and design videos by nonprofessionals who simply have good taste.

[@TheMichelex20]

Love her home. It looks like it’s very cozy and calming.

[@moonbeeps]

It's a shoebox.

[@chrishayes5755]

small home. too small. style is good and lady is awesome tho.

[@marjorjorietillman856]

Absolutely Beautiful!!!

[@truthseeker674]

I really enjoyed this space. It's so peaceful and efficient with its use of space. In particular, I loved how Melissa mapped out her home by creating a dollhouse on paper. I should have thought about doing that before buying all of my big furniture. Also, I love all the different objects that show off her Asian heritage. Great job, Melissa!

[@maryannkom299]

I also planned out my space in the same way. It’s a lifesaver. But honestly I have way more space than any one person needs. 3 small bedrooms and 2 bathrooms is over kill for one women. I’d rather have half that with a great outdoor space, since I live in San Diego.

[@robyndismon394]

@@maryannkom299 San Diego? OMG I would love to live there for one year. Did u say you have no outdoor space? How did that happen?

[@maryannkom299]

@@robyndismon394 this is how. I live in a manufactured house. Double wide. Built in 2008. It’s fully dry walled, my brother put in new floors for me before I moved in. It’s a very, very nice little house, but it takes up most of the lot it sits on. There’s a small patio space that sits on the end of the drive way, I have a patio space out there, but right away the neighborhood cats decided it was a nice place to spend the night, and the way it’s oriented the amount of dust the blows through there is unreal. I have to wash my car every two weeks. So it didn’t take but a week, with the cat hair and dust before it became a very unpleasant place to be. A lot of the homes here, have deck space or even back yards but mine doesn’t. That being sad I still love San Diego.it’s beautiful here. I actually live in a little town in San Diego county about 20 miles in from Down town San Diego. In order to live there you have to have a lot of money. It’s still lovely. The palm trees and warm weather are just wonderful.

[@yasaminwhy8212]

This has got to be one of the nicest flats I've seen on KZbin. Beautiful space!

[@virgOmega828]

Melissa has such lovely energy (and of course, as a result, so does her home.) I liked the dog bed as floor cushion tip; that's funny, yet fantastic!

[@skywalker6648]

The only thing about the dog bed is making sure the fabric will be comfortable for the skin.

[@christophermyers3758]

My "3 room" studio is slightly smaller at 235 sq. ft., and love it! I have 3 windows facing north and east, so I get plenty of morning sunlight! 🌞 The best part is my combo entry, library and vanity area (its behind the door). It feels like an entry, and creates a separation between the main area and the bathroom. I have just enough stuff/clutter to make it cozy, and really don't feel the "smallness" of it. Have been living in my apt. for 11 years (10 of them with my cat! 😻).

[@maddscientist3170]

if you get a radiator cover , you could use the top for a ledge/endtable for the sofa the mirrored folding doors help tremendously in the illusion of space! Kitchen is awesome in this place!!! and the BATHROOM!! OMG

[@skywalker6648]

Exactly. I was thinking that too.

[@gee_emm]

I love it when there’s a floor plan. It makes things click. She put it all together so well!

[@lisita1020]

Oh I love her. She made her home nice , cozy and inviting. That table the way it opened up was amazing. Thank you for sharing your home. ❤️

[@pitita585]

As someone who is about to move into a very tiny studio for the first time in my life, this really comforted me. I’ve been so sad and so apprehensive about how I could make such a small space work, but this video reassured me that I’ll be okay. Thank you so much ♥️

[@spotterofgold]

Apartment Therapy, maybe in future you could provide links to the special space-saving/dual purpose pieces in these tour videos, like the ottoman and the desk/dining table transformer; I searched for a "butterfly table" and found nothing like Michelle's in the search results. Thanks for the great video tour!

[@HMSDisaster]

Best small apartment I’ve ever seen! I love how uncluttered and mature it looks-so hard to achieve that in a small space. I was kind of hoping Melissa had published a book in the style of that journal entry; I would buy that in a heartbeat!

[@skywalker6648]

The dining table looked a little tricky though. Like the sofa height didn't match up with the height of the table. So, I can see needing some extra chairs in a closet somewhere.

[@GradKat]

Beautiful! I love her philosophy for creating a home, rather than just a place to live. Charming, cosy and stylish apartment.

[@iamwindchakra]

This is is so functional! I don't know that I've ever seen such a well laid out tiny space.

[@felicitywillboughby6901]

It's gorgeous😍love the flip out dining table and ottoman tray ideas. Thanks for inviting us into yr beautiful, cosy home. 🏡💕👍💃🙏🌷🌼🌻

[@jessicaskok]

I love the idea of the dog bed to be able to sit on the floor comfortably. What size is it?

[@kristen7623]

I love this!!! I’m a colorful maximalist but I keep coming back to this video because of her and her personality! And how the space suits her so well

[@Dogsnark]

This entire apartment is just a few square feet larger than my own bedroom, so I can really appreciate how wonderfully it is laid it out. It appears so livable, so comfortable. And your kitchen is fantastic, given the size constraints. I watched the video several times and picked up more details each time. I’m glad you showed your floor plan - that’s something I wish all home video tours would include.

[@skywalker6648]

Yet, I bet your apartment doesn't have the high ceilings and large windows like this one. This makes a big difference.

[@EastSide-qc5oy]

Take it from one who knows. These tiny NYC apartments are not nearly as comfortable or livable as they appear in these videos. What you see here is staged for the video. The reality is that it becomes a daily struggle to keep the clutter and mess of everyday living from making the place feel like the walls are closing in and suffocating you. Spaces like this become very frustrating very fast. These videos are made for entertainment, clicks and views.

[@sarakiiru]

Gorgeous, cozy, peaceful, artistic. The word "haven" kept coming to mind as I spent time there. It felt like a little respite in my day. Thank you for sharing!

[@mbuck5044]

Absolutely love small homes. My condo is 790 square feet and I love it!

[@sumar207]

I love her home, her style and her hairstyle. Brilliant idea about using the Pendleton dog bed!

[@tiffanycurtis4794]

I was having a bad day but she made it better love her personality and her place❤️

[@skywalker6648]

Her personal style was pleasant to watch too.

[@tierneycreates]

Love her illustrations and how she figured out her furniture layout. Lovely space!

[@joyceleonard1353]

Love the way she has created her own space. She made it personal by bringing loved treasures to decorate with. Perfect inspiration for me! Thank you for sharing

[@Bajansirneil]

That dog bed idea is brilliant

[@lizze490]

Beautiful- nice layout and very functional. The kitchen looks fairly spacious and I love her bed/living arrangement.

[@SindhuS]

The dog bed as floor cushion idea is "snap! why didn't i think of that!"

[@theprousteffect9717]

She radiates warmth and kindness, and she really made the most of her space.

[@elizabethjarvie6077]

Very nice! Clean lines, simplicity are good. And functionality. But my favorite thing is: the color combinations, the fabric of the couch, white bedding, green plants & misc. woods. AND, how you appreciate each object & art & family things. Even though you have very few cluttered areas & many square lines, you have a nice variety of colors & textures so its got a soft, relaxed, fun side.

[@BadassBitchProject]

More videos like this, please!🌻💛

[@craftingwithcharm7665]

Shoes off home! 👠🏠love that! She made that tiny apartment look huge! Great ideas with the dog bed, the butterfly table, the tiny adorable sofa w/the ottoman. Clever lady, this is the perfect set up!

[@lissamk3990]

Not furnishing/decorating an entire home all at once is one of my favorite beliefs, so it was nice to hear it echoed here.

[@nicolakestel-lifestyleceo4040]

I’ve been searching for the perfect floor cushion and I’ve just found it!!! What a fabulous idea to use a dog bed 🤍 Thank you for sharing your beautiful home and ideas.

[@angelaglaros]

I really love this place. The kitchen and the bathroom are amazing, and the main living and sleeping space is so beautifully curated!

[@heytiachan]

it’s not about your place being new or old, big or small, it’s about what you make of it. love the space.

[@skywalker6648]

Though it's important to start off with something nice or remodeling it. Notice the bones of her place. The vintage walls, ceiling, and floor all polished and refurbished.

[@CMV314]

I disagree. The state of a home is very important. If the roof was about to cave in for example, that would have a tremendous impact on those who live there.

[@mtours8281]

This system is perfect i like clean bed and the ground it feel you're properly ready for stay in your own things happily🤗

[@guambyguambelle1864]

Very nice space, great light and very zen! Beautiful place to come home to. 😍

[@teressacooks7928]

Wow her home made me feel so relaxed. It was so calm and peaceful...it didn't seem cramped at all!😊

[@th3azscorpio]

Very lovely space, and great design sense! Her space is so cozy, and I also like her little bit about the dog bed and sea shells, hehe.

[@juanitasullivan3372]

Love this space. One of the best ones yet. What she said at the end is so true. Take your time making your nest. Make it fit you and no one else. I moved back to Canada after living in the US most of my life after being adopted from here. I was lucky enough to find a small A Frame cottage overlooking a lake to rent and I'm still here 12 years later. I had nothing but personal things when I moved in. Went to Walmart and bought two cheap lamps and a blowup bed. I built and replaced from there. The only new things I've bought over the years are my tv, computer, phone and a couple lamps. All my furniture is used and I sew all my own clothes.

[@skywalker6648]

I hope you have bought the place by now with equity gained.

[@bellaluce7088]

To me, an A-frame by a lake transformed into a nest over time sounds like a major win, regardless of equity! ❤

[@juanitasullivan3372]

@@skywalker6648 No I didn't and I know that makes no sense. I would love to buy this place. But it's in a line of 9 other A Frames. It's a small community really. It used to be a golf course back in the 60's. New owners built the A Frames for summer rentals in the 70's. Then they were winterized and rented out year round since. There are 4 other rentals on the property that are not A Frames. If this was just a single A Frame, I definitely would've offered to buy it long ago. It's perfect for me as is because I don't have to mow the gigantic lawn or have the back drive way plowed in the winter as that's included in the rent which is very reasonable. I know it's a lot of money over the years gone to rent, but my view here is so awesome, it's peaceful, and as a writer, this suits me perfectly.

[@juanitasullivan3372]

@@bellaluce7088 I love it here. It's a small community here actually with 9 other A Frames in line with mine. Overlooking the lake and being otherwise surrounded by pine trees is as close to heaven as one can get here on earth. When it snows it's just like looking at a postcard it's so beautiful. No matter the weather, it's beautiful here. No amount of equity could buy the peace I feel here. I don't have to mow the huge lawn that used to be a golf course, and I don't have to plow a driveway. It's all included in the very reasonable rent. As a writer, this place is perfect.

[@bellaluce7088]

@@juanitasullivan3372 It sounds idyllic! So glad you found your happy place! : - ) 🌲❤🌲❤🌲

[@michellepereira2328]

This space is very livable and looks comfortable and honestly decorated. The colors are calming. I love that stripe of brick and the mirror really does a great job of enlarging the space. Having the couch back up to the bed and the credenza at the bottom does keep it like a separate space.

[@tanujamullick8371]

Enjoyed! Thank you for sharing your very pleasing home and ethos. May peace, contentment and happy hours grow...

[@brendasaunders4956]

You have decorated just fabulous.. the brick is a really nice accent.. adds character to the NY apt. What a very nice home !! You can sense the peacefulness

[@pbear49]

Fantastic! Love your space, style and life philosophy. I love the Idea of the use of a dog bed. it's a great idea!. LOL We need more videos of small apartment spaces like this. Thank you for sharing.

[@charlesdavis545]

Love this space! I followed the same mapping-out procedure she did. I also have a no-shoe policy. I have the bells on the door hanging as well. I practice a lot of feng shui and minimalism as well.

[@Kiwiwanderer]

Melissa you are adorable! The apartment is lovely but your vibe is even better. Lovely home 🏡

[@alicedelaney6570]

What a beautiful home, so beautifully decorated, I love her nature table, that ottoman is genius!! I'm stealing her idea of getting a dog bed as a floor cushion and what a great idea to use little cutouts to map out room layouts, thanks for sharing :-)

[@trishburns7004]

Stunning!! Love it!☕️🏡 From multitasked furniture to personal heritage...I love your cozy, warm home.

[@JenShea]

The dog bed is a brilliant idea!

[@donaldauguston9740]

Melissa is soooooo right about "matchy, matchy" furniture. I finally broke-down and bought a collection of matching pieces for my living room about 10 years ago and within 2 months I realized how sterile my room looked and got rid of everything the next week. It cost me a fortune but I was MUCH happier with mis-matched pieces that actually meant something to me. DA

[@alexismarin]

I'd love to learn more about Melissa's sister's art!

[@mcgrn7]

Thanks! You can message her on Instagram at @farthermore!

[@tcoladonato]

Gorgeous, and so organic!

[@angelbaby1811]

Those cutouts to fit the scale of the space and map it out beforehand is genius.

[@MetaTransitions]

I loved the cultural tour through this apartment. I completely agree that it's the familial and ancestral memories along with a personal touch that makes a home. Thank you for sharing your space with us.

[@AM09286]

Absolutely gorgeous place. I’d just to see where she hangs up her clothes, coats etc. that’s the hardest part I find about living in a small apartment!

[@raquellambropoulos279]

You really have to live minimal if you choose to have a small living space. One closet or a chest of drawers should be sufficient for one person. If it is not then you need to declutter or have a bigger place. Not everyone can live this way.

[@anneisenborghs2170]

I think behind the mirrors

[@sadiejosiemom]

@@anneisenborghs2170 I think so too!

[@awalker8371]

You really have to scale back

[@MsYeahman1]

She did say, "in the credenza that her parents had in their office storing stamps and envelopes", I believe, so, maybe she doesn't hang clothes? Oh yes, the coats!!! I live in a warm clime, so I never consider these thing. Where then, does she store her coats?? Hmmmm. :-=)

[@hallymariah45]

You are so creative and talented to puzzle your ideas to perfection....WOW!!!! I love your apartment...the brick, the shell corner, plants....I too have a small space, and can not paint the walls so as an artist I've made a gallery of different drawings/paintings, basically portraits....But I LOVE what you have done!!!! Just so clean, and beautiful!!!

[@mageksena2002]

eclectic, cozy, homey, vintage, nostalgic.. that’s exactly my vibe, i’m so happy to have some interior design inspiration

[@cathleensmith4717]

I love how you talk about and created your home as much as what you created, the "process"! Great work.

[@HR-re6mr]

I love her space and how efficient she is with it. I also love she displays her heritage. Your home should b ur story and easy to figure out who lives there!

[@JudgeyJudgeyable]

Love her space, and she seems like such a sweet and fun person

[@girlintheairport]

no words to say except that its so perfect!

[@lgregor5945]

I *love* the convertibility of the ottoman and the desk/dining table. I'm totally going to be on the lookout for pieces like that. Thanks for sharing!

[@LazygirlLA892]

This is one of my favorite tiny space videos! I love what she did.

[@hirainforest]

I love the suggestion in the end: don't pick out everything at once. Collect them!

[@creativesdiaryzenliving6473]

love her style. The nooks are amazing. Love the idea of the nature corner

[@bonniepwtf]

What a inviting space you have created. I agree with your approach of surrounding yourself with items that are meaningful to you. Great kitchen & bathroom for such a small apartment. Love all the windows & light. Enjoy your wonderful home.

[@jabrayjay6679]

Unexpectedly lovely and helpful!

[@maurawhelan3530]

What a lovely welcoming space…love the dog bed for human use! This place rocks…thanks

[@studymate8469]

I love you apartment therapy for presenting these beautiful spaces to us 😊❤. The name of the channel truly befits the content. It's really a good therapy.

[@pamelapeterson2987]

Love your sleeping area...I imagine it would be so pleasant waking up with the light from the large windows behind. I also love the midcentury credenza next to the bed and all the plants.

[@RayneBlue]

Beautiful home! ❤️

[@hotricky1976]

So beautifully decorated with styles and character.

[@WhereTheLocalsRoam]

I loved this space! Us New Yorkers definitely have to get creative sometimes and this is such a great use of space. I'd love to know where the ottoman/coffee table is from!

[@maryp4579]

What a great use of space. Love your style as well. Great job.

[@dianebaker5243]

Beautiful home. Thanks for sharing 👍 😊

[@miketeo4000]

I give 5 stars to this tiny but very cosy apartment. 1 star especially to the tray table for its clever idea.

[@alechablackmon]

This sparks joy 🥹

[@MrHubb1]

Lovely place. Looks so inviting and relaxing. She's put a lot of thought into the space.

[@Spline3Dexperiments]

Such a beautiful cozy place!!

[@denises9426]

What a cozy warm beautiful home! ❤️

[@awu3154]

One of my favorite ones yet!

[@bbygrlpt2]

So cozy!!!! 🥰

[@CheerUp2]

THIS PLACE IS SO PRECIOUS!!!! I love seeing small apartment tours, as I also live in a small apartment!

[@divinemissw]

Love this!

[@DesperateForSanity]

Absolutely love the space.

[@nathaliely1839]

love her home and personality ❤

[@TommyBowerscoasters]

Fabulous job. Cozy & efficient!

[@will4620]

Your apt is so adorable and cozy and feels remarkably open and airy, great choices!!!

[@SeaTurtle515]

Very lovely and joyful… apartment and the girl! 🌿

[@seventhchild7270]

So nice, cozy, ....great ideas!...btw...love your hair cut/style!

[@tonipope3164]

What a pretty .. cozy spot! It's beautiful!

[@becomingellis9303]

I just love it all...great use of space!

[@bill6579]

Small on space, big on cozy. This woman makes micro apartment living look cool.

[@mimiwallen]

Great use of a small space! So functional

[@sharonh2991]

Ha! We bought a mid size bed for the dog about two years ago and she never once laid in it so I started using it to sit on the floor. It’s now my floor perch.

[@iphoukwani]

i love her. all the pieces. and she inspires me to water my plants today lol

[@lifeislove3427]

Love it !!