House Tours: This Couple's 450 Sq Ft NYC Studio is Full of Color and Prewar Charm

Name: Maria Vasquez, David Chikovani, their dog Chonka
Location: Upper West Side, NYC
Size: 450 Square Feet/42 Sq Meters
Type of Home: Studio Apartment
Years Lived In: 1.5 years, renting
This apartment was Maria Vasquez’s first place without roommates, so she knew she wanted to find the perfect spot. Coming from a previous apartment that was quite dark, her non-negotiables included lots of natural light and access to the outdoors. Located on New York City's Upper West Side, Maria's studio sits across the street from Riverside Park and is only a 10-minute walk to Central Park. It has oversized windows and faces south, letting tons of natural light in each day. “Once I saw the inside of the apartment, I fell in love with its character,” Maria says. “It’s in a well-maintained pre-war building with gorgeous details. The crown molding and frames around the windows sealed the deal. I also loved how even though it’s a studio, there’s still plenty of room to have a comfortable bedroom and living space."
CHECK OUT THE FULL TOUR AT APARTMENT THERAPY
www.apartmenttherapy.com/cozy...
CHAPTERS
0:00 - Before & After
0:42 - Window & Fireplace Color
1:34 - Floor Plan
2:11 - Color Inspo
2:38 - Music Area
3:09 - Living Room
4:06 - Dining Area
4:59 - Desk Area
5:32 - Bedroom
6:32 - Chonka's Sleep Area
6:58 - Radiator Cover DIY
7:22 - DIYs
8:00 - Storage Solutions
8:31 - Bathroom
8:46 - Kitchen
9:21 - Meaning of Home
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[@Chutney1luv]

For a 450 Sq. Ft. Apartment, their place is quite impressive! She found a gem of an apartment! How ingenious; that she found it! She's one smart woman. It looks larger than that! I love the divider built in. It puts their creativity at work! He must have been a Carpenter! His skills are beautifully done! He, one day, he will build her; whatever she wants! But for now, their home is arranged well, spacious, and lovely with their amazing puppy! 🐾💞🐾

[@smallhouseinthemeadow6131]

What an adorable couple, dog and apartment. I love how she took all of the colors from the inspiration pillow. It feels so cheerful and happy.Much luck and love to the three of them.

[@janahidalgo4529]

Apartment Therapy, I love when people explain their design choices. Not only can I better appreciate what they have done, but it also helps people like me to find the inspiration and ability to dream up new ways to redesign my own living spaces!

[@apartmenttherapy]

We're so happy to hear that. We're all about details, so we're making sure that each of our "housemates" share how they bring their spaces together.

[@sophial.6633]

Outstanding use of space. It’s not cluttered and it flows so well. It really is a great apartment.

[@JoannaDeVoe]

She says she hasn't studied design, but she does have great taste & a natural sense of flow. This is all so well done.

[@sophien5416]

I love how this couple appreciates the little things and makes it fun, like that live music corner with the light. It's these little touches in our homes that make them feel good.

[@zillamandy]

I love watching these, I live in a studio in NYC but because it’s just me and the dog here, I left it completely open. A very different vibe. But for this couple who undoubtedly want different things out of their space, I think there’s is lovely. So cool to see people in NYC finding a way to make our small spaces work!

[@eileenmcnichol9657]

Gorgeous apartment. I love all the colors instead of just basic black and grey like so many do nowadays. Tasteful decor and beautiful layout.

[@Cindy-bee]

Very cute apartment and such character. I would not have blocked off the fireplace with the sofa facing the opposite way. It's a feature to be shown. Fill it with candles or lights or something to represent it's function. Put the dog bed and dishes elsewhere and pivot that sofa so you can see it. At least that's my opinion.

[@christinenicholls07]

I love your inspirational pillow and your little family! You are both very creative and I enjoyed your home. My favorite idea was the window seat for your dog. Happy life!

[@amyrocks88ss]

This is such a nice place! I love how minimal and tidy with all these colourful elements and DIY items. Lovely how they created areas for all their different activities. They did such an amazing job. kudos for them standing in such a small kitchen the rest seems like the exact minimum square footage.

[@annjohnson8437]

Fabulous job making this apartment extremely special! Such an adorable pup too! Thank you for this fun, inspiring tour! ❤️

[@angelaglaros]

It’s all about the zones! Love the use of color.

[@franklinstephen3268]

Hello how are you doing?

[@tiffanycurtis4794]

Awww the doggie 🖤 Cozy place fits them perfectly 😄

[@barbarawillis5187]

Paper towel rack made into a table. I am impressed. The windows and view are to die for. Love this Anthropologie inspired space. Chonka is beautiful. I too, wouldn't mind living in a Anthropologie store.

[@awesometaxes]

Who else went back and screenshot his floating cup holder? David you are awesome 🎉 in going to attend to make that too

[@marleneferrer6532]

Love the colors of the apartment! Everything looks so beautiful together, also the dog is so cute ♥️

[@JudgeyJudgeyable]

Their second hand find and DIYs are amazing! And that fireplace nook for the dog bed is just so cute

[@idorumeta]

Came here to see if anyone else spotted how alike they look!

[@apartmenttherapy]

We love Maria’s inspiration pillow that made this space what it is, as well as David’s handy work with the DIYs. And who can’t love Chonka? What’s your favorite part of this tour? Let us know in the comments #HandyManandDesignLady

[@suzannaj3834]

Her inspiration pillow❣️

[@milagrosaaleman2396]

Bathroom floor and curtain! Amazing

[@alexandrastevens8892]

What a lovely apartment, it actually looks very spacious considering it's been adapted and the three of them fit in it really well 😀

[@hadeev]

This apartment has the look and feel of a house. So homey and inviting. Chunka! What a cute name for a pretty dog!

[@trudysenglishvictorianhome3244]

Wow!! How lucky to have a wall to separate your bedroom in a Studio. I LOVE the Fireplace!! Definitely one of my favorite features! 🧱🔥💖 And those big windows!! 🤩🤩🤩🤩. Loving the different zones. Well done! 👏

[@donnas411]

What a beautiful apartment, as well as good choices in color. Good job 👏

[@potatodude77]

A WORK OF ART!!! YOU HAVE INSPIRED ME FOR YEARS TO COME!!!

[@IndigoCosmic]

I like the bathroom storage and the side tables he made for his spouse. The apartment is actually nicely divided.

[@fountainpeninsanity3344]

Sweet and creative couple. Great ideas and colors. Thank you!

[@suzannaj3834]

Y’all are so cute❣️ Your apartment definitely plays off both of you and your puppy! I absolutely love what you did. I’m moving to my own 700 square foot apartment and was worried about what to take and what to store or sell. Not anymore after watching your video. I too have an inspiration piece. It’s a replica Picasso piece I found at the Salvation Army store! It has mustard in it and I already visioned how to incorporate that color into my new home. Unfortunately in a new apartment complex they probably would not let me paint an accent wall. I’m definitely going to ask lol! Ty for sharing your home with us! I’m truly inspired!

[@Nancy-mz2eh]

Great colors! Using the pillow as a guide was a good idea. I like what you did with the fireplace. Enjoy your home!

[@lyndasmith593]

This is genius you guys and I love that green around the fireplace and the way you've used that Walt's right off your bedroom just makes it look twice as large as it is very nicely done

[@FlyGemini79]

Wow, I am really going to try to be more intentional with my home decor. They put a lot of thought into everything. I LOVE the office nook between the windows and the window seat. The doggo is cute. I'm always amazed when folks move in a space they're renting and get to paint it whatever color they like. I wonder if that's just a New York thing. And lastly, that kitchen is soooooo small!! I'm not a big cook but that would drive me crazy! Geez! Overall, I like the thoughtfulness of the decor and I love how they maximized the space as much as possible.

[@auroratorres7873]

Very nice and sensible couple. I love that Maria took a lot of her colors from that Anthropologie pillow! Everything is very neat and coordinated well. They both look as though they are very happy in their space and not clash with each other! I wish them much luck and hope they won't have to move anytime soon, as so much work and design has gone into their apartment.

[@robertrivett2069]

Fantastic job!! Looks great! Love the colors.

[@user-uz7jl6qi2m]

Such a lovely couple and I alive your creative color choices! A cozy warm vibe with your sweet dog too!! Thanks for sharing your inspiring home! 🥰🎶🦋

[@susanmark2000]

What a lovely space. Nice couple and cute pup!

[@vaveshka]

wow, thanks for a new upload!

[@ntcssj]

I adore this space and the colour blocking chosen. My bedroom that is also my office has different colours on all 4 walls that help me separate the mood for the spaces and I love it. Don't be afraid of colours! They bring such important joy!

[@user-cv2us3kj2s]

I just Loveeee him, Ursula & the beautiful down to earth he displayed his home, etc! Lovely to meet the man behind my favorite day & night channel! Thank you for sharing!!!! Tonya 🧘🏽‍♂️

[@JRJ55]

Love the location, windows , colors and your adorable Bernedoodle!

[@shirleyprescott1528]

I love the love you show for one another! Never lose that!

[@makeyourselfathome6826]

The cutest couple. And puppy. I love their apartment. It’s so cozy. They have great style. A real home.

[@jodrew1845]

Cute couple, lovely layout❤️

[@gamjacorgi]

😍😍😍 such a beautiful home!! Looks so warm and inviting 💗

[@carolewarrenrealtor]

Well designed -- love the details, colors and textures ... you truly made it your own and pup-pup friendly.

[@daniellemartin9896]

Awesome use of space. And I really love the coaster and placemats being stored on the wall in the dining space, and the tiny mug tables are so cute. There are a few choices that make it look a little unfinished decor wise, but they've made some awesome choices.

[@pbear49]

Great Job! Verycreative, warm and cozy, Nice sense of simplicity. The paper towel tables are genius for small space. Thanks for sharing.

[@reneedennis2011]

Cute apartment 😍! You did a great job 👏🏾!

[@NoOneIsHome]

That music corner is cute. I love the dining set.

[@sandrinedurand3203]

I love your colour choices.

[@MsBritishwoman]

Great place to enjoy work and downtime. Cute dog. You guys enjoy your utopian! Well done 👏

[@kayelle8005]

Cute couple and you have to love that puppy

[@gcchair7634]

This was so well done

[@alanblock7099]

Cute couple, nice windows and good sized studio

[@jennyhammond9261]

I love seeing the doggos on the apartment tours.

[@justanotherrichkid1053]

Fake wall is fine IMHO if it’s not for a roommate situation. I love this place. Cute couple cute apartment.

[@laurae2489]

What a cute couple and apartment & 🐶❤️

[@kayelle8005]

Love that dining table and chairs

[@SAM57119]

Lovely. Thank you for sharing. : )

[@anamorales3722]

Lovely energy!

[@carolynek1875]

What a great place you have I love it!!

[@kitty-kattkline9956]

The doggie is my FAVORITE part of the video🐾🎀

[@lamujervirtuosa5367]

Your home is amazing, God Bless you guys🙏

[@franklinstephen3268]

Hello how are you doing?

[@albertine2169]

Such a lovely couple! Their home is nice as well 😉

[@tainapura4766]

Very nice , mid century furniture . having the eye sore radiator covered is a plus .

[@lizzie1897]

Love the lights on the piano. I need to copy! Fourth story walk up. I feel your pain. Nice accents on fireplace mantel

[@britanicalee]

This place is really freaking cute!!!!!

[@mariastathopoulos744]

l enjoy colour, so it is fantastic to see a range which brings personality to the home. Floor plan design layout is perfect, making the most of the tall windows and other features. Enjoy your home.

[@jeannerojaschavez8968]

Que buena la distribución y decoración !

[@user-fb1ys2lj9c]

I like how teamwork was described. I am able to relate. I describe myself as a designer and my ex-husband would execute my designs I believe a couple who share a vision of creativity brings light and love into the relationship sending blessing to this beautiful family ⭐⭐⭐

[@bandteesnblazers]

So creative!

[@rebekahbardsley5947]

My apartment was made in 1940 for soldiers to have after WW2 when they came home. There are townhouses for the families and for single men or women the flats which I am in. Due to Covid many of the larger apartments in the area with elevators were not taking new tenants and I am disabled and all I was able to find and get accepted was a 3rd floor apt no elevator. My apt is 610 SQ FT and I have front windows and back windows. I am one of 2 apts in my floor. Prior to my moving in the kitchen was renovated and the bathroom and the hardwood floors. Not a lot of storage at all. Not a lot of cabinet space in the kitchen but I bought from @homegoods a open cabinet with tall shelves for my blender, juicer, mugs. I wanted 3 but could only afford one. I am still filled with boxes and I work weekends and late evenings at times but very eager to have my place ready by Christmas. I love this channel it gives me wonderful ideas. Animals are not allowed here and either is painting your own color. I wish this was a condo as I would love to paint it a dark green such as this couple had and paint maybe the dining area with a cranberry. I have a large foyer with a vintage desk and a milk can from my back porch from when I was a child and my Dad refinished the milk can. I have lots of antiques and I have a double wide dry sink my dad made shelves in for me which I will put all my craft supplies in there. This post has given me many ideas. This couple are very cool. I would be interested in knowing what their careers are when these are posted. His woodworking is awesome. In the trash room I found a cool little table that has 2 drop leaf sides and the hinges are broken so I will fix it. I want to redo the table. I love making small pieces of furniture and refinishing furniture. Not sure where to put this table but it was too good to be thrown out. I wish this gal lived in my area she could help me with placement of furniture. Loved this apartment post this is an awesome apartment. My nephew lives in Manhattan for a couple of years but recently moved to Brooklyn and he and his GF live in a large old home and each floor is a separate apt. They are on the ground floor and have a small back yard. I would love my own yard but for now I am grateful for what I have. We do have a community area with picnic tables and nice trees. I hope this couple will have great reviews. I am saving this and will look back on it as I fix up my place. My bed sits high so I plan on using underneith for storage. I am thinking of getting nice storage bins and putting all my summer clothes neatly in them under my bed. My closet is very tiny and I have high dollar suits I want to keep nice. Thank you again for choosing such a very cool apartment to post. Sincerely, Rebekah - Westover Village Arlington, VA

[@joycedavis9996]

❤ your story

[@SavySweetie]

Not sure if you can you peel and stick wallpaper. It comes off pretty easy with a blow dryer.

[@maggieleroy3184]

You should have a look at Alexandra Gater’s channel. She has so many good ideas on how to change renters places without damaging anything. A lot of things like walls and kitchen cabinets can actually be changed and afterwards brought back to their original state. Take care!

[@jeanineskitchen2607]

wow what a beautiful apartment!!

[@donna8243]

Dude is like...whatever you say dear 😂

[@drchristinaalicia]

Lol 😂running back and forth to the kitchen 😩

[@gigisfairytale1596]

Beautiful

[@samsonite8400]

In cold cities, having a space that's not too big is actually cozier and easier to heat with a heater. A big space could take a while to heat. It also depends how you organize and the size of family you have. But at the end of the day, it's about who you're living with (if you can work together), not how big the space is.

[@apen2152]

Absolutely beautiful ❤❤❤❤

[@willistaylor4077]

Absolutely Beautiful. ❤️❤️👍❤️

[@OrendaDesignStudio]

Amazing vibes 🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰.

[@LEZLIE_PURPLE_PEONIES]

Very cute place. 😍

[@gracemeneses9217]

Seems bigger lovely apt cute dog

[@carmel-wayfinder5401]

Nice vibes🎶🎵

[@SatoshiNakamotoAlive]

Beautiful ❤️❤️❤️

[@anttoronto3202]

Adorable

[@Thomas63r2]

Set a small table or cabinet to the right of your refrigerator and set a microwave oven on top. Maybe not perfect on style, but keeps it close to the kitchen.

[@carmenfernandez789]

Aawww beautiful Apt and the beautiful sweet doggie is the 🍒 on top 👌🙏🙌

[@davidguarin358]

Que viva 🥳 Colombia 🇨🇴 I also live in a 450 square feet studio apartment 😊

[@Ellierua]

They look so alike!!

[@mynameisnicolerichie]

Can we talk about the… 18 inch baseboards? 😍 Wowww

[@RamK-vm7gv]

Awesome, could you please let me know where did you buy the wall animal masks? thanks

[@whitneybrown4067]

This is Gonna b so Good🔥🔥🔥👍….

[@susanvelez6534]

I love how she used color so many people are afraid to use color

[@abc123leslye]

shoutout to the pillow

[@angelagardener5282]

Bijou but lovely!

[@andreabailey676]

It's cool when landlords will let you paint walls.

[@barbarasmith4545]

I love the green, what’s the name?

[@eprohoda]

Apartment. what a insane -see you later~ ;)

[@ceferinocanibano6284]

The kitchen is clastrofobic

[@artxlife7236]

Great bones but it makes no sense the way they put the couch - it disrupts the walking space flow AND why would you want to sit with your back to that incredible original fireplace??

[@rmonson5002]

Agreed.

[@user-ln5il4un3x]

Show someone doing modern decor in an old building. Mid-Century Modern/Bohemian isn't the only style.