Kirsten's Terrifically Tiny 219 Square Foot NYC Studio | House Tours

I see my home as a shining accomplishment of coziness. It’s rent stabilized, and when I moved in, my landlord said, “Do anything you want to it... I’m not renovating it or painting it, and anything you do will probably make it better.” I have put blood, sweat, and tears into this place, as well as creativity, joy, and wonder.
See full post with more tips, links, and resources on the Apartment Therapy website: www.apartmenttherapy.com/219-...
CHAPTERS
0:00 Introduction
0:25 History of apartment
1:03 Style & Functionality
1:55 Unique bathroom features
2:37 Renovations made
3:35 Storage ideas
4:03 Advice for people with small spaces
4:48 What is home to you?
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[@MzLady-rr8gj]

She just made me appreciate my apartment even with its awkwardness. She is right, you need calm housing in such a crazy world.

[@carloszenon4562]

That's right..be thankful for what you are BLESSED with...God bless

[@mircat28]

I watch KZbin channels on rental apts and some of the crap people charge 3,000 a month for is mind boggling. I've seen studio apartments decorated like yours that are so much better! Clever use of space is all it takes. Thinking outside of the box can make a comfy home.

[@michelewilliams2920]

Her personality is just infectious. Love how she is making it work.

[@barrycamilo5319]

Hi Michele

[@ambergreene5985]

I love real homes like this. I love that it doesn't have that "designed" look. It looks like someone's cozy authentic comfy home.

[@elianah8803]

I love that she’s living her best life and doing what she wants to do, living how she wants to live. Mid-town Manhattan, enjoying the theatre, music, Central Park. Living large in a small space!

[@barrycamilo5319]

Hi elianah

[@aspyn.j_]

and skiing in times square! so fun!

[@tyxeri48]

I admire the creativity of people living in such places!

[@thebrightestrainbowever3841]

Same! Why I am so fascinated by their resourcefulness and creativity! It is very impressive!

[@reneedennis2011]

So do I!

[@CeeCee630]

She and her dad utilized almost every inch of that apartment. Great job!

[@supergodess66]

My favorite part about this is that she's reading "Changes for Kirsten" in a bathtub in the middle of her kitchen!

[@karisdanish5356]

thank you for noticing that. this is my favorite comment.

[@sfowler1017]

Right?! 😂 I love it so much

[@kathleenbennallack2678]

Ha! I couldn't see which American Girl book that was, so thank you!

[@femmebrulee5053]

"I store my wine in the fireplace" and "The bathtub is in the kitchen" are 2 of the funniest phrases I've heard recently.

[@nope2075]

"Make space for the things you really love." That's the moto I've been living by lately. Like, I dont love everything so I dont keep everything. If I buy something, something has to leave. I've become very mindful about the stuff I have.

[@pennynickels5216]

Amen!

[@TheMaiah13]

I wish I can say am like that..but am very stuff-y!

[@celinehsu6702]

Tenement buildings in nyc are definitely a piece of history (bathtub right next to the kitchen and one sink for both kitchen and bathroom). It’s lovely to see how she made the space to work for her!

[@GradKat]

Remarkable! I’m fascinated by how creative some people are in making a comfortable home in a tiny space. This little apartment is so cute and cosy - I love it!

[@terryscott9874]

I enjoy these small space videos. I appreciate the simplicity and coziness of her place. More importantly, I love what she said, "If you are out in the crazy all day, you need to come home and sleep in the stillness." That's good advice for anyone no matter where you live. Thank you.

[@sheafamily3]

I love your place!!! Super creative and in no way surprised you're a teacher too. We constantly have to figure shit out on a budget of zero dollars, but buckets of determination and a splash of wacky charm.

[@barrycamilo5319]

Hello

[@gailmonso9393]

Yes teachers are the most creative artists with an ever changing audience daily. 📖🧐😎

[@sleepnbeau823]

I couldn't do it but this is such an interesting apartment. She really made it her own. Great job!

[@mircat28]

I just saw a 2 bedroom in NY for $2,800. It had been a 1 bedroom that was divided with a wall into 2 cell like bedrooms that would fit a twin bed. They had fold down tables attached to the bedroom walls which is where you'd have to eat because there was NO livingroom!! Her studio had a sofa!

[@reneedennis2011]

I agree.

[@babiimak3r]

I love how happy she is in her space! She has no care in the world what others might think or feel. That’s what I envy most. Do you! You’re living your best life on your own terms. Love it!!

[@prettyricky9147]

Born and raised in Brooklyn my whole life and will always love my city but I say thank you every day for the beautiful, spacious, clean, and modern apartment I live in today in another state. Also for a fraction of the price, beautiful scenery and quiet. However I’m not going to lie if I could afford to live nicely in the tristate area I would. You can’t beat the energy of NYC 💕

[@sosexymagazinerobinwatkins8467]

Come back to Beautiful Brooklyn hon.

[@SuperBrilliantbrunet]

This has to be one of the most creative and charming tiny homes I have seen!! So inspiring!! Love Love Love this unique design!!

[@clairebeane3455]

I don’t know about anyone else, but I am seriously digging this space!! ❤️❤️❤️

[@lsamoa]

This place is packed with clever solutions, it's very impressive. And she seems to really feel at home there despite how cramped it is. Thumbs up!

[@erinschulthies1311]

Yeah I need her dad to come help me with my space, please! Haha

[@mircat28]

Do you see the difference? You just called it cramped which is negative. She called it home and is happy. The attitude is what makes everything doable or not.

[@lsamoa]

@@mircat28 You're overestimating my command of English here. It's not my first language and I didn't mean it negatively.

[@manut4470]

For a small apartment, she made it look soooo luxy!

[@lunanuna1041]

TITO PUENTES 🙌🏼 yes girl!! Teach those kids all about the salsa kings!

[@SylviaMarinaMartinez]

I noticed that too and was thinking I should get that book for my nephew

[@carolz5090]

What an enchanting, lovely lady! Her and her Dad did a fantastic job packing a lot into a very small space.

[@barrycamilo5319]

Hi carol

[@barrycamilo5319]

How are you doing where are you from

[@barrycamilo5319]

How are you doing where are you from

[@sharilynn3024]

I used to live in what I believed was a "small" studio, but after seeing THIS place, it was a mansion in comparison!

[@barrycamilo5319]

Hello shari

[@sharilynn3024]

@@barrycamilo5319 Hello.☺️

[@barrycamilo5319]

@@sharilynn3024 hello Shari how are you doing, where are you from

[@pennynickels5216]

Lol!

[@gailn9502]

Everybody should have a handy dad - what a great gift!

[@cramperella]

Cute space, but I can’t believe she managed to teach from home in such a tiny space. Teachers don’t get paid enough.

[@littlesongbird1]

Especially private schools (I used to teach at one)

[@mircat28]

I tutor reading. You use Zoom you don't need a lot of space just an intentive kid.

[@jennifermarquez4823]

literally just thinking the same thing

[@ladyjustice1474]

Private school teachers get paid more than public school teachers. I know someone who use to teach at a private school. They are currently a professor at a college.

[@jennifermarquez4823]

@@ladyjustice1474 I think it could depend on where you live? My sis and brother in law live in Ohio (cincy) and the public school teachers get paid more there. Ohio does have better pay and benefits than other states though for public teachers, so maybe this is why?

[@Missfortune70]

My first studio apartment was 196 sq feet so I can relate, but this is way cooler than mine was. She really has made the most of the space.

[@amandajohnson4428]

I love it. My hats off to her for teaching at her home during the pandemic!💕

[@cookingartguy2170]

So wonderful. This shows that you don't need a lot to be happy. I've gone from living in 3 really beautiful very cool pool homes here in South Florida, to living in a small apartment in an Old Key West style fourplex and I was just as happy if not happier without having all that crap to take care of LOL. You don't need a lot to make you happy. Love love love this apartment.

[@SuperHellokitty1973]

I love this, she is the main character.

[@luciamacdonald1176]

Kirsten, you are so creative! Great cameo of your Dad!

[@thaikirsty23]

Thanks!!

[@swicheroo1]

I love how she can find joy in her world. She seems like a great teacher!

[@carolinavillar6252]

I always admire how creative a person can be in small spaces and how cozy it can get but that bathtub no way. Her attitude though such a good vibe

[@nataliefontane]

Okay, seeing her reading Changes for Kirsten just made my whole damn year.

[@batterbury4477]

Kristen seems really happy and her space reflects this. I have lived on sail boats and in a 228 sf studio - so I know how you just keep working the space till it makes sense. Two suggestions : 1. take the wall with tub and 'kitchen' and make it one long kitchen counter ; under counter frig, a roll-out section of counter over/hiding tub and a cutout over the sink. I'm thinking just get plywood sheets to make the counter and also use as wall paneling for entire wall. Some open shelves the length of wall - wow for maybe $200 bucks have huge amount of storage and updated seamless look. 2nd idea is peel and stick wall paper for bathroom - it would really hide all the wall surface imperfections and be great splash ( no pun intended) of color. I did entire tiny bathroom in surfer magazine covers - it was the happiest place.

[@sosexymagazinerobinwatkins8467]

Love to see it. Do u have a YT CHANNEL?

[@alohawaiist]

Her personality shining through, creative and fun space original to her own💕

[@lauraroberts9066]

The perfect sofa and Handy Dad pretty cool too!!Cute place!🍷

[@elliejauregui]

Where did you get the couch from?

[@margaretlee-reed814]

This is so heartwarming to see New Yorkers share this part of their lives, culture ... way of living. Other places (states/counties) never knew. These are such wonderful little/tiny spaces. Intrigued, envious and amazed. Wish these tiny/histiorical living places were in more places. Our county/state doesn't have the population/income/resources to support those tiny spaces at New York prices but, comparatively I do wonder what an amazing choice would go for down South ... if we had an abundance of them .. erywhere to choose from. Closest living arrangement (in size only) might be an old run down cheap apartment complex with a FEW studio apartments. But, honestly they aren't being built ... only torn down. But, not old enough. More like built in the 1970's & 1980's. Hippie Era ... a bed loft above with basic living room, bathroom, and small cooking area below. "Glamping" comes to mind. But, these New York spaces OR New Yorkers are turning heads with all their truly amazing tiny living spaces. Very doable in the ones with washer/dryer unit space available. Dishwasher even better ... but NOT a deal breaker. A good window ... one good closet ... and almost anyone can create. And, keep some of their favorite necessities ... daily, weekly, seasonal or hobby. Thanks for sharing. So, glad you're doing all the activities you love. Counted at least 6 or 7.

[@nathalienurse3336]

Such an interesting apt, love all the changes she has made. So lucky to have such a helpful Dad btw you have such a beautiful smile………..🤗🇨🇦

[@Sunshine4]

I LOVE THAT TOILET!!

[@MerynCadell]

I lived in an old tenement too (SIX full storeys up from the street; that's a lot of stairs), with the bathtub in the kitchen... never thought of using it as a reading nook. But then it was covered half the time - to accommodate the dish-drying rack; to be a surface to fold laundry etc. New York, though, is worth the struggles. Even if, in some ways, our home is a place to 'escape' the city, almost anyone who stays here stays because they love it.

[@littlegeo1]

I am 1,000% buying the sink top for the toilet right now!! I didn't even know they existed! Genius!

[@maddscientist3170]

yes PERFECT for that under the staircase half bath..or for a tiny home !anything to save space

[@pennynickels5216]

It is brilliant. Can you post a link please?

[@Chutney1luv]

I love what she has done, with her tiny space! Her creative designs and organizing techniques are amazing! It makes me appreciate my home! I'm always looking for new creative ideas to make more space, with what I have! I do pray that love will find her and move her into a Magnificent Mansion! 🙏 🏠 🙏

[@amytabara9305]

I love this apartment! To me it's the quintessential NYC apartment, or I should say what I always think of when I think of the city apartment. It's unique, quirky and very personal! Great job Kirsten!

[@maddscientist3170]

love it!!!but IMHO I could not deal with that loft ladder &bed...I would get a horizontal Murphy bed /sofa combination...LOVE the bathtub!

[@vero1418]

I love that the apt was a tenement! I’ve always been curious what they did with those apartments so it’s so cool to see what she did with it.

[@rosemarywilliams9969]

My favorite space. I love small space living. We are in a 358sq foot and we want to go smaller because once you only keep what you love and need, you rally don't have too much.

[@albertine2169]

I never thought I would say this but it is so sweet and well organised.

[@iamrosariogv]

I love the pun-intended shot of "Changes for Kirsten"! American Girl books 😻

[@kimhirtle9990]

I bet she is the best teacher! Also, I very much want to know what her rent is every month! haha

[@barrycamilo5319]

Hi kim

[@grizfan480]

I would do a table that rolls over the bathtub. Have foldaway chairs. Add on some more cabinets/ counters where the current table is.

[@Kim-mg6bo]

Wow!! Great job and Her sparkling personality is reflected in the decor. 👍🏽

[@rosieHolliday5887]

LOVE this apartment! I lived in London for around 4/5 years in a tiny box room with just a bed, sink, microwave, cupboard & a shared bathroom & it was the best years of my life. When you're single & enjoying city life, you don't need much space at all. I'd live in the apartment in a heartbeat

[@EmorettaRobinson]

She really took this space and made it better. I like her ingenuity. And I appreciate her dad's craftiness. ❤

[@ArtfulAmy]

I liked the space from the thumbnail but the giant (and rare) “Les Mis” poster and her bursting into a chorus gave me so much joy.

[@ms.suzylucy6868]

At first I was going to say why would anyone want to I’ve like that but as the video went on, she seemed to be happy and making it work for her and comfortable and satisfied.

[@chelseataylorvideo]

I couldn't live in such a tiny space but the toilet is super cool

[@christophermyers3758]

Bravo Kirsten! Love your apartment, it's a very cozy and huggable space. I hate to brag... but my tiny studio apartment is 235 sq ft.!! 🤗 I have a double bed (that functions as my sofa), my desk next to the refrigerator, galley kitchen with 4 burner gas top (electric oven), and a small entry area with my bookcase and the lav sink behind the entry door. The bathroom includes a toilet and an iron clawfoot bathtub with circular shower rod! Oh. I have 3 windows facing north snd east... love the morning sunlight and views of trees while lying in bed! I've lived here for 10 years and absolutely love my "pied et terre", in this semi-historical house in San Diego. SHE is 110 years old, and yes, she sags a bit, has cracks and creaks, and leaks occasionally. But wouldn't you at 110? 🤗🤣

[@michellehsu6002]

This woman is a creative wizard! Feeling the warmth and love for her space radiate!

[@barbarawillis4275]

The apartment is charming with the added features. The stained glass against the red brick wall looks beautiful.

[@swiftbanderilla]

I’m so glad this popped up-I love your space + what you did with it.

[@Dogsnark]

How fun! She has an entire apartment in the space of my boring bedroom, and has made it a real home! Being space challenged encourages you to be more creative and intentional about how you make it work for you.

[@guambyguambelle1864]

The older I get, the more I prefer small spaces. Love the history and old vibe of this tiny space, the perfect arrangement in this apt, and the loft bed that really opened up a lot of useable space. 💞

[@bronxkies]

I’m a music teacher in a small NYC apartment, too! Teaching virtually wasn’t ideal but it was also kinda cool. And that Tito Puente book is always a hit!

[@clicgear100]

Nice place, I live in a 1000sq ft house and people think we are nuts. I don’t even go into our second bedroom. Amazing what people can do with very little space.

[@pennynickels5216]

And how little we really need. Happily living debt free in 600sqft, 4 exposures, 9 windows and HUGE park outside the door.

[@Rosesyoutube]

Wonderfully edited! Love the clip paired with “I keep my wine in the fireplace” 😆

[@sandrinedurand3203]

I am willing to bet that your cool sense of humour helped a lot during the pandemic. Love your place.

[@maryannkom299]

An amazing little space. Doing a lofted bed and putting a all in closet below is genius.

[@raquellambropoulos279]

Absolutely the most dramatic and sexy apartment i ever saw!!I am so envious of it all. Just utterly classy. I would run from my 1300 sq feet to live there!!!

[@cherylperkins7538]

WOW, I'm a former decorator and I learned some things from you. I always felt I had to be perfect and never wanted anyone to come over in case they criticized me.

[@andtheneverythingchangedwh5234]

Wow! I'm so impressed with all she was able to do with such a tiny space

[@TomikaKelly]

I LOVE that her dad helped her so much!

[@Gabrielle499]

This is absolutely brilliant & gorgeous! ❤️

[@fjai2755]

Great dad - daughter project. Nice place.

[@myfavs253]

I love the old style sink and bathtub and the table made from an old sewing machine. Very nice apartment.

[@devikalakhote351]

I wish y'all would make longer videos with more details! They are so calming and high quality.

[@barrycamilo5319]

Hi

[@donniemoder1466]

You got to have a strength of character to live in a space that small.

[@8gagee]

I just love it to death! I love the history of tenement apartments and that tub being there is THE COOLEST! 💖

[@steventabor8853]

I’m so jealous your landlord lets you decorate whatever you want lol

[@beatricerights]

She lives in a jail cell. Not to be negative but, there isn't much to decorate. I live and love NYC but, this is too little to settle for.

[@anniebanana3698]

I feel like he'd pretty much have to let a tenant do whatever they want or he wouldn't have one. It seems unreasonable that the landlord (assuming that they don't just own that one unit in isolation, hasn't decided to combine units and make them a bit more livable). Tiny spaces are fine but when you have a bathtub in the kitchen, it's kind of pushing the limits. I suppose on the plus side, perhaps the rent is just so ridiculously cheap that it affords her to have an amazing life and do lots of things in the city outside of the pandemic. I am surprised that the rent wasn't mentioned though unless I missed it. edit: just read in the description that it's rent stabilized so that does imply that she likely got in when the rent was quite low and has been able to ride that out. Ah, just also went over to the linked article which doesn't list the cost but says she got in there 6 years ago. Also, sadly it sounds like she had COVID while in the space.

[@christinebates1837]

Love how she made that cozy looking loft sleeping area with the closet underneath. That toilet with the sink on the back is awesome too. Her Dad did a great job helping her make her ideas come to life.

[@freewoman4434]

This has to be one of my favourite episodes of all these types of KZbin shows (I include Homeworthy in this) I like to see how real people live in New York (so I don't know why I watch Homeworthy, haha..ha) I live in Scotland, but I have a romantic view of NYC, probably because I've never been there lol. I love to see how regular people, living in small apartments, use their imaginations to create wonderful spaces. Go yerselves.

[@AnnaSabinoNYC]

Amazing how you made it work! There's so much charm in this small space...

[@juliebabbitt857]

Congrats to you! You have created a home that gives you a calm place. Thats what home should be. Thanks for sharing. Enjoy. ☺

[@sfowler1017]

She's done a beautiful job with this space! I love everything.

[@user-tm4my4jb6d]

I can now understand how hard it was up North during the lockdown. Down here the governor shut the state down for like 2 months and then he opened it back up and told us we had to get back to work. Traffic was like 1996 for exactly 8 weeks. Lol

[@deneshae]

Wow! Such a creative use of space and kudos to working and staying at home with little room to do both! Love it!

[@bonniepwtf]

Love the kitchen sink! Awesome to have a helpful, handy dad. I think the wine rack in the fireplace is brilliant!

[@carableu]

Wow she has done a fabulous job. The apartment is cute, cozy and inviting!

[@joanntukes5878]

Was that adorable or what? Love that piano piece she played at the end. Home must be the refuge place if peace

[@sandradonovan5991]

I love your place! Great job, Kirsten. and to dad, as well.

[@ihogenhuis960]

I love this. This appartment AND this person. Just fantastic.

[@cathyanderson785]

I LOVE this apartment! She made me smile during the entire video!

[@Myraisins1]

Love this space! Bathtubs in the kitchen were quite common and I remember seeing them while apartment hunting with my parents in the 80's

[@RenaRego]

I have some ideas for this apartment. It’s very cute but you can make it even more functional by taking out the tub and putting in counter space and cabinets overhead and drawers underneath. It would give you a lot of places to put things. I would take the mirror from above the sink and put a dish rack where you can store your dishes as well as have a drying rack. I would change the seating to where a couch could be a straight couch in front of the fireplace and you could have a pulldown screen with a projector for your television. You could also have a coffee table that rises up to make a dining table for when you need it. I would then make the bathroom a wet head like on a boat. You would have to tile it completely and then the shower would be around the toilet. You could also have an actual sink over the toilet which is horizontal with a faucet on the side. Just some ideas to give you more space and less awkward with a tub in the middle of it. But you did a good job with what you had. Still very cute.

[@maurawhelan3530]

Love the use of space with bed and clothes underneath. Dad was Place rocks

[@milmom4281]

I love that you were reading an American Girl book in the tub! I read to folks in assisted living and bring the American Girl Dolls and read their stories and they love it!

[@anttoronto3202]

Small spaces and how people live in them is fascinating! This is fantastic! Just love it!

[@ljtinney]

I'm in love with this apartment. She did a VERY great job with it.

[@MariaLoysen]

Love love love this space! You did a phenomenal job making it feel like a sanctuary 🥂

[@barrycamilo5319]

Hi maria

[@jodrew1845]

Your dad is cute. I love how you enhanced the space❤️

[@mbuck5044]

What a great, inventive use of space in quaint apartment. Great vlog apartment therapy!