Living in a Studio Apartment

I've been living in my studio for 6 months now and decided to do an update sharing some positives, and negatives, I've found about life in a studio. Thanks so much for checking out the original video!
Erica House has her Masters in Psychology and has been teaching at the University level since 2007. She is certified as a Personal Trainer through the American College of Sports Medicine and recently became a Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor. After maintaining her own 50 pound weight loss she is passionate about helping others on their journey to lifelong happiness and wellness.

[@felixscorpian]

this is actually HUGE for a studio

[@bluebird4815]

i knr, most studios are so tiny.

[@ginaE6240]

+Memyself And_i Yes they are! especially in NYC where I live.

[@ruthjourney9390]

Very huge

[@hefeelslikeivan]

This must be in a house or a guest house, there's windows on three sides, that doesn't happen in apartment buildings, this is pretty atypical.

[@tahiridris3813]

It's a millionaire's studio flat!🤭🤦

[@ibreakifix]

Mom kicked me out because i spilled speghettios on her couch. Can i move in with you?

[@rudolfire2254]

fatty mcfatterson let me know if she said yes okay.

[@safiatuseidu8349]

fatty mcfatterson 😂😂😂😂😂 Yes

[@Rya_B]

I appreciate your honesty instead of pretending like everything is perfect. I love your studio.

[@MissAquadisiac]

BTW you totally sound like Anne Hathaway

[@jamesjohnson2152]

Ericka Thomas is that a good thing shes just a normal human being

[@duct_tapeheart6484]

She does!!!!!

[@magdo321]

Lol she does!!

[@jaydock1]

Woah this is tripping me out!!

[@ibti0001]

the way you have decorated your house is beautiful..

[@dorotheamcnally4836]

Another great video!!! I bet it does make a difference with the vaulted ceiling, I don't think where I will be going will have that. I just love how you arranged your furniture, your apartment is gorgeous, love the colors and it is very welcoming!!!! Thank you for sharing.

[@weezybabe126]

really liked this video , I always thought living in a studio was probably horrible but you have your place so nicely set up and organized , I really like it (: ! you changed my opinion about studio apartments

[@theerealatm]

Wendy Melendez same

[@varmaprotech]

I got rid of cockroaches by sprinkling some Boric Acid powder (available at Chemists) near the dust bins, drainage pipe openings and within few weeks I got rid of them all.

[@Alexaklr]

Boric acid is poisonous for animals! Don't use it around pets and small children. It says so on the box.

[@ccfan81]

Wow, your home looks way to clean and beautiful for cockroaches! But hey I had the same problem myself, I lived in a 230-unit apartment building, very nice apartment but the building had a light cockroach problem. If you use boric acid it will kill off EVERYTHING and keep other critters away from your apartment! :)

[@sarahgivens7182]

Raid gel will kill all bugs. They take back to there nest

[@kewltech2003]

I watched your original apartment tour and loved the way you decorated it. I also live in a studio and I like it a lot. Just love how open and spacious your apartment feels. Your kitty has looked like he has adjusted well.

[@matthewg6762]

Hi Erica! You have an adorable studio apartment. I love all the windows and wish my studio had as many as yours does. My two cats would have their whiskers pressed up against those windows taking in all of the activity going outside. I agree with you in that living in a studio requires discipline in keeping it from becoming cluttered; having to downsize one's possessions, and be diligent in what is bought, kept, replaced and donated/recycled, and lastly adapting strong housekeeping mindset. You chose to keep your color scheme monochromatic and in a neutral palate, which gives the optical allusion of enlarging the space. Something to think about is to add some colored accents (which can be either muted or bold depending on one's taste) to bring subtle visual contact points throughout the room; throw pillows on the couch/chair, an area rug for in front of the couch area to ground the look of the furniture (since both the color of the carpeting and furniture are in the similar palate). Thanks for sharing your private space with world. All the best, Matthew

[@DreadfulControversy]

I just wanted to see what a studio looked like. A huge room with everything in, lol.

[@SuiGenerisAbbie]

I live in a studio that is divided into rooms: Great room, small closet in the great room, ante room, kitchen, walk in closet, and bathroom

[@ukflifestyle]

Dude i told you.. you are everywhere lol

[@DreadfulControversy]

***** lmao the amount of subscribers that finds me is crazy. I be on YT od but barely make videos SMH

[@mrsroyle1168]

Look at the kitty just chilling comfortably , cute!

[@EricaDHouseMA]

Salem is known for not giving any cares.

[@debsly5555]

@@EricaDHouseMA a

[@tahiridris3813]

@@EricaDHouseMA I didn't see the bathroom. Have you not got one?

[@trishana1o1]

raise ur bed and add storage underneath. add shelves on the walls for more storage

[@Brooklynlife1000]

by the way, I love how you did this apartment. It's very clean and neat without feeling empty. Amazing. Very classy.

[@WarfareTartaros]

I am deciding on getting a studio appartment of 28m2 (300 square foot), and the living area is 15.75m2 (160 square foot). I was wondering how big your place is. And have you ever thought about getting a multifunctional couche or closet/bed. There are some amazing designs out there that can end up saving you alot of space. I fortunatly like to have as less as posible stuff, the things that i do own are however more expensive and would make the room a lot more appealing. Studio appartments look nicer overal and with some creativity it can make you feel more at home than a big house.

[@pr3ttiNink585]

I absolutely love what you've done, great job!

[@solointheburbs]

glad I came across your video. planning and budgeting for my own move soon!

[@withlovefromminnesota4954]

there is a bathroom right? i just didnt see it in the video.

[@LekanMakanju]

Nice cat! Love how she's sitting gallantly on the couch

[@EricaDHouseMA]

Lekan Makanjuola I'll pass along the compliments to Salem :)

[@spicytuna62]

This was very informative! I'm about to move out of my current 2 bedroom apartment I've been sharing with my best friend for the last year and I'm thinking about doing a studio apartment as my next big move. I've already begun packing and I've thrown away 3 trash bags of stuff so I'm down the the bare essentials. I've never seen a studio in my life, but I am going to go check one out today. Based on this video, I think I would really enjoy living in a studio! Thank you for this video! :)

[@KingAce49ers]

Such a darling place! Cute cat also!

[@CindyCB78]

I often rewatch these videos, would love an update now ☺️

[@flexyn2s_]

Is it a negative living in a studio when you're cooking food. The smell. Does it linger for a while? Does your bed smell like food? Thats what im most worried about

[@mogotecoyote]

Salem, the cat is displeased about his diet. *constant tail tapping* or he could just be thinking, "feed me." You know...cats.

[@theyokoexperience.]

I like the way studio apartments look. Definitely pros & cons

[@NeonPegasus1979]

My studio is a bit smaller than the one in the video, or at least it seems that way because my kitchen is a separate room, so it's kinda hard to cook in the kitchen. I just got my recliner and dining room table in today, so having issues finding where to put my laundry bags, but once I get enough money to do all my laundry, that won't be a problem. Yeah, there's definitely noise here since I live just outside downtown, but I actually prefer noise (even sirens if they're not too nearby). I lived out within walking distance of Lake Ontario before, and I actually had to have my fan on even when it wasn't hot, because otherwise I couldn't sleep because it was too quiet. The only thing I don't like other than the small kitchen is that it would be hard to entertain here, although I have a nice dining room with 4 chairs, and a dual recliner with 2 cup holders, but I don't have a whole couch or anything (I preferred the dual recliners since it's just me living here and it has the cup holders). I love having my blinds and windows open most of the day, and I will only shut my blinds when it's night time and I need to get undressed, and only shut the windows when it gets too cold. I will even have the windows open during a rainstorm, the rain doesn't go far in enough to damage anything.

[@EricaDHouseMA]

Toy Freddy I definitely don't mind noise (and also have to have a noisy fan on) but it was the incessant talking/laughing from the girls downstairs that drove me nuts!

[@ninetails625]

Interesting, I'm working on getting my own studio apartment. I've never lived on my own but I have to now in order to keep up with my projects. Do you have any tips?

[@inari00000]

Love love love your living space!

[@noemisolisrivas6324]

also you may consider getting a divider shelving unit the kind they sell at Ikea, to place it between your sofa and bed.This could bring you more storage for books, pictures, etc and also give your Space some architecture. Beautiful studio otherwise.

[@makeprobeatstoday]

You really furnished it very well.

[@SuiGenerisAbbie]

Yes, she certainly did!

[@SuiGenerisAbbie]

... but her white sofa looks really dirty!

[@sonnyroy497]

Nicely laid out, a tall bookshelf between the living room and bed might give a sense of privacy. Also just wanted to say I also have a black long haired cat named Salem!

[@JosieSchuller]

I liked Salem the cat as a co-star. Nice kitty :-)

[@toasted_.coconut]

excellent apartment tour! this is how it should be done!! 10/10 on a side note, your home is beautiful -- it looks and feels so cheerful and welcoming. its decorated so unique -- i'm turned off by apartments that look like the owners copied a target ad or west elm room set, ugh.

[@Bubbless555]

I agree! All the other apartment tours are filled with boring white furniture from ikea and common decor from Target. It bugs me lol

[@Jzabehl89]

That cat is gorgeous.

[@seancampbell8585]

And so are you!

[@BlueJon1975]

A house I lived in had a book shelf 2 feet below the ceiling all the way around the room. Good place to keep books etc out of the floor space and above head level. I'm quite tall so could reach - you may need to factor in a step or use a chair etc.

[@josephgaviota]

I think your place looks really nice. Thank you for sharing!

[@mhodges9897]

Love your space. To solve the roach problem...get rid of the garbage container..roaches will smell whatever is in the container, and keep coming back. Use plastic bags and take out garbage every night or if its just food garbage ..place in bag and put it in the fridge until you can take it outside in the morning. Wipe down your kitchen counters every night. Dont leave anything for roaches to smell. Once your dishes dry, put them away or in the oven out of sight. Your broom and dust pan can go under the couch. The mop can be in the bathtub out of sight behind curtain. Your cat needs toys to play with or a cat tree. Gorgeous cat..just bored. Hope these suggestions help. Take care.

[@faeriope77]

Such a wonderfully decorated space; you did a great job! Thank you for sharing your thoughts on what it's like to live in a studio. I love how clear and succinct you are with communicating your thoughts!

[@BethGrantDeRoos]

You did a beautiful job decorating. You should be very pleased. As for books they make nice book towers like Frech Princess shows on one of her KZbin videos. I love them and they are a piece of art as well. Will subscribe to your channel. You can put mop, broom hooks on the wall behind the refrigerator, and simply pull the refrigerator out from the wall five or so inches. This way you have access to the mop and broom etc but they are out of site.

[@EricaDHouseMA]

Thank you! I didn't think of a murphey bed since I already had this one and couldn't afford to buy a new one at the time. I'd definitely suggest doing a yard sale if you can after you move in. I got rid of SO much stuff when I was packing and when I moved in I still had to get rid of a ton more! I just ran out of room and really over-estimated how much space I'd have.

[@Thickmadamify]

I actually love this and the way you have the room set up is amazing.

[@ashleyashleym2969]

That studio actually looks pretty big.

[@MadAboutRAE]

I imagined this was the cat's studio and that the cat was doing the narrative. It made me laugh. Cute cat!

[@Sue906]

Love your studio apartment......Very well organized and really good use of your space 👍

[@ebbevell]

You've made a really beautiful space, it looks so peaceful and pretty.

[@NaomiSwanson]

Your studio is WAY bigger than mine was! Lol! My first place on my own. It was so fun though living on my own downtown ❤️

[@trameldavis7763]

Thanks for the great video. I've been researching studios and I could never get a full panoramic shot them, except for the million dollar renovated ones. =/

[@mrmcdermottmcdermott5286]

Love the layout of it

[@tonysh0663]

Hi Erica, you narrating is lovely, enjoy happy living

[@19501960]

that is a BIG studio, London studio zone 1 12' x 16' £ 250k

[@DeadGears193]

If you have a friend over, and they take a shit. Your whole apartment would stink

[@cardindex5657]

Broom under the couch. Boom

[@KD-wz8tp]

Card Index, she can also buy a standing cabinet to store it in.

[@bige8549]

Why not switch the fridge door hinge to the right side? Usually that is possible. Might help.

[@bernadinetinker3028]

A neutral colored screen may bring separation between couch and bed and other uses.

[@a.aviles5026]

I really like how you set up everything. Your apt. Looks cozy and cute. You did a nice job. If I may ask... are your plants by your bed area on corner shelves or are they hanging from the ceiling? I would like to try that in my room☺️ as well🙂

[@CaptainViral84]

Nice place that you have, You ever thought about going to E books and digital downloads to save on some space?

[@50plus2013]

WELL DONE AND USE OF THE SPACE XOXO THERESA

[@joone08]

Wow I can't believe it has been 6 months. Time flies. I think refrigerator sounds would be tough for me. Having to get rid of things as you get new things is an interesting observation, do you think about that when you are choosing new things or have to deal with it when you get home ? Have you ever not bought something because you couldn't think of something to get rid of ? Funny predicament.

[@whymett2011]

I loved this video you said EVERYthing I was feeling when I lived in a studio and experience everything too. I love having all my pretty furnishings in one room but you can't hide clutter so I did purge. As for the roaches. I had the same problem because of previous tenants so I bought sealant and steel wool and I closed all openings under sink and then sealant it with putty or gray tape and I seaked between the countertop and walls and I had mgmt spray once a month for 6 mos and no more roach. Sealing food and no cardboard boxes just tupperware containers also helped. Again great video

[@gsotoaz]

I noticed the computer tower by your TV. So your TV is also your computer screen? That is such a good idea!

[@Coco_Love]

what square foot is this...I love the size

[@abra3cadabra3]

That's a very inviting apartment. Great job!

[@Veebs]

I will most likely either be moving into a studio or a 1 bedroom apartment some day, but when you brought up the roaches thing, I cringed lol. The number one thing that would freak me out about having my own place is infestation.

[@sarahcbyrne]

Infestation can be rife in apartment, flats, houses all you need to do is make sure you leave your house as clean as you can. Mouse/fats/roaches can eat through brick!!!

[@Veebs]

ahhhhhhhh geez lol

[@DreadfulControversy]

chick pea Negative, if your neighbors have them, you WILL get them.

[@HeyImLarry]

DreadfulControversy Crud, those things can survive a nuclear explosion!

[@DreadfulControversy]

HeyImLarry And RAID. lol

[@matSpector3]

Dope video, thanks for the video! :)

[@ruthgoddard6539]

Beautiful,love it

[@dawnkierznowski]

Absolutely beautiful! It looks like a magazine mini apartment. I love what you've done with the space. So inspirational.

[@lindascraftycreations428]

Your apartment looks great. I live in a studio in Illinois. I identified with your first two “con” items.

[@LeahTillock]

You can walk your cat on a leash for the extra exercise and he won't feel so boxed in as well. If not, extra play time is always fun for a cat as long as it isn't to much at first taking his weight into account. Some cats become really depressed in a smaller space, but a run outside a day helps.

[@rachelpowell4800]

My husband and I just started living in a studio apartment, and although there's some challenges, it's a lot of fun! You can read about our experience here: www.ordinaryhomemaker.com/life-in-a-small-apartment/

[@zenobia10127]

"You're a good cat... today." I know the feeling. ;)

[@spicytuna62]

My previous roommate had a cat, and I freaking loved him (about four or five days out of the week) xD

[@mogotecoyote]

Her comment cracked me up!

[@nicolelynn9159]

Erica, what does the doorway look like out beside your refrigerator? Does it go into a lobby-like area? How’s the closet space?

[@smurph2taz]

Get some 3M broom and mop holders to stick on the side of the refrigerator so you only see then from the bed area. :-)

[@dellasmom]

With the setup you have, I would think that even if you had a bookcase that was open on both sides, it would still give you some amount of separation without having any sort of "solid" presence. Sort of a compromise division. And if you purchased one of those small stainless steal rolling islands for the kitchen (just basically legs and a top), that would also divide the space into separate areas without being at all intrusive or making the space into boxy little cubicles. Also, extra prep or serving space, so triple function!! Can't beat that!

[@tafarii5428]

Stunningly Elegant.

[@darksoul578]

I lived in a studio apt when my daughter was born an it was nowhere near as big as this...as for Salem, my daughter has a cat that is 9yrs old an she weighs about 35-40 pounds...poor thing just eats an sleeps...she lays down to eat...she has been on a diet for yrs but she somehow manages to get anything she wants from my daughter, so I wish u all the luck in the world. u have a beautiful home. thank you for sharing. :)

[@josephmaimone2413]

I found this video very helpful! I've been considering getting a studio apartment to save money during school...so this helps. Oh and you have a great voice definitely easy on the ears. Thanks again

[@a.aviles5026]

I really like your kitchenette, something I can use in my very small studio. Can you plz share where you purchased it as I would love to buy one. And if it’s not too much of a bother can you share the size

[@VSkye]

Hello! Love your set up. If you don't mind me asking, what city are you located? How did the area factor into your decision making?

[@ThePrettypinklips]

thats a nice studio apartment , how many square feet is it?

[@abigailoc2549]

It's 490 Sq. 😊

[@acajudi100]

+Abigail Corretjer my 2bedroom is 890, but plenty closet and storage space

[@gamma_dablam]

Abigail Corretjer there are 2 beds in London smaller than this one. Albeit with practically non existent living rooms

[@samanthacosta1408]

Your is a little big mine isnt big is small ( bedroom and living room ) are mix and kitchen and toilet separate

[@charlenesouthafrica8463]

thanks for this...i just moved into one and feeling a bit claustrophobic...ill make it work tho!

[@libernox5376]

...So is it generally a rule of thumb that you accept the possibility of roaches when you live in one of these? Because if it wasn't for that, I'd be sold.

[@caitlinhenshaw5405]

Liber Nox me too. I'm so terrified of bugs.. And roaches are soo big and gross

[@KleinHendrixTheCool]

Such a beautiful apartment. I would be sleeping on the floor!

[@sarahcbyrne]

I actually really like it. If you wanted to though you could be a pretty screen to put behind your sofa to hide your bed however your place looks fab.

[@MadAboutRAE]

Also when you spoke of the cockroaches I can really relate to that! My question is how do you kill and dispose of them when you are scared????? I normally just throw a textbook onto them and then get my roommate to do the rest lol....but I am moving out into my own place soon and am so afraid that I will come face to face with one again and I need to know how to complete the process myself lol.

[@jessicasubers2926]

For roaches, you actually want to be careful about killing them. If you don't have a pet that is wandering around, put boric acid under the heaters, thats what my old landlord did and I stopped seeing them. Nothing else seemed to work, even gas bombing failed. If you do have a pet, there are traps and things just make sure to keep an eye out so it doesnt become an infestation. If you are seeing ALOT, then you might need professional help. Also, while I have not tried it, I think there are certain essential oils that act as a deterrent to roaches and other pests

[@CamilaFerrufinoMusic]

Is that a Yamaha portable grand piano? I have one too! Lovely studio apartment by the way.

[@bigoso5720]

great vid thank you!

[@ohglubbits6649]

What's it like with a cat in a studio, I'd love one if I move out but I work 12 hours a day, and where do you put the litter tray?

[@prmorris5899]

You have lovely taste in decor. How about a screen between your couch and bureau in the bedroom? It would give you more of a sense of having a bedroom when you wake up in the middle of the night...and it really wouldn't take up any room...you wouldn't leave it accordion folded, you would leave it completely open flat, and wedged between the two...

[@EricaDHouseMA]

He has a scratching post! One of the big one's that lays flat on the floor. I've tried getting him one of the upright ones and he never used it. He likes to use the fridge as a tower to climb and watch over things from :)

[@TheQuietPartAllowed]

Thanks so much for this video, I watched the original also. Super informative!

[@mkarthik13111]

Hey there. that's a clean and beautiful apartment. Even I stay in a similar place. to say the Tv setup which you have is same as mine . need some help in making my place better . Hope I get to see a replay , P.S .. Salem is soo cute, i like the chat you had with Salem ;-)

[@KaltrinaDemiri]

Why dont u get another cat friend for ur cat then so he can exercise more? Love the place tho!

[@Dave-vm8rr]

+Kaltrina Demiri ....I agree....I will never have just one cat again, but no more than two....Mine play together very well and get plenty of exercise....It's no more trouble having two verses one....

[@fundude4566]

I'm moving into a studio $465 per month but I get most of the utilities paid

[@jntj3007]

Where is this studio??? I'd like to know. I live in San Francisco, and the rent here is absurd!

[@jntj3007]

I haven't paid anything close to $465 in San Francisco, since the mid '80's.

[@DramaticOgre]

Wow, that's cheap. Are you in California?

[@fundude4566]

Hey guys no I'm in Springfield Missouri it's a the third largest city in Missouri. How much do you guys pay in California?

[@dlvme2]

+Andrew Taylor in San Francisco $2000 is cheap for a small studio. A room with shared bath and kitchen can be over $1000. A garage space for a car can rent for $375. These prices are low

[@Tzippi]

What size bed do you have? I love what you did with your space!

[@rebeccasmith9536]

I covered my furniture with a sheet, to keep cat hair off furniture.

[@acajudi100]

I always put a sheet on furniture for cats to lay on.

[@FireStormBaller]

I have a couple questions. How much it cost per month and what state this is in?

[@haleighshadd8607]

good job. beautiful place