Small Space Apartment Tour 🪴 Cozy-Minimal Beach Studio 📚 🏖

Hi guys! Here is a tour of my 324 square foot studio apartment in Manhattan Beach, California. It has an ocean view, and I fit all the components of a home office, bedroom, and living room in this little space. There were subtle design tricks that I incorporated over the years that made all the difference in making the space feel a little bigger, such as: cutting the legs down on my bed to make the bed lower, using a neutral background to layer colors on top of, and using a glass coffee table and leggy furniture. But keeping it fairly uncluttered/decluttered has been a huge key to making this space feel just spacious enough to be comfortable day in and day out.
This is my cozy little haven, and I go in-depth in the tour, showing you what I own and how I organize my things. I'll open the cabinets and drawers and closet to you, and I hope that this video is fun to watch!
P.S. I just uploaded the bathroom tour video, and here is a link to the video 🛀: • My Cozy Minimal Bathro...
P.P.S. Here is the link to the filing cabinet: amzn.to/3S8e7Dl
🌺 I'm a professional organizer, and I'm also writing a book about How to Have Good Vibes in Your Home. If you would like to see more videos like this, or videos about cozy minimalism, simplicity, self-care, and decluttering, please subscribe to my channel (here is the link):
kzbin.info...
📕 Visit www.audibletrial.com/lifeasiw... for one free audiobook + a 30 day free Audible trial ✨
Disclaimer: Any and all advice given in my videos are for entertainment purposes only, and not for the purpose of providing tailored advice. In regards to decluttering and organizing videos, nothing in the videos should be construed as advice from a professional organizer to client relationship. If you have your own particular decluttering and organizing project, you should contact your own professional organizer or make decisions at your own sole discretion. Some of the links shown are affiliate links that help to support this channel. As always, thank you so much for watching this channel.

[@LifeAsIWrite]

Hi guys! This video was a great suggestion from @goulash64, @missegyptian12, @breatheinsimple5369, and @soulexplorer76- I was thinking of each of you as I made it, and I appreciate you 😊 And to everyone else who is watching, thank you and I hope that you enjoy the small apartment tour 😊🙏💕

[@johnkoontz6506]

It is clear that you know what you are doing as a home organizer! Your apartment is the epitome of how to organize such a small space into a warm and comfortable home. I envy you for having such skill!

[@LifeAsIWrite]

Thank you 😃🙏 I'm really happy that you think it's warm and comfortable! Wishing you a Happy New Year filled with good tidings and joy! 🎉 🎊

[@tainapura4766]

That view is breathtaking, the sunsets are spectacular.

[@LifeAsIWrite]

Hi Taína! Thank you 🏖 ☀️ 🌅

[@mariamarshall6116]

Love the no frills tour which turns out to be so beautifully detailed and inspiring , I feel the love in your life after the tour , all your items are curated lovingly based on function , beauty and significance not consumption for the sake of consumption , so refreshing. Thank you !

[@LifeAsIWrite]

Hi Maria! I'm happy that you enjoyed the tour, and thank you so much for your beautiful words! 🌺

[@susancaley5109]

Forgot to say,I love use of lighting.Beautiful views to die for! As a plant lover I love the plants.

[@LifeAsIWrite]

Me too! It's so amazing how lighting can change the feeling of a space- even switching a white light bulb to a warm light bulb makes such a difference! So fun! Thank you 😊 And I hope to make a few videos on plants in the future ✨🪴🌿 What are some of your favorite houseplants?

[@Gabrielle499]

Wow, this is the most beautiful studio I’ve ever seen. 😍 You have such a gift with organization & styling. ❤ I live in a studio and am so inspired now!

[@LifeAsIWrite]

Thank you for your kind words- they mean a lot ❤️ Yay for studios- they are so cozy and convenient! Happy organizing and styling and decorating! 😃 🪴 ✨

[@thetherapyofplanning_1]

So beautiful! Just emphasizes how awesome it is to have peaceful simplicity! You have plenty but not too much and everything is neat and cozy. Love it!!

[@LifeAsIWrite]

🤗 I just love the way you phrased that! Thank you for your thoughtful comment 😊 🙏 🌺

[@emilyseifriz4601]

The filing cabinet is so cute! I need one like that

[@LifeAsIWrite]

Hi Emily! Thank you 🌺 I looked for so long for a small filing cabinet with this aesthetic, and then finally came across this one 😃 I think links in the comments no longer work, but I'll put a link to it in the description if you want a better look at it. The only downside is it's way heavier than it looks (which really only matters during delivery and moving), but otherwise, it's been so pretty and functional and feels like good quality 🤗

[@DannyGautama]

You have a very kind and soothing voice. You inspired me to keep my place clutter free and keep only happy and positive things that bring peace and joy. Thank you friend.

[@LifeAsIWrite]

Hi Danny! This is such a meaningful comment to me!! Thank you for taking the time to write this! You are awesome. I bet your home feels amazing! 😊 Sending happy, warm, and peaceful wishes to you and your home 🏡✨🌿

[@DannyGautama]

@@LifeAsIWrite 🤗

[@margaretl8851]

Really beautiful apartment. What a view! I would love to hear the waves all of the time, very relaxing. Thank you for sharing. Very inspirational.

[@LifeAsIWrite]

Hi Margaret! The sound of the waves is so relaxing that I pretty much always keep the windows open (unless it’s really cold or raining) 😁 Thank you too! 💕

[@user-qy1fn7xt2k]

Looks bigger and you keep it homey. Thank you for the tour 😊😊😊

[@LifeAsIWrite]

It's the big window and the leggy furniture that really helped to make it feel bigger 😊 I also cut the legs of my bed in half to lower the bed, and it was only about 3-4 inches, but it made such a big difference! Thank you too, for watching and for your comment 😊 💖🙏

[@Mamafied_]

Love how you made such a “small” space feel like home. I’m still trying to understand how to do it but with a lot of people around. 😅 Also, can’t imagine having such a great view everyday-how great is that?! 🩵💙🧡

[@jennl3404]

SO LOVELY!! Thank you for sharing, and Happy New Year!!

[@LifeAsIWrite]

Hi Jenn! Thank you so much! I'm happy to read this, and I appreciate you 🌺 Happy New Year to you too! 🎉 🎊

[@audeysmith6675]

Refreshing in the daytime and dreamy at night !!!!

[@LifeAsIWrite]

Thank you for your thoughtful comment! 😃🌸 ✨

[@susancaley5109]

Your junk drawer looks like my tidiest drawer! I love the way your apartment is very functional,reflects your personality and roots and has beautiful pieces and plants that make you happy.

[@LifeAsIWrite]

Hi Susan! Hahaha, that made me laugh! Thank you very much for watching and for taking the time to comment 😊 🙏 🌺

[@zigryignacio4343]

Love your apt!! Great organization.

[@LifeAsIWrite]

Hi Zigry! Thank you so much! 😊🙏

[@rubyat2435]

I was hoping that you would do a home tour video and this was perfect, your space is so dreamy and inspiring 😁❤️

[@LifeAsIWrite]

Hi Ruby! I hope that you are well! And thank you 💕 I'm happy that you think so! Happy New Year, and I hope that your 2024 is joyous and safe and filled with many happy moments 🎉 🎊

[@Chutney1luv]

Your apartment is beautiful! You have organized it so well that it is not cluttered! I'm taking notes! 😅 The view and the sound of the ocean waves are amazing! Walking on the beach is fun too! Loved your tour of your place and I thank you for sharing! 🏠🏖🌊

[@LifeAsIWrite]

Ahahaha, thank you so much! I really appreciate that you enjoyed the tour! 🏖 💛 🌺

[@amyfaurote1488]

The sound of the waves is intoxicating. New subscriber here. My dream is to write a novel. Peace 🕊️

[@LifeAsIWrite]

Hi Amy! Thank you so much for subscribing, and welcome 😃 Have you ever heard of or thought of participating in the NaNoWriMo challenge? It's a 30 day novel writing challenge during November, and it's so much fun! You might already know about it, but if not, I made a video that explains all about it, called 'What is NaNoWriMo' that might be worth checking out 😊 🌺 🕊 Wishing you all the best with your beautiful dream!

[@amyfaurote1488]

Yes I have heard of it. I was set to do it last November and I had a lot of crazy shit happening.

[@LifeAsIWrite]

@@amyfaurote1488 I missed it last year too, but I plan to participate this year and next year 😊 If we have a small group of subscribers participating in the challenge, I was thinking of making ‘write with me’ videos for a fun sense of community if we write our novels at the same time ✍️ Your dream is awesome, and I wish you good luck with it 🍀💛

[@amyfaurote1488]

That sounds awesome! Let's do it!! I will participate for sure 😃. Peace 🕊️

[@Buaastroctyes]

Love your apartment! ❤

[@LifeAsIWrite]

Thank you so much! ❤️

[@soulexplorer76]

I have soooo been looking forward to this video and you sure did not disappoint!! 😍 What an amazing way to start the New Year!! 🙏✨✨✨ I truly appreciate that you took the time to show and go through every nook and cranny of your beautiful home (b.t.w the length of the video did not bother me, I could have kept watching 😊). You really have a *lovely* home that truly feels like a home: comfortable, cosy and beautiful all at the same time. I love how you have small souvenirs spread out here and there, like the keyring in the kitchen drawer for example. That is such a wonderful way of being reminded of people or places we love when going about our day to day. I also love how your Japanese roots appear in so many different places, alongside the surfer girl equipment and attire 😎 And it all blends in in such a natural way, together with the beautiful plants and plant babies, the incense and sage (b.t.w I would love to know how you cleanse your home energetically, how often you do it etc.), your books etc. etc. Very comforting too to see that you don't have a minimalist or capsule wardrobe. So many with spaces way larger than yours would be pairing down to a bare minimum. But if you love and wear all your clothes and they make you feel good and you have the space for them... 😌 I could go on and on about everything I loved (will be rewatching for sure!!! 😋). We see who *you* truly are in all your different aspects and interests. I'm not claiming to know who you are or think that I know you but it just all makes sense with the person I've seen in your previous videos. Your apartment is such an inspiration when it comes to making a small space feel like a cosy and beautiful home with everything you need as well as the things you truly love without it feeling cluttered. I'm sitting here with a big smile on my face anyway so I'm obviously feeling inspired 😃 Thank you once again dear Mika and wishing you all the best for 2024!! ✨✨✨ Sending you love from France. Françoise 🌺❤

[@LifeAsIWrite]

Hi Françoise! Thank you so much for your kind words ♥️ I was thinking of you around the five-minute mark, when I was talking about my desk and the post-its, because of our post-it conversation 😊 Ooohh, and this is one of my favorite topics, but how I keep my space energetically cleansed has a few key elements: First, I try to minimize clutter because I think excess clutter can really change the energy and feeling of a space. I've seen and felt some amazing transformations after decluttering in homes :). I also dedicate a few hours each Sunday to clean, and it's pretty fun with music on or a long KZbin video playing in the background. And I keep healthy plants around, because they can help cleanse and uplift the energy of a space. I also try to practice self care, because I think our own energy influences the energy of our spaces. And after anything negative happens, or whenever I feel the space needs it, I'll sage myself and the space. Or use Frankincense incense, or lavender incense to wash away negativity, or orange blossom incense to raise happy vibes. I'll also put on some music that has a good energy to help uplift myself and the space ✨ I think those are the main things that I do, although I could write so much more on this topic! In the book series, and in the future videos, I'll deep-dive into these all 📚 What do you do to cleanse your space energetically? And where in France are you? And thank you again Françoise, as your comment has made my day!! And sending you happy and warm wishes for a beautiful, healthy, and joyous 2024 🎉 🎊 ✨ ❤️

[@HWoodxBeach]

Obsessed 🤩

[@LifeAsIWrite]

I'm really happy that you like it! 🪴 ❤️ 😃

[@janefox3188]

I love your apartment. Thanks for sharing.

[@LifeAsIWrite]

Hi Jane! Thank you too, for watching and commenting!! Happy Spring to you 😊 🌸 🌱

[@deliasotodesigns]

We live in Downtown Fort Lauderdale, about 15 minutes from the beach. Our dream place is 5 minutes from the beach! Love your place, closet & view!

[@LifeAsIWrite]

Hi Delia! Ooohh, I love downtown Fort Lauderdale, what a beautiful place to live! Thank you for your kind words, and I hope that you are having a great summer! ☀️🏖🐚

[@cheshirecat6699]

Cute place With a beautiful view of a beautiful beach Lucky lady

[@LifeAsIWrite]

Hi Lisa! Thank you for taking the time to watch and comment 😊🙏💐

[@cheshirecat6699]

@LifeAsIWrite Hi, it was my pleasure thanks for sharing

[@pattiemarin5219]

I enjoyed the tour so much! Every bit of it! Thank you for sharing 💖

[@LifeAsIWrite]

Hi Pattie! Yay, I'm so glad that you enjoyed it! Thank you too, for watching and for your kind words ❤️

[@veggiejerseygirl7571]

I love your apartment! It’s perfect

[@LifeAsIWrite]

Thank you 😃 🙏 🌺

[@heatherfling7820]

Very beautiful view and your apartment looks very nice. Love the way you have it. Love the beach. 😊🩷🌸🩷

[@LifeAsIWrite]

Thank you Heather 😊 I'm happy to read this ❤️

[@almacarter7968]

your home looks cozy

[@LifeAsIWrite]

Hi Alma 🤗 Thank you!

[@irmaplantz7082]

I love Manhattan Beach!

[@LifeAsIWrite]

Hi Irma! Me too 😊

[@Galactic_hippie1111]

I absolutely love it. How much is rent for something this size where you live?

[@LifeAsIWrite]

Thank you! I pay $1,980 per month 😊 It's a lot for a studio, but it's a good deal for an ocean view unit in my neighborhood. Although I moved in about 5 1/2 years ago, so I think the rent has risen considerably since then in the area, but if I drive just a few miles inland, the rental prices go down. What about in the area that you are in?

[@HWoodxBeach]

@@LifeAsIWrite I live in a very small 2 bedroom in Oxnard across from the beach and it’s nearly $4k a month. You’ve got a gem I’m inspired ❤

[@ginaferracini9375]

love your home you can see and hear the ocean 💙🌊🐚 thanks for showing how you organise ..from Australia 🦘

[@LifeAsIWrite]

Hi Gina! Thank you for watching, and for your kind words 🤗💙🏝

[@susancaley5109]

Hello again,thanks for repl to my comment.What are my favourite houseplants-I adore orchids,I have a small collection,I have to hold back from getting more as our house is small ,I love dracaenas, and certain types of begonia,some ferns,I love that large plant that you have with the interesting coloured leaves.I live in England and we get cold winters so have central heating on a lot which some plants don’t like.I just love indoor and outdoor plants. Looking forward to your video on plants.

[@LifeAsIWrite]

Hi Susan! What a beautiful variety of houseplants 😃🪴 You must have a beautiful space! Hahaha, I know the feeling of having to hold back from acquiring more 😁 That plant is called a Dieffenbachia plant, and started off very small 💕 Thank you also for replying, I love the variety that you mentioned- I imagine those would compliment each other so nicely too! 🥰

[@Momo_Peach_Green]

I love your home!!!

[@LifeAsIWrite]

Thank you! I like your KZbin name and your profile picture~so pretty!! 🌳🏯🌄🍑✨🍃

[@heatherfling7820]

Thank You so much for sharing. 🌸💕🌸

[@LifeAsIWrite]

Hi Heather! Thank you too! 😊💕🌺

[@moniqueodom3589]

Love your home

[@LifeAsIWrite]

Hi Monique! Thank you 😊 🙏 💐

[@DebbiePotter-xh7kv]

I just moved back to the beach. Couldn’t be more thrilled

[@LifeAsIWrite]

Hi Debbie! Yay! Just in time for spring and summer 😊 ☀️ 🏖

[@camillesofina3461]

I am new to your channel 😊 I wanna live there 😍😍😍 that appartment wauuuu 🙏🙏🙏 and that view!!!! I live absolut 3 km from the ocean but I really want to live even closer to it 🎉💙 My appartment is about the same size as yours 💃🌈💗 Love from Denmark 💕🦋🌊🐟🧁🦚

[@LifeAsIWrite]

Hi Camille 🤗 Awww, thank you!! I bet your apartment is lovely!! 💕 Thank you so much for your thoughtful and fun comment, and I hope that you are having a lovely start to spring! 😊 🙏 🌸

[@camillesofina3461]

Thank you very much 🌈🦋⭐🌻 And some lovely spring vibes to you to 🥰🐛☀️🧜

[@oyinkah]

❤

[@LifeAsIWrite]

😊❤️

[@danutachea7537]

You have a lovely place it looks very warm and homely 😊

[@LifeAsIWrite]

Hi Danuta! Thank you for watching, and for your kind words 😊 🙏 🌺

[@twalsh1801]

location location location

[@conniecornsilk2955]

I wonder how much you a month for that apartment with the ocean view?

[@LifeAsIWrite]

$1,980-- It's a lot for the square footage, but it's a good deal for the area 🏖 But I signed over 5 years ago, and I think the rental prices have gone up quite a bit since. Thank you for watching Connie! 😊

[@leanne12348]

Where is your bathroom?

[@LifeAsIWrite]

Hi Leanne! The kitchen’s on one side of the couch, and the bathroom’s on the other side. I made a separate video with the bathroom tour (because I was worried about this one getting too long), getting into the cabinets and such in the bathroom 😊