As every New Yorker knows, finding space in the city isn’t easy. Housing is also costly, whether you’re renting or buying. To help cut costs, and also downsize your possessions, studio apartments are the way to go. Granted, studio living does mean having to deal with living in a tiny confined space. But it can also be very cozy.
Studio apartments have become something of a fad with many investors developing luxury studios with all the new bells and whistles. Even if the more expensive types are out of your reach, you can still get one that meets all your needs.
If you’re on the hunt for one in the city, then you need to make some considerations before you choose. Studio living requires a change in how you might be used to live.
Studio Living Considerations
Table of Contents
Have realistic expectations
One of the most important things you can do in your hunt for a studio apartment is to have realistic expectations. A lot of people moving to NYC for the first time think they can score a beautiful, modern studio apartment in East Village for $1,500. Unfortunately, that’s not the case.
If you want prices like that, you’ll need to consider a neighborhood in the outer boroughs. Of course, you can still get lucky. But in a city, as crowded as NYC with such a long waiting list on apartments it’s better not to count on it. Do a little research into what kind of prices you can expect from your chosen borough and neighborhood. Try to stay realistic and keep an open mind.
Consider your needs and wants
As with staying realistic, you’ll also want to prioritize your needs over your wants. Whether it’s location, space or amenities, you’ll want to consider which of these your willing to compromise on. It’s a pipe dream to think you’ll find a studio apartment that ticks all the boxes. Make a list of the top three attributes you’re looking for in a studio apartment. You can include an additional 2-3 ‘bonus items’ which you would like but can compromise on.
There will be times when you’ll want to get out of the apartment so having an excellent location next to friends, a gym or a public park will be necessary. If you find a place that covers your main priorities and provides a bonus or two, snatch it up quickly before someone else does.
Get used to the idea of living with less
Studio living means minimalist living. You’ll need to declutter a lot of things from your life and find ways to make the most of the space you have. The average size of a Manhattan studio apartment is 459 square feet. For other boroughs, it can be slightly larger but not by much. Try to follow the Marie Kondo ethos and only hold on to objects that bring you joy or serve a useful functional purpose.
If you haven’t used something in over a year, then toss it. Places like Ikea or Bed Bath and Beyond are great for picking up multi-functional furniture and efficient storage pieces. If things start to feel too cramped or claustrophobic, then rearrange the furniture to make better use of the space.
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Be willing to keep it organized and tidy
A smaller apartment does mean less to clean, but the exact opposite. Since everything is nearby, you have to take extra care to ensure everything remains tidy. Make your bed every morning. Otherwise, it will be staring at you all day. Do the dishes after every meal. Otherwise, your bedsheets and sofa may start to smell like yesterday’s chicken masala. Did you just come back from a trip to the laundromat?
Better start folding and putting your things away or the apartment will start to feel like a walk-in closet. A simple bit of home maintenance will go a long way towards making the most of what space you have.
The Rise of Luxury Studio’s
Studio apartments are a standard option in major cities like New York. While the lack of square footage may seem to limit to some, this type of living space is becoming a popular option for the rich and famous. If you’re looking to for an apartment to rent or buy, check out these stellar benefits to studio living.
Choosing a Prime Location Over At-Home Entertaining
The most significant advantage of studio apartments is usually the location. To score an affordable apartment that’s conveniently located in New York, you often have to sacrifice some space. Thanks to a prime spot, your studio could put you steps from your favorite clubs, coffee shops, and museums. While you may lose some space for entertaining at home, you’ll gain far more options for easy, entertainment in the town. Plus, there’s no clean-up when you party at public locations.
Decorating Trends for Small Spaces
When Domino gave a fresh makeover to the studio apartment owned by Rashida Jones, readers got a stunning look at what you can do with just 400 square feet. For example, curtains conceal extensive shelving, giving storage a whole new face. A well-placed bed with the longer side against the wall adds seating by mimicking a day-bed.
Convenient clusters of small tables provide space for essentials without taking up too much room.
Zooey Deschanel’s studio proves that you can still be bold, no matter how big space. Swathed in rich; navy blues; her studio provides a compact but highly functional space for her music. Popular, stores like IKEA have built an entire industry on incorporating attractive design elements in limited areas. Cozy studios are the perfect match for this type of decor.
Embracing the Popular Minimalist Culture
Giving up on clutter is a growing trend. There are dozens of books, blogs, and magazine articles poised to provide handy tips for eliminating excess items and tossing your stress along with them. Studio apartments practically require this type of living, but many apartment dwellers have found that it’s refreshing to pare down to the basics. Blogger Zandria even credits her studio; with helping her develop neater habits.
Going Green With a Tiny Footprint
Nearly every industry has an eco-friendly option now, from home cleaning to fashionable fabrics. One fast and easy way to green up your lifestyle is by literally shrinking your footprint. A studio apartment requires less of everything, including air conditioning, lighting, and water. Residents living in a small space are also more likely to think twice about what they buy since there’s limited space to store it. Consuming less and saving more is always good for the environment.
Living in a studio apartment is a luxurious option, particularly in a vibrant city like New York where your one-room space offers a cozy retreat from the bustling expanse of the metropolis just outside the window. Whether you’re looking for your first home in the city, or you’re shopping for a hot new apartment, consider the on-trend options available in the studio apartment market
