I’ve lived in small apartments ever since I moved to New York, but my current one feels the most me. It’s a one-bedroom tucked on the edge of Brooklyn, about 450 square feet total — and yes, every corner has to pull its weight.
When I first moved in, it was basically a blank box: white walls, creaky floors, and a single window that barely caught morning light. Over time, though, I learned that small spaces don’t have to feel cramped. They just need intention — a mix of light, storage, and a bit of personality.
In this little tour, I’ll walk you through how I’ve set up my apartment — from the multipurpose living area to the micro-kitchen that somehow works better than most full-sized ones. If you live small, you’ll probably find a few ideas worth stealing.
Living Area: My Everything Space
This is the room that does it all — living room, office, sometimes dining area, occasionally nap zone. The couch is a compact two-seater that folds out into a guest bed. I paired it with a nesting coffee table that can expand when I’m working on my laptop or eating dinner solo.
The walls are painted a warm off-white (Benjamin Moore’s “Cloud White,” if you’re curious), and a tall mirror by the window doubles the daylight. Small trick, big payoff.
A slim floating shelf runs along one wall, holding books, plants, and a couple of framed prints I picked up at a flea market. I try to keep decor minimal — nothing that adds clutter or blocks movement.
Kitchen: Compact but Surprisingly Efficient
It’s one of those galley kitchens that seems impossible at first glance — but I’ve learned to make it work. The key is vertical space. I installed pegboards for utensils, magnetic racks for spice jars, and a narrow rolling cart that slides between the fridge and counter.
Most of my cookware is stackable or collapsible, and I stick to neutral tones to keep it visually calm. My proudest hack is the fold-down cutting board that doubles as extra counter space when I’m cooking something ambitious.
The best part? I can clean the whole kitchen in under ten minutes. That’s a rare luxury in this city.
Bedroom: Calm in a City That Never Sleeps
My bedroom is barely big enough for a full-size bed and a narrow dresser, but it’s my quiet retreat. I used soft linen bedding in neutral tones — beige and stone gray — to keep things light and airy.
Under the bed, I have storage bins for off-season clothes and gear. I also swapped out my old curtains for light-filtering ones; they soften the city light at night but still let me wake up with the sunrise.
Above the bed hangs one piece of art — a black-and-white print of the Manhattan skyline. I like the reminder of where I am, even when the world outside feels chaotic.
Bathroom: Small Space, Spa Energy
It’s tiny — but not hopeless. I use corner shelves and suction hooks for everything from towels to skincare. The trick is to keep only what you actually use every day.
I replaced the fluorescent bulb with a warm LED and added a eucalyptus plant by the shower for a little freshness. When the steam hits, it smells like a spa — minus the price tag.
Entryway & Storage Secrets
I built a simple entryway shelf from pine planks and brackets — it holds my keys, mail, and a little ceramic bowl I made in a pottery class. Hooks underneath keep jackets and bags off the floor.
Behind the door, there’s an over-the-door rack for cleaning supplies, and I even use the back of the bathroom door for a towel hook. When your home is small, every door becomes real estate.
My Verdict
I used to think I needed more space to feel settled. But after living here, I’ve realized it’s not about square footage — it’s about flow, light, and what you choose to keep. My small apartment isn’t perfect, but it reflects who I am right now: simple, intentional, and adaptable.
If you live in a small city apartment, don’t fight the limits — design with them. They might just teach you how little you actually need to live well.
Written and photographed by Chi Tran for 123Review.net.
Chi Tran is a lifestyle reviewer based in New York City, exploring how simple spaces can still feel expansive.
