Molly’s 520 Square Foot Soothing Manhattan Studio

Name: Molly Torres
Location: New York, New York (Midtown)

Before I started school, my boyfriend and I found the perfect (and affordable) 520 square foot studio apartment in midtown last summer — centrally located to school, for me, and work, for him. Though I only had a minimal budget to work off of, I was extremely excited for the decorating challenge. Within the small space, I wanted to create a functional entryway and a “separate” living area, dining area and bedroom area.

Additionally, my boyfriend requested that I keep the apartment looking and feeling gender neural, as well as create an area for his record player setup. When I learned we couldn’t paint the walls or take down the existing lighting fixtures and window coverings, I balked but wasn’t daunted. Though at the time it seemed like I had a laundry list of issues to overcome, I love a good challenge!

After graduating from the University of Delaware in 2012 as a fashion merchandising major, I became the Digital Marketing Coordinator for NYC fashion brands Theory and Helmut Lang. With a fast-paced, stimulating day job, I often unwound at the end of each day by reading my favorite lifestyle and home decorating blogs, such as Apartment Therapy. Along with my passion for home décor and decorating, these blogs helped me realize that I wanted to switch careers. After two years, I decided to quit my job and pursue an interior design degree at the Fashion Institute of Technology, a decision I’m still thrilled about.

I was inspired by the color gray – I wanted to create an overall soothing environment with pops of color and whimsy, which I was able to achieve by mixing my boyfriend’s love of records, Polaroid cameras and photos, guitars and concert posters with my eclectic, vibrant style. While I love every part of my tiny apartment, I can’t get enough of our bedroom area –- it’s so beautifully cozy and amazing to wake up in! My vintage dress form (who we affectionately call “Jack,” after Jack White) is one of my prized possessions and something I plan to take into every home I live in. I’m proud that with a lot of measuring, imagination, and hard work I was able to make a small, impermanent rental space reflect both my boyfriend’s and my personality and truly feel like home!

Thanks, Molly Torres !

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