Jessica & Milo Living Large in a Small Space

Name: Jessica, Milo, and the world’s floppiest cat
Location: Carroll Gardens; Brooklyn, New York
Size: 325 square feet
Years lived in: 3 years; Rented

Two people and a cat in a 325 square feet might seem like a bit of a squeeze to some people. But for Jessica and Milo, it’s more than worth it to have an affordable place in one of Brooklyn’s most lively neighborhoods, where a huge variety of restaurants are just around the corner and neighbors still know each others’ names. And when you see how beautiful their apartment is, and how cuddly their cat is, you might just be asking if you can move in, too.

The setup of the apartment is a bit unusual: entering from the hallway, you find yourself in the kitchen, with the bathroom on your right. The bathroom is really teeny, and the kitchen isn’t huge, but a doorway on the left leads to the main living area, which feels really spacious for such a small apartment. There’s a lot to love here: Milo says he loves that the apartment feels like ‘a cool coffee shop’, and Jessica has chosen furniture that has a lot of personality but doesn’t overwhelm the space.

The little bedroom nook is separated from the living room by a pair of blackout curtains, which can be drawn back during the day. This gives the couple a little privacy, even in this small space, and means that they have the freedom to keep their own schedules — Milo admits that he has ‘a whole separate life’ after Jessica goes to bed.

In an apartment without a single closet, clever solutions abound: IKEA wardrobes in the bedroom provide plenty of space for clothes, and the couple’s books get tucked into the (non-working) fireplace. The end table to the right of the couch conceals a litter box for Jessica and Milo’s cat, Chef DJ Brandon, who is clearly the star of the show here. He can make himself comfortable in pretty much any spot in the apartment, including, if you’re lucky enough to be invited over, your lap.

Our Style: Clean eclectic.

Inspiration: We tend to be inspired by items and interiors that have interest and history, yet remain functional and ultimately “livable”.

Favorite Element: The media cabinet in the entryway. It brings a bit of mid-century style while concealing some of the messiest pieces in the apartment— electronics!

Biggest Challenge: Trying to figure out a litter box solution in such a small space. Our bathroom can barely fit a waste can, so the typical option was out of the question!

What Friends Say: “Your apartment is so clean! Is this real life?”

Biggest Embarrassment: Notice we didn’t give you a tour of our linen closet…

Proudest DIY: Living room side table and the plant stand over the radiator (shout out to Ace Hardware for recommending plants that we can’t kill!).

Biggest Indulgence: Bedding and pillows.

Best Advice: Form and function can be equal.

Dream Sources: Breuckelen Berber rugs, Schoolhouse Electric, art by Jose Romussi or Cindy Sherman, CK Home

• Benjamin Moore, Cloud White

• Media Cabinet: Urban Outfitters
• Silver Tray: Calvin Klein Home
• All else: Vintage
• Chairs: Blu Dot
• Sheepskin: IKEA
• Sofa: Room and Board
• Blankets: Canvas and West Elm
• Pillows: Etsy @whitlockandco
• Coffee Tables: Etsy @INGFURNITURE
• Rug by Fireplace: Urban Outfitters
• Side Chair: West Elm

• Bench: Vintage piano bench

• Towels: Restoration Hardware

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