See How an Actor Created “Functional Tranquility” in a 550-Square-Foot Brooklyn
Credit: Erin Derby Credit: Erin Derby
ABOUT THIS TOUR
HOME TYPE: Studio Apartment
LOCATION: Park Slope, Brooklyn, New York
BEDROOMS: 0
SQUARE FEET: 550
“After two months of browsing real estate websites, I came across this studio in a moment of serendipity,” begins actor Matthew August Jeffers. “I was juggling virtual press interviews for a film release, and in the breaks between each one, I scanned listings. This unit had been on the market for just 13 minutes, and something about the photos captivated me; the cozy private balcony, coupled with the luxury of an in-unit washer and dryer (be still, my heart), was exciting.”
As soon as Matthew saw the listing he texted the real estate agent. “An hour later, I was touring the space, and I turned to him and said, ‘Tell me what I need to do to make this mine.’ Despite already having an application submitted, he encouraged me to apply with a personal letter. A day later, I was holding the keys,” Matthew continues.
Matthew says it’s the studio apartment’s “intelligent design” that appealed to him most.
I had grown increasingly disheartened by the awkward studio layouts in the city, where the kitchen seems to spill into the bedroom. This studio, however, had a natural flow, which appealed to me. Having lived in two- and three-bedroom apartments for over a decade, I had initial reservations about downsizing to a studio. But as someone with dwarfism, I’ve spent my life optimizing small spaces, and I saw this as an exciting challenge to do so once again.”
The apartment had been “freshly cleaned, painted, and outfitted with modern appliances” when Matthew moved in, which he says made it a blank canvas full of potential. “This allowed me to focus my energy on opening up and brightening what initially felt like a small, narrow space. Although I hadn’t previously decorated a studio apartment, I was mindful not to fall into the common trap of over-cluttering.”
Having lived in New York City for over a decade, Matthew was faced with the task of doing a lot of decluttering to fit comfortably in this smaller space. “Having two-bedroom apartments gave me the luxury to showcase a maximalist aesthetic. Transitioning to a minimalist approach was difficult at first — I had to kill my darlings,” he describes. “To ease the process, I paid double rent for a month, giving myself time to thoughtfully curate what truly mattered to me and what I could let go of. But it helped me realize that much of what I held onto was just clutter. Now, my space feels more aligned with my essence.”
Matthew says he’s someone “who craves peace and quiet,” which is why he’s made sure to make his studio apartment feel like a personal retreat, what he describes as “functional tranquility. It’s a space where I can recharge and stay productive at the same time. I take meetings, dive into a good book, cook meals with ingredients from the Union Square Farmers Market, edit my photography, care for my plants, and watch great films. It’s my little sanctuary.”
Resources
LIVING ROOM
CBS Ronan Sofa Grey — Havenly
Fjallbo TV Stand — IKEA
Accent Pillows — Dobbin Street Co-Op
Walnut Rolling Tray — Etsy
Mid-Century Keyboard Stand — Etsy
Dried Flower Bouquet — Stems Brooklyn
Invisible Book Wall Shelf — Urban Outfitters
Dean Floor Lamp — Target
KITCHEN
Aquarium — Pacific Aquarium & Plant
Wire Mesh Fruit Bowl — MoMA Store
Vitamix — Vitamix
BEDROOM
Classic Percale Sheets — Brooklinen
Cotton Quilt — Brooklinen
Octopus — IKEA
Boho Colorblock Wall Decal — Etsy
CLOSET OFFICE
Desk Lamp — 2Modern
Constellations Wallpaper — Chasing Paper
Kids’ Desk — IKEA
BATHROOM
Dried Flowers and Planter — Flora Good Times
Do Epic Shit Neon Sign — Etsy
Thanks, Matthew!
This tour’s responses and photos were edited for length/size and clarity.
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Further Reading
I Tried the 90/90 Rule and My Closet Is Now Fully Decluttered
We Tested (and Rated!) Every Sofa at West Elm — Here Are the Best for Every Type of Need
See How a Stager Used Paint to Transform a 1950s Living Room
