500 square foot apartment

Even though this studio apartment is an open space, thanks to good space planning, it feels like it has different nooks.

When Olivia moved into her Virginia studio apartment, it was her first time living on her own. Since moving in, she's hosted many Friendsgivings, dinner parties, and brunches, bringing her friends together in a small, cozy space.

After living in sixteen different apartments with roommates, Coralie took a huge step and moved in on her own for the first time. She found a one bedroom in Fort Greene that she has decorated with art of her favorite artists and books while staying true to her neat and tidy minimalist roots.

Name: Marcus YoungLocation: Congress Heights — Washington, DC Type of home: StudioSize: 500 square feetTime lived in: 9 months, renting Tell us a little (or a lot) about your home and the people who live there: When I first looked at the studio, I was attracted to the large windows and the tall ceiling. So much light comes in throughout day, and it’s so airy and clean.

Name: Catherine Elizabeth Location: Ravenswood — Chicago, IllinoisType of home: Studio Apartment (Studio)Size: 500 square feetYears lived in: 1 year, renting Tell us a little (or a lot) about your home and the people who live there: My small, 500-square-foot apartment in the Ravenswood neighborhood of Chicago is surrounded by small businesses such as Lillstreet Art Center, Urban Pooch, Hazel, and River Valley Farmer’s Table. I live with my ten month old mini Goldendoodle, Charlie.

Name: Kelsey Kovalcik and two cats Location: Logan Square — Chicago, IllinoisType of home: ApartmentSize: 500 square feetYears lived in: 3.5 years, renting Tell us a little (or a lot) about your home and the people who live there: The apartment building was built in 1912, and the rumor is that John Dillinger had stayed here when it was a hotel. I was originally drawn to the exposed brick, but have learned to love the size and layout, too.

Name: Maeve Stier (and dog Weaver) Location: Back Bay — Boston, Massachusetts Size: 515 square feet Years lived in: Rented 1 year When Maeve and her dog Weaver moved to Boston last July, the first apartment they looked at fit the bill just perfectly. It was in the ideal location, had tall ceilings with intricate molding, lots of natural light, wooden floors, and was dog-friendly! Maeve signed on the spot and became a resident of the hip Back Bay neighborhood.

See inside a small studio that feels larger, thanks to high ceilings, big windows, and smart storage ideas.

Filled with natural light, neutral colors and bold contrast, Natasha's 450 square foot condo feels like anything but the "little city shoebox" she describes it as.

Thanks to light colors, smart storage ideas, and intentional dividing of "zones," Kristy Marhin has done an amazing job of creating a cozy home in just 230 square feet.