tiny apartment

We are two start up founders who have squeezed into a 250 square foot micro studio in the heart of San Francisco, California. But even though the quarters are close we still really enjoy our small place.

The reason people, like us, get shoehorned into tiny studios is because quality multiple bedroom apartments are very hard to find.

So as you wait for a 2 or 3 bedroom to become available, you crash in a studio for a temporary “quick fix”. That’s what happened with us – and nine months later we’re still here!

We found living in a small studio with a built in loft bed (so there is one bed below, one on top) saved us gobs on rent and acts almost like a college dorm – a nice place to sleep when it’s nighttime, but we rarely spend time in it during the day.

This forces us to spend more time at work, explore the city and socialize – we’ve also become utilitarians about what we “need” to live comfortably versus what we “want”.

I’d suggest everyone live in a tiny house or small studio at some point because it teaches you a lot about yourself and the person you live with, plus it’s a great lesson on why less is often more.

250 square foot Micro Studio in San Fransisco Entry Way

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78 Square Foot Manhattan Apartment: Architect Lives and Works in Micro Space

Architect Luke Clark Tyler demonstrates that extreme small-space living is possible—even while working from home. His 78 square foot Manhattan apartment functions as both living quarters and architecture office, proving that thoughtful design can make even the smallest spaces functional.

Apartment with Bed Stored

78 square foot Manhattan apartment with murphy bed stored

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Twelve by Twelve: Book Review of Off-Grid Living in a 144 Square Foot Cabin

“Twelve by Twelve” by William Powers documents life in a 144 square foot off-grid cabin. The book explores what it means to live simply without modern utilities, surrounded by nature. The 12×12 footprint represents the threshold many jurisdictions allow for structures without building permits.

Book Details

Title: Twelve by Twelve: A One-Room Cabin Off the Grid and Beyond the American Dream
Author: William Powers
Subject: Off-grid living in a 12′ x 12′ (144 SF) cabin
Themes: Simple living, sustainability, nature connection

Book Cover

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400 Sq Ft NYC Studio Apartment: Architect-Designed Small Space with Creative Storage

This 400 square foot studio apartment in New York City demonstrates how architecture training can transform a small space. The renovation features thoughtful flooring, a cohesive color palette, clever storage solutions, and an efficient layout.

Design Details

Location: New York City
Size: 400 square feet
Type: Studio apartment renovation
Designer: Owner with architecture background
Features: Custom bed with under-storage, open shelving, efficient layout
Storage: Shoes and even a kayak stored under the custom bed

Living and Sleeping Area

NYC studio apartment with custom storage bed

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Gary Chang’s Domestic Transformer: 330 Sq Ft Hong Kong Apartment with 24 Configurations

Architect Gary Chang transformed his 330 square foot Hong Kong apartment into a shape-shifting space with 24 different configurations. Using sliding walls and convertible furniture, the “Domestic Transformer” demonstrates how technology and design can maximize small urban living spaces.

Apartment in Living Configuration

Gary Chang Domestic Transformer apartment living room configuration

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