Despite Only Being 289 Square Feet, This NYC Studio Is Lovely and Warm
Adrienne BreauxHouse Tour Director
Adrienne BreauxHouse Tour Director
For more than 10 years, I've led Apartment Therapy's real home content, producing thousands of house tours from around the world. Currently, I live in my maximalist dream home in New Orleans, Louisiana, with my partner, a perfect dog, and a cute cat.
published Oct 24, 2025

Despite Only Being 289 Square Feet, This NYC Studio Is Lovely and Warm

Adrienne BreauxHouse Tour Director
Adrienne BreauxHouse Tour Director
For more than 10 years, I've led Apartment Therapy's real home content, producing thousands of house tours from around the world. Currently, I live in my maximalist dream home in New Orleans, Louisiana, with my partner, a perfect dog, and a cute cat.
published Oct 24, 2025
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Bedrooms
Square feet

289

Sq ft

289

This is landscape designer Yuan Tian’s first home in New York; she moved to the city right after graduation to begin her career. “Beyond work, I’m passionate about architecture, climate resilience, and plants — interests that also influence the way I shape and live in my space,” she writes.

Credit: Yuan Tian

This first New York City home presented quite the challenge, as it’s only 289 square feet, but it did offer a lot of natural light, thanks to four windows. Located in a building from 1910, the $2395-a-month rental did come with a lot of architectural character, though. “I was immediately captivated by the exposed red brick wall,” she writes.

Credit: Yuan Tian
"The brick adds history and warmth, while the light shifts through the day, which makes this compact space feel alive and endlessly inspiring," she writes.

“I use the red brick wall as a background to showcase plants, creating a dialogue between history and vitality,” she continues. “This contrast reflects my identity as a designer who is drawn to both timeless character and living energy.”

This tour’s responses and photos were edited for length/size and clarity.
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