This 400-Square-Foot Santa Monica Studio Has a Nook You’ll Want to Move Into

published Apr 15, 2025

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About this tour

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Home Type

Apartment

Location

Santa Monica, California

Style

Mid-Century Modern

Bedrooms

Square feet

400

Sq ft

400

By the time Oliver Optican, founder of Optican Edge, toured this 400-square-foot apartment in a building built in 1980, it “was just an empty apartment — blank walls, open space, and endless possibilities.”

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While Oliver’s only rented the Santa Monica apartment for two months, he’s been able to fill the empty space with a “mid-century modern feel with warm, cozy vibes — a perfect blend of clean lines, rich textures, and inviting spaces,” Oliver writes. “It’s stylish yet lived-in, with a touch of character that makes it feel like home.”

Credit: Oliver Optican

"The bed itself has some history — it came from my parents' house, just 20 minutes away, making it both comfortable and sentimental. In the corner, a white swivel chair from Wayfair adds the perfect lounge spot — I love curling up there to read or meditate. Next to it, my Easy Plant brings in an earthy, organic feel without the stress of high maintenance," Oliver writes.

"At the foot of the bed, I added a bedroom storage bench — super functional for storing towels and accessories, but honestly, it’s mostly where I sit to tie my shoes every day. The wooden floors bring warmth and aesthetic charm, and the big windows flood the room with natural light, making the whole space feel bright, airy, and full of good energy."

“I’d say my identity is absolutely reflected in my home. Every piece of artwork was carefully chosen, and I’ve had many of them for years — they’re more than just decor, they hold meaning, capture memories, and add a deeply personal touch to the space. Each piece tells a different story, bringing a sense of character and individuality that makes the space feel uniquely mine.”

Credit: Oliver Optican

Oliver has added his style to the kitchen by "adding a coffee maker and microwave, keeping things simple but efficient. It’s the first place I go after getting home, usually for a snack or just to reset for a moment. Every morning, I stand here and drink my electrolytes, starting the day in a space that feels both grounding and refreshing," Oliver writes. "Something about this kitchen just fits — it’s not flashy, but it’s got character. It’s a spot for morning rituals, late-night snacks, and everything in between."

Oliver says his favorite room in the apartment is what he calls the nook. “I call it that because it’s small, not quite a living room, but still the heart of my space. It’s where style meets comfort in a way that feels effortless. The cloud-shaped coffee table adds a bold, edgy touch, breaking up the clean lines and giving the space some personality. Beneath it, a light green rug from World Market ties everything together, perfectly complementing my couch. The matching pillows, also from World Market, bring in just the right amount of cohesion without feeling too polished.”

Credit: Oliver Optican

"My couch from World Market is my go-to spot for scrolling Instagram, watching USC basketball, or just lounging. It pairs perfectly with my light green rug (also from World Market — yes, I’m obsessed). I’ve also got a Missoni candle that I light often — it fills the room with a scent that instantly relaxes me after a long day," Oliver explains. "The standing light in the corner? I barely use it, but it adds a nice visual balance to the room. And while I don’t have a dining table, I honestly don’t mind — this nook doubles as my dining space, making it feel casual, cozy, and effortless."

“To the side, a bar cart stocked with my favorite tequilas adds a little bit of flair — it’s functional but also feels like a statement piece. The curtains from Quince frame the space, softening the edges and adding just the right amount of warmth,” Oliver explains. “It’s the perfect spot to unwind after a long day, sip on a glass of wine, and get lost in whatever book I’m reading.”

Credit: Oliver Optican

Oliver describes the apartment as a space that "feels both curated and lived-in — a balance of style, comfort, and personality. Every detail, from the furniture to the accessories, reflects what I love — clean lines, rich textures, and a warmth that makes it feel like home."

Resources

Rug — Rugs USA
Bed — Hand Me Down
White Swivel Chair — Wayfair
Coffee Table — Amazon
Couch — World Market
Light Green Rug — World Market
Dresser — Facebook Marketplace

Thanks, Oliver!

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

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Midcentury Modern