From Necessity to Modern Design Statement
Jackson Reiter
Dec 6, 2024
As a former NYC real estate agent turned real estate tech founder, I've watched the fascinating evolution of studio apartments firsthand from inside the industry. What started as an affordable housing solution for recent college grads has transformed into a sought-after lifestyle choice for many urban professionals who could feasibly afford something “better”. Let's dive into everything you need to know about studio apartments, from their historical roots to their modern renaissance.
The Fundamentals of Studio Living
So, what exactly is a studio apartment? A studio apartment is essentially a self-contained living space where the bedroom, living room, and kitchen all exist within a single, open room. The only separate enclosed space is typically (though, horrifyingly, not always) the bathroom. According to architectural historians, this efficient design emerged in the early 20th century as cities grew denser and standardized housing demands increased.
The average size of a studio apartment ranges from 200 to 400 square feet, though I've shown luxury studios in Manhattan that sprawl well beyond 800+ square feet. The key distinction between a studio and a one-bedroom isn't necessarily the square footage – it's the layout. While a one-bedroom has a separate, enclosed sleeping area, a studio embraces open-concept living in its purest form.
The Historical Evolution: From Necessity to Choice
Studios gained popularity during the rapid urbanization of the 1920s and 1930s. Low-income tenement houses where dozens of people, usually families, lived together in communal buildings started to be partitioned off in favor of self contained living spaces. They were initially designed as an affordable solution for single workers flooding into growing cities. The efficient design maximized limited square footage while minimizing construction costs.
In modern times though, construction techniques have gotten cheaper and more efficient while low income households in urban areas have trended back towards more multi-room, shared spaces (roommates, multigenerational family homes, etc.). This has removed the association of low-cost pragmatism from studio apartment living.
Even just during my years as a real estate agent in New York City, I witnessed a fascinating shift in how people viewed studios. What began as a budget-conscious choice for entry-level professionals has evolved into something entirely different. Many of my high-earning clients specifically requested studios for their minimalist aesthetic and design potential.
The Modern Studio Renaissance
The studio apartment has experienced a remarkable transformation in recent years. Research from the National Association of Realtors shows that while average apartment sizes (in terms of square footage) are shrinking in major cities, the demand for well-designed studios is actually increasing.
Here's what's driving this renaissance:
The Minimalist Movement: The rise of minimalism caught hold most noticeably in interior living spaces. This “intentional living” style has made studios much more appealing. Their inherent necessity for thoughtful organization fits perfectly with this lifestyle philosophy.
Design Innovation: As an obvious byproduct of minimalism, modern furniture companies have evolved to service these small-space living. Multipurpose furniture sales have increased by 200% since 2019, making studio living more practical and stylish than ever.
Location Priority: Many professionals, particularly in big cities, prefer a well-located studio to a larger apartment in a less desirable area. In fact, recent urban development studies show that location remains the top priority for urban renters. I’m personally a good example of this. When I was looking for a place to live when starting Relm, I opted for an apartment that was half the size just to save 15 minutes on my commute to the office.
From Budget Option to Luxury Choice
One of the most interesting trends I've witnessed in the New York City market is the emergence of luxury studios. While showing apartments in Manhattan, I found more and more finance professionals and growth-stage creative directors specifically requesting high-end studios with good amenities, despite having budgets for much larger, multi-room spaces.
These luxury studios often feature:
Premium finishes and appliances
Higher ceilings and larger windows
Creative storage solutions
High-end building amenities
Prime locations in sought-after neighborhoods
One of the most respected NYC residential developers, Related Companies, is bringing this to another level with their continuously expanding Hudson Yards projects.
Making the Most of Studio Living
Whether you're considering a studio by choice or necessity, here are some key considerations:
Vertical Space Utilization: Look for units with high ceilings that allow for loft beds or vertical storage solutions. And furniture that transforms for multiple uses is a genuine life hack.
Natural Light: Prioritize apartments with large windows – natural light makes spaces feel larger, more inviting, and overall less cramped.
Built-in Features: Many modern studios come with clever built-ins that maximize space efficiency.
Room Dividers: Consider how you might create distinct zones using furniture, screens, or curtains while maintaining the open flow. Humans need visual queues to shift mindsets throughout the day. Many of us learned this during the lockdowns of 2020 when all of a sudden working, eating, and sleeping all happened without going outside.
The Future of Studio Living
The studio apartment continues to evolve. Urban planning trends suggest that studios will play an increasingly important role in addressing urban housing needs while satisfying growing demands for intentional, sustainable living spaces. This is also driven by a decrease in the average number of people per household while overall population continues to grow.
Looking for a Studio Apartment?
Whether you're drawn to the minimalist appeal of studio apartments or just searching for a start space to launch a career, Relm's AI-powered home search engine helps you find your ideal studio. Unlike traditional real estate search portals, Relm understands the nuanced preferences that make a studio perfect for your lifestyle. Using natural language, you can search apartments based on all the features that make studios appealing.
About the Author
Jackson Reiter is a co-founder of Relm and a seasoned expert in New York City real estate. With years of experience as a rental agent and a decade of living across various NYC neighborhoods, Jackson has an insider's understanding of the city's unique housing landscape. Passionate about solving the challenges renters face, he and his team built Relm to revolutionize how people find and connect with their dream homes.
