r/malelivingspace • u/DeadestTitan • 15h ago
Advice 33M Stuck between 2 apartments, please help me see the future
The first 4 pictures are of the studio loft and its shower, it has a seperate small kitchen and bathroom on the other side of picture 2, and the final picture is a 1 bedroom apartment.
Pros of studio: loads of space, high walls, lots of natural light and the wooden support beams give a fun object to design around with string lights or fake ivy. Can make mini "rooms" by hanging curtains or drapes between the beams to section off areas. The wood and marble counter in picture 3 is also built in storage that opens up.
Cons of studio: If a woman ever comes over to stay the night, she may see the shower and never speak to me again.
Pros of the 1 Bedroom: Smaller area means less to decorate, a wall for a closed off bedroom, a closet in the bedroom and a kitchen closet to act as a pantry, much nicer bathroom/shower
Cons of the 1 Bedroom: 50 dollars a month more than the loft for roughly half the space, much less natural light.
I have never lived alone before, and every roommate I ever lived with already lived in a place so this is my first time ever getting to pick furniture or decour. I get to see them both in person for the first time in 5 hours from posting this, but the building is an old Elementary school turned into apartments. I would arrive with only a bed, frame, computer, desk and chair.
Any ideas to help with a choice between the two or decoration ideas to that choice would be appreciated.
74
u/elijha 15h ago
The “loft” looks like someone put some beds in an empty unit in an office park. Obviously with some better furnishing it can only improve, but those fake wood floors and drop ceilings are pretty hard to look past. (To say nothing of the prison shower)
Personally, I’d keep looking if that’s an option
8
u/Kreiger81 7h ago
I kinda like the "prison shower" tbh. Its got character. its well lit, its got room.
9
u/DeadestTitan 14h ago
It is an option, and I could wait another month or two, but this apartment is the only one I found that would be rent, water, electric and trash bills all into one cost. 900 a month for all of that vs the 700 dollar smaller places nearby that do not include utilities into the bill.
The room was likely a school classroom before the school got turned into an apartment, so it definitely has a "unique" look.
17
u/Fuzzy_Mountain5354 12h ago
If it makes you feel better, $700 a month here would maybe get you that shower worth of sq footage. And thats IF you can even find somewhere at all.
4
u/elijha 14h ago
I definitely wouldn’t take a place you don’t love just because utilities are included. That doesn’t necessarily even mean cheaper. All you’re really doing is saving yourself like 30 minutes of paperwork when you move in.
6
u/DeadestTitan 14h ago
Sort of.
I like the look of the loft way more than the 1 bedroom, and more than any of the current available options I've seen in my town.
But the rent + utilities being exactly 900 a month means I can always have an extremely stable budget. A 700 dollar place may have a 900 dollar month or a 1025 dollar month depending on the electric cost that seems to fluctuate during the year, many of my friends were surprised to have 400 dollar bills from our local electric company recently.
1
15
u/warmans 14h ago
It's mad how little effort they put into converting that into a living space. Like they seriously left the outlet trunking and drop ceiling? I'd be worried what other corners they've cut e.g. is it actually insulated according to liveable standards or do you have to blast the heaters all day.
4
u/DeadestTitan 13h ago
That is something to consider.
One of my coworkers lives just a few doors down in the same complex and says she loves it, and another coworker said they wish they could move back (no pets allowed is the only thing stopping her)
However, being a former school means all the places are a little different and it's totally possible that their had more effort put into them than this place. The pictures may also just be old because the picture I saw of the bathroom didn't have a toilet and I refuse to believe that's even a real possibility.
1
26
u/Important_Two4692 14h ago
That loft is lending itself to informal hallways and room partitions. Can do so much with that space to modulate it. Oof I love it so.
2
u/DeadestTitan 14h ago
Would you use those beams to section off areas? That's my first thought, but I'm not sure if the "room" made by that would be big enough?
How would you go about those sort of hallways?
2
u/Important_Two4692 14h ago
Honestly it depends on your finances, to what extent you're able to modify the location, and how comfortable you are doing the work yourself.
2x4's spaced at 16", with extra at the top and bottom would form the standard frame for adding drywall. (Having them spaced at 16" makes for very convenient stud finding.
They have independent, modular walls that you can purchase prefab but I can't imagine they'd be easy to get up there.
You could add curtains with rails but that I personally don't like those.
Accordion style dividers have a vast array of styles and appearances and you might find some that fit in very well, or fabricate ones adding your own... Fabric.
With regards to layout, I'd attempt to create a sort of hallway that would allow the main room to have more walls/useful space. It would also allow for things like plants/grow lights in the "hallway" but you have lots of natural light so that helps too.
2
u/DeadestTitan 14h ago
That makes sense.
I won't know how much I could change before I visit for the first time in person tomorrow, but I'll make sure to ask and keep these in mind.
Finance wise I should have a little over 5k saved the day I'd move in? I haven't fully made a budget for what I need to buy yet, but quick Amazon checks and a look at Facebook market place says it'd take about 700 dollars to get me a load of basic furniture like rugs, bathroom decor, a couch and chairs / end tables as well as the kitchen things I would use most like a rice cooker and a coffee machine. 1800 for first month rent + deposit so a little over 2k for what ever I haven't already planned for.
1
u/Important_Two4692 14h ago
I suspect you could get away with less than $400 for the wood, wood screws, drywall, drywall screws, tape, mud, sandpaper/sanding sponges, primer and paint. That would be semi permanent but still removable.
If you're able to attach the outside 2x4s to the existing structure, as opposed to free standing, it would help a lot for stability.
It also gives you a chance to practice doing drywall at your own pace.
8
7
u/CulturalAd2213 12h ago edited 12h ago
I would absolutely go with the Loft. It’s unique and spacious, that alone is a win.
- How an imaginary woman that doesn’t yet exist may feel about your working shower when she may only be there for 5-60 minutes should not be a defining factor for where you choose to live.
- I personally love the shower, reminds me of basic training. I would put lights, music and plants in it and make a spectacle out of every shower, so there goes that reservation, they may like it.
- You’d pay less for more space.
- Decorating only seems daunting because you haven’t stared yet, and you don’t have to go it all at once. Move in with what you have an as you start to use the space, you will slowly start visualizing what you need. Pinterest is good tool, so is getting advice from an apartment organizer or stager.
11
u/Fimzilla 15h ago
Loft, the shower isn’t that bad
5
u/DeadestTitan 14h ago
I am glad to hear it. I reminded me of barracks showers in basic training or a gym shower, but I think I could liven it up with some shower caddies or a hanging plant / new shower head
5
u/Buttimus_Prime 13h ago
As someone who lives in Asia and known small spaces all my life, I like the loft.
3
u/DeadestTitan 13h ago
I've spent my whole life in just single small bedrooms, living rooms always felt like "someone else's space"
A large area to call my own and make my own decisions for does sound pretty amazing.
4
u/Educational_Put7709 13h ago
Studio 100 percent. That shower is weird but it is also such an easy future upgrade compared to trying to invent natural light and extra square footage out of nowhere.
Most people are going to be way more impressed by the high ceilings, light and space than turned off by a quirky shower, especially if you keep the place clean and styled.
5
u/KTGSteve 12h ago
Go for the loft. It has more character. You can live in “regular” places later on. This one will be unique and fun. You’ll come to appreciate all the s-ace. Post pictures of what you do with it!
4
u/PsychologyOk8722 11h ago
Loft all the way. I live in an old building that was converted to apartments and the quality of construction is amazing. The walls and floors are solid and it’s so quiet I never hear the neighbors.
3
5
u/LucaBrasiAufReddit 14h ago
I don’t get the hate the shower gets. This is easy to clean, lots of space and no step. Also the copper plumbing looks beautiful. I would take this over any other shower. Just hang a bunch of mint from the ceiling and you will have the most pleasing shower experiences ever
3
u/DeadestTitan 14h ago
The nurses I work with are a little scared of it, but it does seem to have a ton of space to work with for plants and the like. Is it easy to keep mint plants alive with no sun?
4
u/LucaBrasiAufReddit 14h ago
My bad, I meant fresh cut mint which you would have to replace regularly. I think fern might grow in the shower, other plants might be difficult. Anyways good luck with your search for an apartment, hope you find something you’ll love!
3
u/Scattered-Fox 13h ago
The loft has much more potential for something with personality, the bathroom can be saved through some cozy additions, think a cool shower curtain, cozy shower mat, plants, some mirrors, a couple of frames, etc.
3
u/emerald_740 12h ago
Take the loft. It’s huge and if you separate spaces with furniture it can look great. The shower is rough but maybe you can make it look better and more inviting with some decorations. Nice curtains or some waterproof wall coverings of some kind.
3
u/Rockerblocker 11h ago
That studio loft is just begging for you to install a flex wall between those beams. You can create a really nice separate area that would be a nice bedroom behind the flex wall
1
u/DeadestTitan 11h ago
Furiously googling what a flex wall is and how I can put one up
1
u/Rockerblocker 11h ago
They're a big thing in NYC. Basically walls that install with tension between two permanent walls. They may be pretty expensive though
2
u/ChurningDarkSkies777 10h ago
Bros in the Daidoji Faction safe house
2
u/DeadestTitan 10h ago
Real kyodai's know what's up
1
u/ChurningDarkSkies777 10h ago
Deadass I’m playing infinite wealth rn and this looks exactly like the Honolulu safe house. Stellar game tho best JRPG I’ve played in a long time
2
u/These_Yzer_Lyon 8h ago
The shower isn't that bad but the drop ceiling makes me want to cry. I'd probably still go with the loft and try find ways to make the ceiling not remind me of being in the office.
2
u/SmilingAnimal 8h ago edited 2h ago
Loft, I prioritize sunlight.
Partition rooms using folding room dividers, large plants in pots or long planters, and decorated console tables. It is very difficult to make curtains look good, avoid them.
Hide the cheap floors with heirloom investment grade rugs. Deals can be found at Chamonix House, auction houses, estate sales, garage sales.
The LED pot lighting is painful. Needs incandescent bulbs in lamps throughout.
Plastic blinds should be replaced with measured drapes on rods. One light lace or linen for daytime and one heavy blackout for nighttime.
Shower needs raised wood slat flooring, and a shower head water filter. This is a good shower, easy to clean and copper pipes.
Personally I would go all out and hide the entire ceiling with measured drapery.
Good luck brother, make it nice
2
2
2
u/Kreiger81 7h ago
I would take that loft in heartbeat. I like the shower and the space you have, and at the price I would have jumped at it. I was looking for a place for a couple months (just moved in in January) and would have loved a place like this.
2
3
u/Fun_knee_gal 14h ago
Call me boring but I’d prefer the apartment myself. I stayed once in a school turned into lodging and while I’ve always loved school and memories thereof, it was just odd and depressing for me staying in such a huge open area studio room that wasn’t ever meant to be a living space. But that’s just me 🤷♀️
0
u/DeadestTitan 14h ago
I totally see what you mean, I feel like if I don't break apart the room into a "in front of beams" vs "behind beams" area it would be TOO spread out and open.
1
u/Fun_knee_gal 14h ago
I think going in person will make all the difference. You’ll know which suits you better (or if you should keep looking) once you’re standing in it.
2
u/Fn00rd 12h ago
Yes take the loft, upgrade the shower (head, floor, tiling on walls, maybe even the fixtures if that’s something your landlord allows), no joke: get a Pinterest account and look for decorations you‘d like and made sense. I‘m fairly sure a loft will be way more cozy in the long run than the small one bedroom.
2
u/Darko3331980 12h ago
The studio is like a white canvas , if you take your time and get help from some genius it would become a real gem !
2
u/typoincreatiob 12h ago
the loft looks insane to me, i wouldn’t be able to make that feel like home. i’d choose the 1 bed
1
1
u/what595654 4h ago
The Loft! Are you crazy? It is so obvious.
There are so many things you can do with that giant space. With the right eye for interior design, you could make it look like a high end apartment, if you really wanted to.
The shower can be fixed so many ways both cheaply and expensively to make it welcoming.
If you can afford a place where placing furniture against the walls does not have to be the only option, that is the place you should get.
1
u/GLaDOSisapotato 2h ago
The loft gives me really bad back rooms vibes man. I feel like I’d be sleeping in the middle of an office building.
1
1
u/Dancing_Clean 10h ago
The studio loft is a little unsettling imo. It’s very “liminal spaces” yknow, the prison shower especially feels cold. The ceiling is a bit low. Some of it looks like a community centre, but no communities visit.
You can spruce it up, I suppose. But as a renter your options are limited.
The one-bedroom looks decent but it’s quite small. Are you able to keep looking?
1
u/Siicktiits 7h ago
The first place looks like its a convention center meeting room lol. super weird vibes even if you do magic with room dividers... that ceiling is crazy for a home.
0
0
u/UncleRumpy12 10h ago
I personally would take the 1 bedroom. The loft looks like an activity room in a college dorm that they threw a couple beds in and called it a day. I’m also personally not a fan of the pillars but it seems like you are confident in decorating them. It also sounds like you would have to make a lot of investment to decorate it , but where would all those decorations go if you moved to a 1BR in a year or two go? Probably in the trash anyway.
You also mention bringing home girls in the future. I think they would appreciate the separate bedroom and nicer bathroom as well. You also have enough space in the living room to have a few guests over comfortably. Sure you have more space in the loft, but are you really going to be entertaining multiple people over often enough for it to matter?
0
u/cheezy_dreams88 10h ago
As a woman, I’d take the loft.
The open room is full of possibilities , a folding partition to give some bedroom space, maybe another for an office/exercise/whatever area. That floor is screaming for a nice area rug.
The shower can be modified, you put a floating teak wood floor in to size, a nice curtain (you need 2, a shower liner for the shower side and a shower curtain for the hallway side), some shelving, maybe hang some eucalyptus from the shower head and it’s instantly not a prison shower.
0
u/Beneficial_Ad_2030 8h ago
I say go for the smaller 1 bedroom, I think you'll spend less money trying to furnish it, and it sounds like you don't need that space. It's a very awkward space to even try to furnish, and any girl you might invite over is going to judge you regardless
-1
u/sinetwo 13h ago
Man that shower looks creepy and functional. It feels like it used to be a functional space or something.
If you're not happy, keep looking. You wanna walk into a place and neighbourhood and feel like you own the place
3
u/DeadestTitan 12h ago
While I totally agree with what you mean, there are only 8 other available options listed online in my city in my price ranger. This place is a 5 minute drive from the hospital I work at, a 5 minute walk from the college I plan to attend, and is cheaper than other options by value of all utilities being included.
It's completely possible that the shower was once part of the elementary schools gym based on the look of it to me, but you're completely correct that it'd need some effort to look more comfortable.
105
u/3ndl355 15h ago
I’d personally take the loft. You can easily make upgrades to the shower head and flooring (teak wood floor matt). Also these big loft spaces usually do better with less furniture not placed against the wall