Lifestyle Mirror

New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg is on a roll! After prohibiting cigarettes in public places, introducing the soda ban, and ousting trans fats (among other controversial initiatives), Bloomberg has announced his plans for the newest in city living: studio apartments measuring only 275- to 300-square-feet. (And you thought those Tiny Houses were small.)

Presented to the public as a city-sponsored competition, Bloomberg is looking for designs of a single apartment building in Kips Bay containing nearly 80 of these aptly named “micro-units.” These 10 by 30 feet studios—which are (at their largest) 100-square-feet smaller than the current legal minimum—will include a kitchen, a bathroom, and a living-bedding area all at arms reach. 

Posed as a way to address the growing need for affordable housing in the city, the units are projected to cost nearly $2000/month—still pricier than some livable one-bedrooms in Brooklyn, and certainly more expensive than living with friends, or Craigslist strangers.

But, if you can’t save on rent, there are plenty of ways to capitalize on space-conscious, dual-purpose décor. Check out our picks below. —Sasha Levine (@sashalevine)