r/malelivingspace 2d ago

45M - Stupidly overpriced costal studio. Divorced, moved 2k miles, starting over.

4.4k Upvotes

204 comments sorted by

1.1k

u/gimp0wenz 2d ago

That’s a decently sized studio

461

u/Knowone_Knows 2d ago

I was really lucky to be able to get it. 4k/mo, but includes all utilities.

257

u/msabre__7 2d ago

Omfg. Is this Malibu?

446

u/Knowone_Knows 2d ago

La Jolla.

45

u/DifferenceWise9475 2d ago

Check out City Tacos

23

u/luevano24 1d ago

Tacos el gordo!

9

u/DifferenceWise9475 1d ago

Tacos el Gordo are top tier OG style tacos. But I was tryna help homie out by not driving south of Balboa for some good tacos.

2

u/Knowone_Knows 19h ago

I usually just go to Taco Shop or Rigoberto's.

2

u/diaphainein 1d ago

I miss Tacos el Gordo so much 😭 I moved to Pennsylvania and would kill for good lengua!

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5

u/AccomplishedCicada60 1d ago

Love La Jolla! Expensive but a choice find!

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65

u/xCOLONELDIRTYx 2d ago

Damn, if I may ask, what do you do to afford a rent that high?

300

u/Knowone_Knows 2d ago

I'm a vascular surgery radiology tech.

79

u/xCOLONELDIRTYx 2d ago

Nice, good for you, King. Keep on living!

72

u/elissa24 2d ago

Get that west coast rad tech money! Love, cath lab

62

u/Knowone_Knows 2d ago

IR represent!

29

u/Vulpes206 2d ago

That’s a nice place but 4k is crazy. Why’s the area so expensive if you don’t mind me asking.

143

u/anotherleftistbot 2d ago

It’s one of the nicest areas near one of the most desirable cities in a region with possibly the best climate in the world and he can walk to the beach to surf.

68

u/Knowone_Knows 1d ago

This is what I tell my friends back home. When they give me shit about my expenses, I send them pictures of the sunset over the ocean.

21

u/anotherleftistbot 1d ago

Money is relative.

46

u/Knowone_Knows 1d ago

Lol, true that. Socal money is not the same as Chicago money.

10

u/anotherleftistbot 1d ago

And the “beaches” aren’t the same, either 😂.

1

u/Burushko_II 11h ago

Hey, I've lived and had good times in both. Kurowski's Sausage Shop probably makes my national top-five as a deli, and I can't get plantains without remembering the breakfast batch at Cafeteria Marcelo.

6

u/dodecohedron 1d ago

La Jolla is like the Malibu of San Diego.

8

u/hank3148 2d ago

Just look it up? Torrey Pines is there for one

9

u/twinmamamangan 1d ago

I could not understand how a studio was 4k till I saw it lol. My old studio was 500 with utilities included but it was literally one room with a Murphy bed plus a bathroom. This place is huge for a studio

2

u/SpikyCactusJuice 1d ago

Christ, that’s more than my monthly take-home 😝 Looking good though! Here’s to new starts 🍻

2

u/Soliusthesun 1d ago

4k for that?! Daaaang, that will get you a massive house where I’m from. If you feel it’s worth it though it’s your money. Congrats.

1

u/Western_Monitor148 1d ago

Damn, that’s a lot of moolah.

327

u/Mayo_Whales 2d ago

In all fairness, that looks like it would not feel like a studio apartment. How is the view?

99

u/BuzzRoyale 2d ago

Lmao I just wana see the view too

112

u/Individual-Ad-2862 2d ago

Shit, or else he would’ve posted it 😂

223

u/Knowone_Knows 2d ago

You're correct. It's a main road and a storefront. I can't afford the other side of this building, lol.

46

u/Individual-Ad-2862 2d ago

No judgement here, I’m in a 25ft camper. At least it’s out here in the mountains lol

98

u/Knowone_Knows 2d ago

Technically, if I tape my camera to a broom and raise it up to the west skylight window, I have an ocean view. Even then, it's a sliver through 2 other buildings and a field of roof-mounted AC units.

14

u/Belloved 1d ago

Sounds like you’ve actually done this to see your view lol! Maybe a large photograph print or realistic painting of your ideal view and have it between the windows, above your current artworks, so it can feel like you have a third skylight? It’s a great studio either way! I love La Jolla

1

u/K_Pumpkin 23h ago

You still live on the water, man. Thats priceless.

2

u/Phallindrome 2d ago

Are you on the ground floor?

146

u/VariedStool 2d ago

It’s a start. Doing good buddy.

29

u/Knowone_Knows 2d ago

Thanks man.

101

u/Softspokenclark 2d ago

73

u/Knowone_Knows 2d ago

I'm getting a new one. It's actually just 2 mattresses stacked on a box spring.

42

u/AddisonH 2d ago

Is the single dry grain of rice underneath all of it messing up your back?

7

u/GreenEyed_Lady 1d ago

Love this “Princess and the Pea” reference! I accuse my husband of this all the time!

64

u/OhhSuzannah 2d ago

Enormous studio, friend. So jealous of all the windows. Starting over is hard but you have a nice set up.

Not sure if you're taking layout advice. If not, feel free to ignore this. If so, a few suggestions (from a fellow studio dweller):

  • it's helpful to put the bed in the darkest part of the unit and your living spaces in the brightest area. You have AMAZING skylights. I'd consider switching your bed and couch area.
  • If you did that, you could easily "close off" the bed and make a "bedroom" with curtain, shelving, flex wall sorta deal.
  • float the couch in the middle between the counter and TV/picture wall. Put the dining table where the bed used to be. Then you can still use the same TV in the living room and kitchen and dining area.

20

u/Knowone_Knows 2d ago

Lol, you're right. That's exactly how I laid it out when I first moved in, but the flow of the place was off in that configuration; it didn't feel smooth to move through the small space.

I like it this way because the back of the sofa doesn't create a hard barrier through the lengthwise portion of the room, while still segregating each of the 'rooms' without hard barriers, leaving a large open area beneath the skylight, and the entire place feels much brighter and open to me. Also you can path directly from any 'room' to any other 'room' mostly without obstruction.

7

u/OhhSuzannah 2d ago

Totally get it! My studio has spaces like that too. First thing you see when you walk in is my bed, but putting it anywhere else just feels off.

5

u/flyingfuckatthemoon 2d ago

Even if you don't like the flow of divider bedroom (which would be correct interior design as it's darkest, furthest from the door, there's already a tv mounted elsewhere, you can keep your bed out of a corner with a nightstand on both sides, etc etc etc), you'll probably want to find a way to get your bed away from the corner eventually. And your back not facing the door+your face facing a windowless wall when sitting at your desk.

If you're sticking with the bed/living layout, then I would loft the bed, potentially put the desk underneath it, and move the couch further back to enlarge the living room area (which is currently quite cramped).

1

u/Knowone_Knows 2d ago

Who decides what's correct in terms of interior design, anyway? It's all a matter of personal taste.

I do like the idea of the lofted bed, but I feel like it would really minimize the vaulted ceiling and close off the space, and I like the feeling of openness as it is.

I still have some play with pulling the sofa back to create a larger 'living room' area, but I've settled on this for now. I mostly use it as a sort of movie theatre and I like that it is a smaller, more intimate space. Great for more personal conversations, too.

6

u/PvtCW 2d ago

Your mattress is going to smell like whatever you cook with no source of ventilation…

You’ll probably get used to it, but others who visit will definitely notice.

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17

u/Mobile_Sell9895 2d ago

Hell yeah. Best of luck man. Side note, PLEASS get the letters in non alphabetical order. That makes my ass itch

14

u/Knowone_Knows 2d ago

Never.

2

u/usrnamealreadyexists 2d ago

Love the commitment hahaha

4

u/BeechM 2d ago

I noticed that too. He did say he was starting over.

43

u/gimp0wenz 2d ago

Two screens is crazy tho

30

u/Knowone_Knows 2d ago

The previous tenant left the one under the paintings behind, but I didn't want my 'living room' there, and I didn't want to bother with taking it down.

4

u/gimp0wenz 2d ago

Ah I see . Makes sense tbh

20

u/lpablito 2d ago

How else would you fit his surf board inside

21

u/gimp0wenz 2d ago

What does that have to do with having two TVs lmao

1

u/20_mile 2d ago

"You know we have two TVs."

1

u/Thong-Boy 2d ago

It's an ironing board

9

u/s2nders 2d ago

For an over priced studio it’s a beauty

6

u/Beginning-Comedian-2 2d ago

Good sized studio.

Great job defining separate mental spaces between "office" and "living room".

I would put a night table beside your bed and a rug underneath your bed to give you better mental space for your "bedroom".

3

u/Knowone_Knows 2d ago

Thanks for noticing! The 'bedroom' area is still unfinished-ish. I've decided on a bedframe and a rug, just haven't pulled the trigger yet. Also need to paint the art that will go there, but that'll take a while.

3

u/GreenEyed_Lady 1d ago

You’re an artist, too? Where do you sell your pieces? They are lovely!

1

u/Knowone_Knows 1d ago

I only paint as a hobby, really, but I do sell a few pieces to personal friends and acquaintances if they show interest. Those are for a friend who offered to buy the blue one when she saw it finished, and she asked for a pink one to go with it.

2

u/Qinistral 2d ago

Oh thank god. The bed missing a frame is one of the main things that stood out.

The other is the bathroom toiletries. Those two are 'gross bachelor" stereotypes. Find some tray or box to organize those toiletries.

Other than that solid start. Good luck on the reboot.

5

u/Automatic-Plenty-388 2d ago

Clear up the clutter and it looks even bigger

5

u/Zebidee 2d ago

Yeah, if I was about to take photos for what is essentially an interior design subreddit, I'd at least consider making the bed.

6

u/sinkwiththeship 2d ago

I would move the bed. It's too close to the kitchen and also directly in front of the door. I'd put it where your living room is and then desk where the bed is.

1

u/Knowone_Knows 2d ago

That's actually the balcony door. The main entrance is by the surfboard.

9

u/MindlessPepper7165 2d ago

Hell yeah. Now buy a keg, get a stripper pole and hinge account.

6

u/STONKvsTITS 2d ago

You indeed needed an overpriced studio for that big surfboard.

3

u/s_mcbn 1d ago

Please close the toilet seat. Every time, and always before you flush the deuce.

Get a standing screen to close off the bed a little bit.

Awesome place!

3

u/NotoriousScot 2d ago

I love it! Where is this? Or just a general idea? 💡 I would do something like this.

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3

u/CheeseburgerTornado 2d ago

gonna be honest, i thought the thumbnails with the boxing gloves were some kind of weird doorway bdsm thing and the gloves were a butt

anyway cool spot man

3

u/ixmntr 2d ago

I get 2001-2005 vibes

1

u/Knowone_Knows 1d ago

That's probably when it was most recently remodeled. I just kinda leaned into it.

3

u/Dudeehangsdong 1d ago

What sb’s are in that purple box ? lol

4

u/throwitback9000 2d ago

What's "overpriced", mate?

5

u/byzantinian 2d ago

4k/mo studio with no ocean view.

2

u/FreshwaterViking 2d ago

Can we get a link to that desktop wallpaper?

3

u/Knowone_Knows 2d ago

Sure man. Comes in lots of colors, too.

2

u/Westboundandhow 2d ago

The two pieces of art on the floor by the table should go on the small wall above the long side of your bed. The kitchen painting needs to be lower, the small blue bathroom painting too. Cool spot. Not sure how long you've been there but looks a little cluttered, maybe you're still moving in. Good luck.

1

u/Knowone_Knows 2d ago

Those are two are already sold, sadly. I gotta make new ones for that space. I'm actually gonna move the larger bathroom painting up because the ceiling in that room is lower than it seems.

1

u/Westboundandhow 2d ago

Ah ok yea. I'd move the big one up so that the small one is centered on it.

2

u/Cantthinkofathing00 2d ago

This is all a man needs. You are doing well. Never forget this.

2

u/dcpwpcd 2d ago

I don’t like the bed where it is and I would try to create some kind of privacy barrier - more space for your art too. I feel like the glass table is a waste of space. You are an artist and have a lot of beautiful space to work with. I recommend nice storage containers for your bathroom items and/or consider storage in the bathroom over the toilet if you don’t have it elsewhere in the bathroom. I would move or get rid of the wood table under the kitchen island unless already planned.

1

u/Knowone_Knows 2d ago

I'm trying to avoid barriers to keep the space open. Any visitors I might have won't be worried about privacy, lol. I do agree about the dining table and I'll probably get rid of it and make that more of a dedicated art space. The wooden table is sentimental, and I can't really find a better place where it works at all.

2

u/anonymous_coward69 2d ago

Looks messy AF. Love it. Finally a realistic representation of single living😂

2

u/Knowone_Knows 1d ago

Right? Everybody always has these staged pics like they're trying to sell their place. I want to see real life, lol.

2

u/AccomplishedIgit 1d ago

Congrats dude, any window view with palm trees is a win! Starting small is actually great. You’ll find what you really need as you go, for now you have low possessions, low clutter and the least stress.

Also, damn, surf boards are way bigger than I realized.

1

u/Knowone_Knows 1d ago

It's a longboard. 8'6"

1

u/Upper-Tip-1926 1d ago

Doesn’t look waxed 😬 definitely time to take it out!

2

u/super58sic 1d ago

Ha! I saw the surfboard brand and was like 'Welcome to San Diego.'

1

u/Knowone_Knows 1d ago

Just picked it up last week in Carlsbad. I've only been a few times so far, but I had to keep borrowing small boards I can't even ride yet, so I bit the bullet and got my own.

2

u/blacksoulnoise 1d ago

You have fantastic natural light in there!

2

u/BroderBorg 1d ago

You got everything you need right there.

2

u/OG-Always-Forever 1d ago

Thank you for posting something relatable. It’s usually either some $2M skyrise or shitty college dorm.

3

u/entropee0 2d ago

I come in peace friend. Tidy up a bit. Just a little every day. Build a habit. Seems like it's not important, but it is.

2

u/Evening_Carpet_7881 2d ago

I don't want to nag you like your ex wife (probably) but you gotta clean that place up man. Pick up the random crap off the floor and wash your dishes 😭

2

u/entropee0 2d ago

Nah, I felt the same . You're not 18.

3

u/Knowone_Knows 2d ago

I didn't clean up on purpose; this is about as bad as it would usually get before cleaning. It's r/malelivingspace, not r/malecleanspace, lol.

1

u/Evening_Carpet_7881 2d ago

You know, I guess I appreciate the honesty

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2

u/Willywontwonka 2d ago

Get a rack for that surfboard. One day you will come home and it will have fallen over which will most likely lead to a crack.

1

u/n0ah_fense 2d ago

You're gonna need more room for surfboards

1

u/punkey_brewster 2d ago

Go gettum' cowboy!

1

u/Jumpy_Log9890 2d ago

Hang Ten 😎

1

u/Remarkable-Ad-8876 2d ago

Move forward.

1

u/ethanh333 2d ago

What brand is that beautiful gaming chair?

1

u/Kooky-Ad1849 2d ago

For a studio apartment, it appears quite well laid out. Overpriced, you say! Please elaborate.

1

u/Austin_Redfield 2d ago

Nice place tho!

1

u/InternationalBag8977 2d ago

CA or FL? I want to move to something similar, going through a breakup.

1

u/Electronic-Glass7822 2d ago

Good for you. Have fun again; freedom.

1

u/Yourmomkeepscalling 2d ago

Bird rock? I think I lived here in college…

1

u/nuggetzoftruth 2d ago

Looking good!

1

u/ResilientLumineer 2d ago

The second TV is too much imo but I get it, it's near your bed.

1

u/eugooo 2d ago

You have a sweet resto bronco to use that surf board properly?

1

u/sinkwiththeship 2d ago

Ah. Got it.

I would still move the bed. I lived in a studio for a while and cooking smells being on my bed fucked me up.

1

u/rafapdc 2d ago

Nice bong!

1

u/Individual-Ad-2862 2d ago

Thank god you’ve got a candle

1

u/rafinsf 2d ago

Congrats on not self destructing after the divorce. Rediscover yourself.

1

u/Cute-File-2850 2d ago

Kitchen cabinet handles are way too big.

1

u/AmIKrumpingNow 2d ago

From one Divorcee to another, good luck! It's raw as hell for a while though.

1

u/TheZookeeper31 2d ago

Looks good, but I’d get a queen size bed and a decent frame that fits the vibe of the space. A queen or king size bed does something for my sleep and mental health somehow.

1

u/kal0kag0thia 2d ago

Yeah, best time of my life was when I lived walking distance to check the surf.

1

u/Hairy-Locksmith-4864 2d ago

Gotta keep on living my man

1

u/ballistic_tanx 2d ago

Head board and tapestry

1

u/blackrain29 2d ago

Nice crib, bro

1

u/StxrMania 2d ago

Just perfect

1

u/Tylerpickupitsme911 2d ago

What’s with the alphabet magnets? Do you have kids? Do you want kids? 👀

5

u/Knowone_Knows 2d ago

They're fun and it's amusing for people to make little messages sometimes.

1

u/GreenEyed_Lady 1d ago

Are you volunteering?

1

u/FinancialJet 2d ago

Needs a stripper pole and some club laser lights, maybe a fog machine. Bose sound system 

1

u/Georg_Steller1709 2d ago

I hope you're right on the beach

1

u/Bunter121 2d ago

Good luck starting again man. Great place. You’ll get where you want to be x

1

u/Any-Profession-9873 2d ago

Marriage is like a boat, the first days you got it are the happiest you’ll ever be until the day you finally get rid of it then true happiness begins.

1

u/round_1 2d ago

Triple decker - nice!

1

u/ImpressiveCitron420 2d ago

Not saying it’s a bad thing but building itself reminds me of the first floor of a nice SFH.

1

u/Sufficient-Count8288 2d ago

Ooh hand towels next to the open toilet! Delicious. 

1

u/Knowone_Knows 1d ago

You can lick them if you'd like.

1

u/notsocivil 2d ago

Put some wax on the board and get in the water, everything else will work out.

1

u/Global-Drop-5369 2d ago

good luck man, new starts are always scary but Im sure you'll be ok, the studio looks comfy

1

u/Secret-Structure9750 2d ago

That one runner looks like a broken down cardboard box

1

u/Knowone_Knows 1d ago

It's a natural cork yoga mat.

1

u/JellyfishAlarming 2d ago

nooooooiceeeee

1

u/SirSpankalott 1d ago

You should get one over those over toilet storage cabinets and shove all that shit on the counter into it. Bonus points if you add a little basket with feminine products for female visitors.

1

u/Rich-Foundation-6152 1d ago

Looks cozy, also looks like you’re doing a great job at starting over, the place looks neat and very much lived in, keep on rocking

1

u/broccoliandspinach99 1d ago

Show us the coast

1

u/broccoliandspinach99 1d ago

Pretty please

1

u/Joltbar 1d ago

Dude you gotta get some board hangars for that high wall. Sick and functional decor

1

u/Fun_Manufacturer5406 1d ago

That’s a nice dab rig you got there

1

u/Hour-Personality-924 1d ago

This reminds me of those apartments in the tv show Columbo. Totally california vibes. Looks great! Love the windows and the palm trees.

1

u/Zap_Apple 1d ago

Out of curiosity, what is your desk chair?

1

u/bigailist 1d ago

Wax the board dude

1

u/Bigjayallday1264 1d ago

Looks like you living your best bro.👍🏻

1

u/Hazmat1213 1d ago

The boxing gloves look like a butt

1

u/Downtown_Ad1258 1d ago

Is this considered a loft! I love it

1

u/BriefWeary9154 1d ago

A bed frame and headboard would go a long way!

1

u/left-boob- 1d ago

It’s a cool space, ya did good! Curious though, what’s your next move from here? Buying a house? I’ve always wanted to live on the beach (touch of jealousy)

1

u/AvengerMars 1d ago

San Diego! My hometown! I hope you love it here. Make sure to check out some Padres games! If you’re looking for the hip part of town, North Park and Hillcrest are the places to be. Convoy Cultural Distruct has the best eats in town: Yakitori Yokohama, Grandma Tofu, Kogi KBBQ, Raki Raki Ramen, Somi Somi, Up2You Cafe, Convoy Music Bar (speakeasy). In UTC Mall, Negi is my favorite ramen. Windansea is the most picturesque beach, and Swamis in Encinitas is the best Locals Only beach in the County imo. Birch Aquarium is small but beautiful, San Diego Zoo is one of the best in the country, San Diego Zoo Safari Park (in North County, an extended branch of the Zoo), has a better layout, but not as wide variety of animals. There’s tons do here, I hope you enjoy it!

1

u/em1ly1229 1d ago

I love the alphabet on the fridge 😄

1

u/GreenEyed_Lady 1d ago

Nice contemporary blue sculpture on your kitchen counter!

1

u/your_gerlfriend 1d ago

Only critique is for you to get a real bed frame. Something wood, one of those slot together ones would be ideal, and maybe a night stand. Thank you for putting art in the walls.

1

u/Huge_Introduction368 1d ago

Exactly what I thought.

1

u/drdisme 1d ago

Love it!!

1

u/AllOfTheSoundAndFury 1d ago

I am green with envy over the location. 

1

u/Perfect-Hovercraft49 1d ago

Get a bedframe

1

u/innominateindie 1d ago

4K a month!!!! Shit.

1

u/thermiteman18 1d ago

Are those Hayabusa gloves

1

u/Huge_Introduction368 1d ago

It’s a good start!

1

u/9212017 1d ago

Nice, I like the way the bed is set up

1

u/B5_V3 1d ago

Nice extra long ironing board

1

u/biltown 1d ago

But includes utilities lol I pay $600 a month but it includes utilities

1

u/GaryFromOutlook 18h ago

A good start but you 100% have to move the bed from its spot in the living space area.

1

u/HereToPlay448 14h ago

It’s always the Moisturizer next to the computer that does it for me.

1

u/avengedpixels 13h ago

I spy SBs.

1

u/SnibBlib 11h ago

Two words: Murphy Bed

1

u/Prestigious-Fan3122 2d ago

From a woman's point of view, I would totally date that apartment! Sadly, I'm too old for it, and my daughter is too young for it.

I very much appreciate your organized closets!

Clearly, you're not a person who watches TV from his bed.

I'm self admittedly lousy at a home "day-core,"so I'm surprised I noticed, but the way you have pulled together your bathroom is very nice. Black picture frame and black towels pull the black from the shower mat.

Is it safe to assume you have a child under the age of 10?

3

u/Knowone_Knows 2d ago

Thanks! The only child around here is an inner one... Is it the legos?

1

u/Prestigious-Fan3122 6h ago

No, the alphabet letter magnets on your fridge. I miss the days when I had a reason to have those!