I was in Istanbul for a Turkish language program and I was very fortunate to have Fatma and Hasan as my host during my stay. The room was actually bigger and even cozier than it looks on the pictures, and some restructures have been done to allow for more space(The TV and the armchair was not there instead there is a very comfy sofa opposite to the bed). There was a interesting collection of books on Turkish cinema next to the window. The towel and the sheets have a very soothing scent. Apart from the room itself, the highlight of the apartment is the roof top terrace, which is two levels above. It is a great place to have a drink, hang out with other people living in the building or just work on your own.
Maybe it's because I stayed there during the summer vacation and ramadan period, there were always lots of children running on the street. That could be a little challenge if you are visiting in the summer-- since you have to keep the windows at night to keep good ventilation, it could be a bit noisy at night. Also there is a rather bright street light shining directly onto the bed. So bring eyeshades and earplugs with you if you are sensitive towards noise and light when you sleep.
The neighborhood is well-connected. Apart from the taksim metro, there is a bus station only 1~2 min's walk away from the apartment, with more than can literally get you to most of the places. I thought the neighborhood was challenging on the first sight when I arrived at night. The longer I stayed here, however, the more I feel it is an experience in Istanbul that you will not be able to get from any other neighborhood in Istanbul. The history Tarlabaşı, the neighbor where the apartment is located, is a genuine reflection of the history of urban construction in Istanbul, and right now you could see such ironic juxtaposition of construction areas covered by huge posters advertising the urban renewal projects and apartments on the brink of demolition, most of which are now squatted by people of various kind. The life here is noisy, loud, and you could not have the perfect "privacy" as you could in a "western" context, but on the other hand you could see a very diverse interpretation of life in this little corner right next to one of the busiest districts in Istanbul.