Kristen's DC Charmer: Small/Cool 2012 Entry

Kristen's 350 sq ft DC charmer might be small on space, but it's large in personality! I'm just slightly obsessed with the effortless "lived in" look and feel of her home. The studded kitchen bar stools are a great accent to her pendant lighting, and the bedroom nook offers just the right amount of space. Icing on the cake? Can her cat be anymore adorable and the food set up more luxurious! I may need to lace my cats like this lol.

It's actually quite amazing how effectively she used such a tight space. There isn't much room for traditional entertaining or a TV, but I love the warm and welcoming feel of the kitchen and making the most of the counter/island space.

If you'd like to vote for Kristen click here.

Name:

Kristen

Location:

Washington, DC

Square Feet:

350

Division:

Teeny-Tiny

What I Love About My Small Home

My home is everything I love: a fluffy bed, a bathtub, many windows, even more books, and a bar. I tore down two walls to fit everything in. I love coming home and seeing all of my books up on my built in bookcase, my olive green closet doors, all of the natural light pouring in my windows, and a sleek wooden bar inviting me to sit and draw (preferably with a glass of whiskey within arm’s reach). I’m a middle school teacher here in DC, as well as a local artist. I read in bed, create lesson plans in my study nook, and draw botanical prints on my bar. From academics to the arts, every space serves a purpose, and I love every inch of my teeny-tiny home.

Biggest Challenge of Living in a Small Space

My biggest challenge is having a pet. Winston, my fat cat, takes up 2 constantly moving square feet of my floor plan. I love him, but find myself rearranging my aesthetics to accommodate his sheer mass. I’m learning to be more flexible while he’s not learning to be more graceful.

Michelle's Dream Space: Small/Cool 2012 Entry

Although the ApartmentTherapy.com Small/Cool 2012 contest features apartments up to 900 sq ft in size, I've found myself having a personal bias towards studios under 600 sq ft large. As my apartment hunt comes to an end, I realized that a studio was in my future and I've been strategically seeking out spaces that I can easily be inspired by and recreate.

Michelle's 330 sq ft Upper West Side apartment is no exception. I love her willingness to play with color (teal on the wall, kitchen backsplash, & patio chairs) along with her cozy design and kick ass outdoor space! I'm no NYC expert, but I'm pretty sure outdoor space like this comes at a premium. In my new apartment I won't have outdoor space (womp), but I did nail my desired neighborhood!

If you'd like to vote for Michelle click here.

Name:

michelle

Location:

New York, NY

Square Feet:

330

Division:

Teeny-Tiny

What I Love About My Small Home

The most exciting aspect of this apartment is the patio -- it is almost impossible to find a studio in Manhattan with more than a fire escape as outdoor space. When I was apartment hunting, I was told I would not be able to find an apartment in my ideal area -- the Upper West Side -- in my price range, so it’s safe to say I found my dream space. It has been an adventure transforming this apartment from a basic New York rental into a space that reflects my personality; this is my first apartment, and slowly I am collecting pieces to replace the various hand-me-downs. I love scouring flea markets all the way from Boston to North Carolina to find unique pieces that I hope to keep forever. Lastly, I love the amount of storage I’ve found within these tiny walls. Beyond having the usual excessive amount of clothes that most young women do, I also run an Etsy shop out of this space. My closets and cabinets are full of paper goods and art supplies, including my prized tabletop letterpress.

Biggest Challenge of Living in a Small Space

Small spaces come with small kitchens. I love to cook, bake and entertain, and I refuse to let my tiny kitchen hold me back. My 18 inches of counter space has not prevented me from making homemade ravioli, baking enough cupcakes to feed my entire office, or throwing dinner parties. In a small apartment, you have to work with what you have, and I try to do just that with my tiny home!

Sarah's Tiny Luxe Oasis: Small/Cool 2012 Entry

Another super cute entry in the Small/Cool 2012 contest, Sarah's 428 sq foot Virginia studio is giving me some serious inspiration. I love her use of furniture, light, and decor colors. It's a clean, cohesive look, but very warm and welcoming. I'm also a huge fan of the corner post bed! I never thought about having such a statement bed in a studio, but it looks great. It speaks to my inner "princess" that would sleep in a bed just like this today lol. Actually, the longer I stare at her bed the more I want it and the entire apartment as a whole. It's definitely my style. Obviously space is a challenge when decorating a studio, and I think it's hard to balance personal sleep space vs social entertaining space... but looking at this bed is making me think about shifting priorities and creating more of a relaxing, oasis retreat instead of downplaying the bed so I can fit a love seat/seating area. Hmmm... questions, questions, questions! Sidebar: Check out the adorable display of cookware above the sink! I'm loving it.

To vote for Sarah's Tiny Division Gem click here.

Name:

Sarah

Location:

Arlington, VA

Square Feet:

428

Division:

Tiny

What I Love About My Small Home

I love that my apartment has large windows and tons of natural light. While it is a small space, I think I've positioned the furniture to function as separate zones while allowing it to still feel open. Trying out different furniture arrangements has been fun and the space has really inspired me to be creative -- the fact that it's a small space makes it easy to change things around whenever I get bored!

Biggest Challenge of Living in a Small Space

Lack of storage and creating the feeling of different living areas have been my biggest challenges. I wanted my "bedroom" area to feel cozy but I didn't want to position the bed against the wall. I ended up hanging curtains to provide a sense of structure and visually anchor the bed. In order to maximize storage, I used vertical shelving wherever I could, and I keep my favorite possessions on display.

Nike Free Run 3

Nike Free Run 3 - Color: Hot Punch/Reflect Silver - $100

I want to shout from the heavens because last week I discovered the most bad ass, amazeballs pair of gym shoes - - the Nike Free Run 3!!! Now, I'm a stiletto/boot girl and the mere thought of spending more than $40 on a pair of sneakers makes me scrunch up my face, but one look at this vibrant color and I was sold. I know a few people that swear by Nike Free Runs and I'm definitely on the band wagon. I've worked out in these shoes for a week and they're awesome. Comfort + Design... what more could you ask for.

Since I have flat feet a constant worry for me is the amount of arch support I'll find in a shoe and I was pleasantly surprised that these are very supportive. Plus, I'm all about the bright, borderline obnoxious color! Aren't they just fab. They have made me more excited about my workouts because I look down at my feet and I'm walking on clouds of happiness.

I bought my pair at Nordstrom (along with the Nike+ chip to keep track of my workouts - - another awesome purchase), but the fun colors have been flying off the shelf. I suggest ordering them online. They fit true to size.

Bennett & Ryan's Room for Two: Small/Cool 2012 Entry

Many people cannot fathom living solo in a 400 sq ft space, but Bennett and Ryan have managed to make room for two in their 390 sq ft apartment. The biggest shocker - - this humble home boasts 2 bedrooms!! Yes, 390 sq ft and literally room for 2. I recently viewed their Small/Cool 2012 entry and was instantly drawn to what gives hints of Parisian design. I've always longed to go to Paris (Anyone want to sponsor that trip? lol...) and their design is a much more affordable way to feel like you're living the Paris dream sans the hefty price tag. Then again, this is a NYC apartment so it could be relatively close to European prices. Nevertheless I love what they've done to their space and think it warrants a vote! To throw some love their way click here.

Taking note of the wall-mounted lights! Great way to save space.

Put Your Graffiti On Me

One of my friends so affectionately described me as a "wiggler" and it's very much the case. From the time I was little I could be found dancing around, some would even say "to the beat of my own drum." Cliche? Yes... but very true. I danced as a child (tap, ballet) and throughout high school and my first year of college. It's safe to say I have a soft spot for choreography.

One of my favs, Kat Graham, posted this cute video breaking down the choreography for her latest song "Put Your Graffiti On Me". It's easy to follow, fun to do, and a cool way to change up your exercise routine. Bust a move around the house and give it a try.

Marina's Brooklyn Dream: Small/Cool 2012 Entry

I've often wondered how to effectively make a studio space work that has a kitchen along the entire wall. This is something I've started seeing a lot during my apartment search, especially with downtown Chicago condos. Marina managed to do a fantastic job working around the long kitchen and defining her sleeping/living space. My favorite part of her 490 sq ft Brooklyn abode is the way she used string curtains to separate her bed, not to mention the awesome chandelier used over her kitchen table. Super cute. This is yet another studio space I could transplant myself into and instantly call home. If you'd like to vote for Marina's space click here.

Name:

Marina

Location:

Brooklyn, NY

Square Feet:

490

Division:

Tiny

What I Love About My Small Home

I love my big windows!! It definitely makes the apartment feel much bigger than it is. Not to mention, I get to overlook Governor's Island and the downtown Manhattan skyline -- not too shabby! I love to have friends over so I made sure to create a space for entertaining. Overall, I love how I feel when I walk home -- it's warm and inviting (great for a homebody like me!)

Biggest Challenge of Living in a Small Space

The biggest challenge was creating a living, eating, working and sleeping area all in one room while trying to make everything feel separate. Thinking vertically always helps in a small space. I installed two shelving systems for entertainment as well as my office space. The position of the furniture is key to creating separation of spaces. I also installed a string curtain to separate the sleeping area from the rest of the apartment. I love the string curtain over a solid curtain because it creates a divide without breaking up the space. It allows flow throughout the space, making it feel larger.

Breast Reduction Debate

Anyone with large breasts know of the many pitfalls to having big boobs. Hard to find bras, straps that dig into your skin, back pain, bad posture, self consciousness, clothes that don't fit well... don't even try to find bikini tops that work! I've previously blogged about wanting to have a breast reduction and I'm starting to  consider it more seriously. Before my main reason for not wanting to go through with it at this point in my life (27yo) was due to the possibility of having children in the next few years and potential issues with breast feeding. As of late, however, I've started to have a change of heart and realized that this may be the perfect time to take the reins and do something for myself, sans the opinions of others.

While surfing the web I found some videos of Somaya Reece (Love and Hip Hop) discussing her recent breast reduction. I actually really like the scaled back personality she has in her videos... always interesting to get a first hand account of what the surgery and recovery is like.


Part 1


Part 2

Joe's Chicago Gem: Small/Cool 2012 Entry

Joe's 420 square foot unit goes to show just how effective paint, nice finishes, and cohesive flooring can go to make a space unique. For some reason I'm slightly hooked on the paint color combinations, loving the upgraded kitchen, and scale of the furniture. Making things even better? Joe's unit is in Chicago (my city) and always encourages me that spaces right in my backyard can be transformed on any budget. On another note, I really wish landlords would take the time to upgrade the flooring, kitchens, and bathrooms in apartments. Seriously... incorporating granite and stainless steel appliances in a space under 500 sq feet is NOT asking for much. Plus you'll open up the pool of renters and be able to charge more rent. I'm even down for wood laminate floors. Yes, wood laminate can be annoying and I'd much prefer real wood, but dirty, dingy carpets? Hell no. I'll pass. Sidebar: Can I get white trim, please!! I can't begin to explain how much brown colored trim I've seen lately :/ It makes my heart ache.

If you'd like to vote for Joe's Chicago Gem click here.

Name: Joe

Location: Chicago, IL

Square Footage: 420

Division: Tiny

What I Love About My Small Home

We love the coziness of our home. While it is a small space, we’ve worked hard to transform it into OUR small space, trying to best address space issues with our design aesthetic. Brainstorming clever ways to maximize function and potential has been fun, and is one of the ways our home is ever-changing.

Biggest Challenge of Living in a Small Space

Entertaining guests is difficult in a small space, but cooking for our friends and family is one of our favorite things to do. To address the impracticality of a full-size dining table in our home, we’ve custom-made (I know, we’re sort of handy) an extendable dining table/desk combo. When we are having friends over, the table slides open to seat 8 people comfortably. When it’s just us, the table slides closed with the leaves removed, and functions as a perfectly sized desk. This project in particular took A LOT of planning to pull off (probably more than I should admit). From determining the size of the table leaves (when not in use, they needed to fit under our bed in a storage tub) to figuring out how to seat an ideal number of guests (the coffee table needed to double as a bench seat), everything in our home must serve multiple purposes. Nevertheless, we’ve created something we’re proud of, and hope our guests feel as comfortable as we do.

Leah's Big Window: Small/Cool 2012 Entry

Large windows and ample light are a great way to maximize the look and feel of a studio. Leah from Calgary, Canada does a great job making the most of her 324 sq ft space, creating a bright oasis.

I'm hooked on the color palette, girly touches of pink, hard wood floors (wood laminate?), and white sheets. I think white sheets add a fresh look to any bedroom. Oh, and the white TV!! I always wanted a white TV (random lol). I recognize many of the pieces from IKEA which doesn't bother me at all. I think IKEA is an affordable way to furnish any apartment/home, and when you're living in a studio how much do you really want to invest in furniture. This is a room that I could easily see myself calling home and gives me a lot of inspiration as I continue my apartment hunt.

To vote for Leah's space click here.

Name:

Leah

Location:

Calgary, Canada

Square Feet:

324

Division:

International

What I Love About My Small Home

The one large window. I lived in a basement unit for two years prior to moving into this place and I didn't realize how much I actually missed a view until I moved in here.

Biggest Challenge of Living in a Small Space

When I moved in I only had my desk, office chair and bed. I made good use of my measuring tape and enjoyed playing 'Furniture Tetris' Beyond that I never did have much trouble adjusting to the size.