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Name: Cem
Location: Manhattan, Upper East Side
Size: 384 sq ft (12 x 32 ft) Studio

Favorite resource:

Manhattan / Istanbul flea markets (especially for art work), IKEA, West Elm

What inspired you?

The lack of space vs. my need to have separate sleeping / dining areas.

The storage cubes in front of the sofa: 1) I primarily use them as coffee tables. 2) They hold my cds and Turkish floor cushions. 3) They double as dining room chairs.

The sofa is a sleeper sofa.

The dinner table: 1) When it is closed this table measures 20 inches by 53 inches and I use it when I have dinner by myself or with my girlfriend. 2) When closed it also functions as a console for drinks, and appetizers. 3) When opened it measures 40 inches by 53 inches and can seat up to six people very comfortably.
I use the sofa, storage cubes, and my two chairs for seating.

Design Tip:

Multifunctionality! Especially if you are living in a small space like mine.

The Ikea lamps behind my bed: 1)They act as a room divider between the sleeping and the living areas.
They hide the bed so one cannot see it from the door upon entry. 2) I also use them as night lamps. They came with a dimmer, which I placed under the bed.
This way I do not have to get up to turn them off / on at night. 3) They also act as the living room lamps, creating a cozy atmosphere.

The lowest level of the white built in shelves in the sleeping area functions as a desk when I work from home.