Name: Andrea
Location: Highlands — Louisville, Kentucky
I saw this apartment only once and signed the lease that day. When I walked into it again two weeks later, I burst into regretful tears. The rooms were smaller than I remembered, the previous tenant had taken the microwave I assumed would be mine, there was no outlet in the bathroom, the bathroom floor tiles were Barbie pink, there was no kitchen counter (at all), half of the only closet was unreachable space, and not even my broom--much less a kitchen table--could fit anywhere. What had I done?
I had acted too impulsively; I had been too anxious to live on my own that I snatched up any old apartment way too soon.
It only took a month, and my regret and dread quickly turned into pure adoration for this space. It is in fact the perfect size for me, as I use every inch of it in a productive way. I basically had a blank slate and complete design freedom, though I'm not completely thrilled about my mom's hand-me-down leather couch I couldn't afford not to use. My design aesthetic was a mystery to me when I started purchasing things--and I still can't define it, really--but I've been pleasantly surprised how I've managed to put things together. It’s a nice eclectic mix of antique and modern elements that also incorporates Etsy whimsy with some Goodwill thrown-togetherness.
Most of my inspiration comes from design blogs and DIY magazines. I spent many hours perusing every single item at antique malls and thrift stores to determine its functionality and potential beauty. My favorite project is how I turned the existing dirty mini-blinds into roman shades using only scissors, fabric and fabric glue. And though I am very fond of my new Internet-ordered damask rug, my favorite piece without a doubt is my oak bed, a small antique double that belonged to my great grandparents. My father’s mother was born in that bed.
Thanks, Andrea!
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I think it's adorable! But what I really want to know is... could you share the details on the dirty mini-blinds transformation?? Thanks!
OMG, you have the lamp I want!!! Wait, did you review that at UO.com? I recall that side table. I'm in love with that lamp and the yellow color, just not sure I wanna spend the money for it. You're place is so cute and I love the old charm. Wish we could see the bathroom! The tiny kitchen would drive me crazy as I love to bake-is there a stove in there? At least there was room to add counterspace and there's even wall space for shelves or a hanging fruit basket if you need it.
Yes, it's cute! Kudos for turning the situation around. I actually had a very similar experience with my current apartment. After weeks of frustrating searches, I settled for the next thing I saw and was shocked at how much smaller and non-functioning it was when I moved in. I've come to really love it however, after implementing some creative storage ideas (mostly courtesy of AT) and downsizing considerably (never a bad thing!)
Great job! This is a beautiful apartment using space so efficiently! It shows you how much bigger a space looks when it has furniture in it, doesn't it?
As far as the bathroom goes, learn to embrace the pink tiles. Check out www.savethepinkbathrooms.com
You did a great job -- congratulations!!!
Yes, as far as the bathroom goes there is a site about all the old bathrooms. I didn't see a picture of yours, but if it's pink with black tile-add black and white towels and accessories :) You did a GREAT JOB! I love it! Those french doors are awesome. Do you have a lil backyard area? I thought you were describing someting so awful, what you did is made something so comfy and pretty. Also, as for the couch-you can always get a slipcover if you want. Otherwise, if it's comfy and you like it, that's all that matters! :)
Great job! Love the bedroom.
i WISH my bathroom tiles were barbie pink!
great job-congrats on living on your own!
The site I was talking about is actually the site, that was posted above :) Retro renovations.
I think that "oh-no-" feeling comes with most places you're about to move into. I've had it with every apartment I had, right before I move in, and I've talked my friends through the feeling as I help them move in. Without furniture it looks way smaller, and you notice all the imperfections, combined with the fact that you've just spent the time between the time you saw it first and the time you move in, romanticizing it in your head :)
I'm about to move out of my first apartment. I've been here 2 years. That couch looks great! You should have seen the free one that I got!
For rachida and anyone else interested in the mini blind transformation. I'm not Andrea but I did this a few weeks ago
http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2009/02/make-shades-out-of-mini-blinds.html
I'm glad to see a Kentuckian featured!
Highlands representin'!
The bedroom is so sunny and cheerfully colorful. I like it.
re: "small antique double"
Do you mean you need to get a UK small double mattress? Is that tricky in the US?
I like your textiles, especially the rug.
lepidoptery - I don't know if she's referring to a UK double, but to me, that bed looks like a standard (US) twin size.
Wow it looks really great. I know what its like to not have counter space- my boyfriend had none in his old place. You got that all figured out nicely though!
@Pi
According to wiki, a UK small double is 48" wide (5" less than american), while an American twin is 39". Since we can't see the whole length of the bed and can only guess at the size of the pillows....
Huh. Look how neatly the UK sizes go up in half-foot increments. And then there's the US sizes... what is this nonsense, srsly. :|
My brother's bed growing up was nearly the exact same as the one above (difference is his is mahogany but same thing with the hand carved huge headboard and he had super low foot-board too!). Cue the eerie music... his name is "Andreas".
Love it, and love your bed and the history behind it. Your mom's couch IS dated but I think you made it work great.
When I was a kid I used to love driving by people's homes. I would sit in the back seat of the car, only tall enough that half my head showed, and I would look in people's windows and marvel at all the different interiors. When I got older I loved having my own place and 'nesting'. This is what I love about AT. these house calls and home tours of warm, creative, inspiring people who wish to share their 'nesting' with us. Keep keepin' on, AT! And to all the people like Janel who make their home & invite us in, thanks...
(sniff, sniff!)
Super cute! Love the bedspread. @Suze - great comment.
What Gina S said - "Super cute"
Andrea, I think you did an absolutely awesome job on your apartment. I would take your apartment over those big, cold, ultra-modern places any day of the week. I had the same experience with my current apartment. I did not like it at first, but after living in it and putting my personal decorative touches on it, I love it, and have no desire to move.
Where's that gorgeous damask rug from?
Really like it. So Cozy!!!! LOVE your bed. And I like the couch - big, leather, squishy and broken in. I am an animal lover so it would save me "new couch trauma" :) Please tell me where the bed spread came from? And I love all the built ins and all you have done... Alos where did the living room rug come from?
Thanks for the comments, everyone. I'll answer some questions: the ingenious mini-blind transformation was indeed from Little Green Notebook; krgr1428 posted the URL above. The rug I found on rugs-direct.com... called Safavieh Chelsea Ivory / Blue Contemporary. When I Googled it just now, it came up (cheaper) on Walmart's website, hmm.
My duvet cover is from Urban Outfitters, about two years old. That yellow floor lamp is also from UO, and I did review it on their site. I allowed myself to splurge on it since all my other lamps are from Goodwill or my relatives' basements.
And even if it doesn't quite match, I do like my couch. The wide pillowed arms are perfect for naps.
I have said it before and I will say it a million times...small spaces...embrace them! I probably would have felt like you initially, but I have been really studying Decor/Elle home magazines and I tell you, I love this space and even my own small space! You did very well, very cute- and the living room rug- to die! Love it!
Ooops...didn't finish my Decor/Elle magazine rant...I love those magazines and this site- Apt Therapy...with bigger homes the things you like you can scale them down to fit small spaces and with this site, it brings all of us small home owners/renters together and EVERYONE had great ideas! So, you did good kid- enjoy!
Sounds to me like you knew what you were getting into ... a chance to be creative and make it your home. How many apartments -- besides mine -- can boast that ? :)
This apartment is totally adorable!! Yes I too live in a small one and prefer it that way, as I use almost every square inch!!
What is the square footage? It doesn't look all that tiny to me -- not tiner than most studios and one-bedrooms I've seen, anyway.
I like your mix of old and new, the little pops of colour, the beautiful antique bed and the bold prints (rug, bedspread). That leather couch looks real comfy too.