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Who Lives Here: katemtsui + 1
Location: Lowell, Massachusetts
Size: 798 square feet
What is your one favorite element in your small, cool home? I love my personal movie theater, complete with surround sound. We have two Barco projectors hanging from the ceiling. Since these pictures were taken, we've gotten the second projector working. The screen is now 16 feet wide!
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What was one of the biggest challenges you faced in furnishing your small home? One of the biggest challenges was the lack of counter space in the kitchen and I love to cook. The solution was a kitchen island, which I custom built for the space. The base cabinets are from IKEA and are similar to the existing cabinets. I also incorporated a custom made stainless steel bar top and seating area for eating at home.
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Do you really sit on that comparably little black couch to look up at that huge screen?
I guess if you're gonna go, then go big or go home....
view sarahjam's profile
interesting layout. and what a huge closet!
view ss622's profile
@sarahjam. Negative. We watch movies from the bed!
view katemtsui's profile
Wow I think I might have went in favor of using the closet as a bedroom and buying some wardrobes for the clothes.
view ChrisGal's profile
It's nice to see an entry from Lowell! I live there too, in another renovated mill building. I love your movie set-up.
view Splaine's profile
@ChrisGal. Yes, we've though of that. :) Instead, we have one mega organized walk-in closet, which is a girl's dream come true! Imagine if you will wire shelving pretty much from floor to ceiling.
view katemtsui's profile
Did the 'shelf' over the bed come with the bed frame. Interesting. I like that you oped out of using drapes for your gorgeous windows. Soothing rich colors, great space!
view s_boston's profile
I really like the windows without anything covering them. The tray like table on the bed is great too. So versatile.
view tdeb's profile
@s_boston, tdeb: The table over the bed is part of the Ikea Malm series. The best part is that the tray table is on wheels. Actually, a good portion of the apartment is one wheels to make it easily reconfigurable. @sarahjam: The loveseat is on casters so we can move it to wherever to watch either the plasma TV or the giant movie screen. The kitchen island is also on casters.
view katemtsui's profile
I just want the windows
view dunklekatze's profile
Your tv screen will be the envy of football fans everywhere. I'm actually surprised more people don't have them. You have a great place.
view baileyb's profile
I'm so jealous of your huge closet!
view Krissy B's profile
...love the brown kitchen. it is sexy liquid chocolate!!!
view kmtsui's profile
Gorgeous windows. I live in downtown Lowell as well.
view trixxie's profile
I love the bookshelf/laptop-desk combo. I have been looking for something similar for my apartment. Where did you find it?
view sdsorriso's profile
A more tailored curtain over the entrance to the bedroom would make a big difference.
Lots of nice details here.
view Elizcrtv's profile
@sdorris: The leaning bookshelf and desk were purchased from Crate and Barrel; I can't find the ones we actually have, but it's similar to the "Sloane Leaning Desk." The best part about them is that the upright supports are steel. We drilled 3 inch holes in the back and have run out cables through the supports for a more seamless look.
@Elizcrtv: I totally agree with your comment. I've tried more tailored curtains as well. I haven't yet found anything that I really love. Suggestions?
view katemtsui's profile
I can imagine how organized the closet must be, but private bedroom areas are always nicer. It has to make anyone you have over feel weird to see your bed.
view ChrisGal's profile
Hmm... I want to see this huge closet ;). You must have some great movie nights at your place. Nice.
view bonline's profile