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Small Cool 2009: Mikki's Historic Charm
Small Division #04

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Who Lives There: Mikki
Location: Saint Paul, Minnesota
Size: 980 square feet

What is your one favorite element in your small, cool home? One of my favorite elements of my small cool home is it's historic charm. In 1823 it was a Cigar Factory but was recently converted into modern lofts. I love the red brick walls, tall ceilings with exposed timber, paired with stainless steel appliances, and the overall open feel of it.

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What was one of the biggest challenges you faced in furnishing your small home? One of my biggest challenges is working within my minuscule budget. My place also lacks adequate storage. Creativity is key. I revamped pieces like an old lamp I had for years with a more modern shade, created a divider with inexpensive curtains from IKEA for additional storage, scrounged everywhere for good deals and happily accepted other peoples' hand-me-downs. The most helpful resource was all of Apartment Therapy's inspirational photos and seeing what worked for fellow readers!


Give Mikki a THUMBS UP if you think this home belongs in the finals!
Thumbs Up Voting is only activated for 48 Hours — so don't delay!

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Do you have a Small Cool Home? Enter Here by April 13th!

Comments (19)

What a great space! The brick, those windows, the high ceilings - beautiful! I like what you've done with the living/dining room. Wish we could see pictures of the other areas.

posted by frenchfry on April 7th 2009 at 6:45pm
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i can enlarge thumbnail pix, but when click on enlarged pic, bigger image of 1st pic always shows up!

posted by ilovebc on April 7th 2009 at 6:47pm
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Definitely charming, and it has enormous potential - arched windows, brick walls, exposed timber, dark wood floors... I'm so jealous!!! But it looks bare, maybe because only 1 person lives there?

I'd like to see a little more of Mikki's character represented in art and books, and not as much of the building itself (ie the photo from the street). I'd much rather have seen the kitchen or bedroom.

It also feels very hard...I think curtains and rugs would help a whole lot, too.

For having virtually no budget, it's a pretty good start. I'd encourage you to keep collecting items as you can to add to your home.

posted by erinpeace on April 7th 2009 at 7:03pm
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Mikki,

I think you should find the "constructive" in everyone's criticism and enter again next year. You have a wonderful place and it just needs some personal touches.

posted by sally305 on April 7th 2009 at 7:08pm
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I love those side chairs and the chandelier! Add some interest to the walls though.

http://thebluepearlgirl.wordpress.com

posted by EWood on April 7th 2009 at 7:13pm
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I agree great space and you have some really nice pieces just needs that extra wow personal touch.

I am not being mean here but I thought the mirror at the dining table especially if you sit at the end of the table is weird, unless you want to admire yourself or critique yourself while eating.

The blank walls are calling out for art.

posted by LoriSF on April 7th 2009 at 7:22pm
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Thanks for the votes and feedback everyone! I have been waiting to hang stuff up but haven't been in the place that long and I want to get my deposit back. Lol.. As for the mirror in the dining area... It was a rather plain and small area so I added it to make it feel more open... plus I love the mirror's frame... It would be even more blah without it. Trust me the last thing I want to do is watch myself eat! Lol...

posted by MikkiW616 on April 7th 2009 at 8:26pm
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Beautiful...

posted by Jesse Lu on April 7th 2009 at 8:43pm
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Looks really nice:)

posted by dcowman on April 8th 2009 at 9:10am
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Given your restrained budget, Miki, this is a standing ovation! I would have never guessed that you had limited resources. I love the pair of grey upholstered chairs. Super, super cute! You will just keep making it better and better. You dining room looks like an ideal place to hang and enjoy a great meal with friends. Bravo!

posted by ShellyinMSP on April 8th 2009 at 9:16am
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What a cool spot you've got! I love exposed brick, and the big windows are awesome too.

I love the big white couch. I could hang out there all day. And the bathroom is great too. Wish I could have seen the kitchen...

One suggestion (and perhaps you're working on it with the budget issue) I would hang a nice big piece of art above those two blue chairs (which are pretty cool themselves). I personally don't think brick needs to be decorated, but a big blank white wall usually does.

Thanks for sharing your home!

posted by amazonikon on April 8th 2009 at 11:41am
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to be honest, the decor is not very exciting, but you have such a beautiful space. i love the brick walls and windows, and the bathroom is gorgeous.

posted by Linda @ thebargainlife.com on April 8th 2009 at 3:05pm
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Love that brick wall.

posted by rhianna on April 9th 2009 at 9:47am
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Nice place. The building has a lot of character.
(I think I live two blocks from you.)

Cheers!

posted by SeanG on April 9th 2009 at 2:20pm
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What an incredible space! I think you could do anything to it and it would look cool.

posted by baileyb on April 9th 2009 at 8:35pm
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Hey Mikki, Looks great(;

posted by groamb on April 10th 2009 at 12:03pm
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I agree, the space is amazing, the windows and the brick!

...would have liked to see the kitchen or bedroom though instead.

Either way, still love what I did get to see =)

posted by missnic on April 10th 2009 at 10:48pm
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Love that couch, where did you get it?

posted by annacm on May 10th 2009 at 11:41pm
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I got the couch from slumberland. Thanks!

posted by MikkiW616 on May 24th 2009 at 4:07pm
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