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Small Cool 2009: Jemma's Convertible Layout
Tiny Division #21

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Who Lives Here: Jemma McPherson
Location: Washington, DC
Size: 490 square feet

What is your one favorite element in your small, cool home? I love the convertible layout. The bed opens up to be two couches, the tables slide around easily, the red horizontal book case is on wheels, and the screens move easily to cover the windows or separate the space. There about 5 totally different layouts. I also love the Moroccan alcove, which houses most of my seascape collection (we turned the closet in the hallway into an alcove by taking off the doors, painting them, and putting them inside the closet at an angle, to give the closet some depth).

Give Jemma a THUMBS UP if you think this home belongs in the finals!
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What was one of the biggest challenges you faced in furnishing your small home? The biggest challenge was balancing solid elements, like the couches, with more transparent elements, like the screens, and totally transparent elements, like the glass table, to keep the space open. Careful shopping helped from both IKEA/CB2 and antique stores helped. The big gold mirror from an antique store on U Street opened the space: I am keeping my eye out for two more in a similar style and plan to hang them on the same wall.

Give Jemma 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 (17)

Lovely!

posted by SQ on April 10th 2009 at 11:46am
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love the colors and the parasol

posted by Lady J on April 10th 2009 at 11:48am
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Finally, an apartment actually in DC! Really cute, I like the wall colors and bedroom. And ceiling parasol. Well done.

posted by PRU on April 10th 2009 at 12:41pm
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Yay DC! Nice place - I like the use of color

posted by Matilde on April 10th 2009 at 1:29pm
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The subtle sophistication is enhanced by the warmth and comfort that you feel coming through the photos. Very pretty and a good use of space.

posted by Weldwife on April 10th 2009 at 2:01pm
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very cozy and nice colors.

posted by LoriSF on April 10th 2009 at 2:49pm
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Amazing color!

posted by briouc on April 10th 2009 at 4:12pm
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Wow! What versatile furniture.

posted by sielmorini on April 10th 2009 at 4:47pm
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Hmm where did you source the couches? Looks to me like you have the Lubi daybed. But your description doesnt gel with that. This is a great start. Like the colors and mixes of furniture styles.

posted by Trumystique on April 10th 2009 at 5:28pm
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^ Looks like there are TWO Lubi daybeds.

The versatility of your place is great. I wish there weren't two pictures of the alcove with the shelves though. They don't really add anything.

posted by fineur on April 11th 2009 at 2:00am
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loooove this space! I adore the ocean paintings, and love that color in the entryway/kitchen, which looks great with the paintings. The shelves in the entryway are a great idea, and look amazing. I love the colors in the sleeping area. It is so refreshing to see a home with some girly, ornate gold pieces, rather than all mid century. Your space is so interesting and lived in, and I feel like your personality shows through. Great job!

posted by jrstar45 on April 11th 2009 at 8:36am
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what a sophisticated, beautifully arranged space! when I looked closely, I noticed "budget" pieces from places like Ikea, CB2, west elm, etc. -- but you would hardly realize it from the cohesive setup of the whole, which radiates chic. bravo on the use of vintage (non mid century) pieces which really mix up the look and add personality! the seascapes are great. you can really tell when someone had a clear idea of the "look" they wanted when they started decorating...or if they just have a strong sense of personal style in general. a beautiful, well organized home. well done!

posted by mavieenrose on April 11th 2009 at 3:23pm
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hella sick, yo

posted by age5 on April 11th 2009 at 5:02pm
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Meh.

posted by medusa12120 on April 12th 2009 at 6:01pm
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I would have given this a thumbs up also! Putting framed art over the sink is very unique. I also enjoyed your great use of blending colors. The parasol is just lovely.

posted by baileyb on April 12th 2009 at 7:35pm
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I love that blue paint.

posted by rhianna on April 13th 2009 at 9:02am
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I think this is one of the best nominees. She shouldn't be penalized - the post was put up on a three-day holiday weekend and she surely would have had more votes at any other time!

posted by jennaudrey on April 13th 2009 at 10:36am
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