What a great job at efficient living. I especially like the bathroom and kitchen.

I am never going to complain about living in my one bedroom apartment again! This apartment is beautiful and I love that everything is multifunctional. Bravo!

Now that's a stylish, efficient use of that space, unlike the couple in the small apartment, who eat every meal out and store their clothing at dry cleaners...

She is my organizational hero.

Where does she sleep?

love it all except the bathroom sink. can't stand the bowl sinks (how the hell do you keep them clean around the base - with a q-tip?) and a glass one is a double whammy for looking dirty or requiring constant vigilance.
otherwise, i love the serene colours and the ultra smart storage everywhere.

what a lovely apartment! wow you are one organized chick. the best part is Lotus Blossom's dog bed and coordinating people chair. I wish there was artwork on the walls but other than that, beautiful space.

This IS a tiny triumph! Love it! Great use of glass and mirrors and excellent organization skills.

I think I'm in love. What a wonderful sense of style, and creative uses of small spaces!

so organized and efficient! i love it!

Well I think they have the other couple featured on AT beat by 5 sq feet!

@ erikadmsf

It appears that the sofa pulls out into a bed.

I'm digging this space. Especially the kitchen. The glass in the bathroom is visually appealing but cleaning it must be a nightmare. She must spend about as much money on Windex as that other couple spends on drycleaning all their clothes every day.

Of course, this space is laid out much more efficiently than the other couple's space of 175 sq ft. But I can't imagine how you can run a business out of this apartment.....

Really well done - and it's even smaller than the Morningside Heights place!
http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/ny/real-estate/175-square-feet-micro-studio-in-morningside-heights-new-york-post-103694

It's beautiful, but I probably would have restored the kitchen instead of ripping it out. I just love antique fixtures.

One of the most organized and efficient small spaces I have ever seen. This is truly inspiring! And it is beautiful too. Love the modern glass bathroom. I love the kitchen and how you arranged it. I love how you can still entertain in the small place!

She did a great job. Even though it isn't my style, the tile she chose for the kitchen really works to make it a separate space. The only part I'm sad about is the bathroom--I loved the before tile and sink.

Each to his/her own, of course, but personally having replaced that lovely original sink with that glass contraption is nothing short of a crime against nature. I thuought the whole vessel sink fad was over awhile ago? The rest of the palce looks lovely...

This stings my preservationist heart more than a bit, but the space IS beautiful and impressively functional.

That wee kitchen is miraculous, but I too mourn the old bathroom. Some fixtures are simply works of art, and that sink was one of them.

Obviously Kitty doesn't follow fads and good for her....That's an awful way to live. She took a tiny space and made in beautiful and functional.

Fantastic!!!!

Would love to learn of Kitty's design services. Especially for budget concious New Yorker who would love to add a bit of style (professionally) to their own home.

Tom

Isnt this apartment almost as small as the couple with the two cats? Yes its nicer but two people are living here and she has a dog. Goes to show what a little paint and organzation can do!

What a perfectly organized and utterly brilliant space!
Now this is tiny done right. I particularly adore the bath.

The closet and rolling pants storage are a miracle. The chair and cat bed -- inspired. I like the colors schemes.

I think I would have preferred a bathroom that didn't try so hard and which incorporated the old sink.

It's so adorable that when I saw the pictures I wasn't thinking "how small" like one usually does when looking at these tours of small places, but "how lovely." It just seems like a fresh, pleasant place to be.

Nothing short of amazing! I have three times the space and don't use it so efficiently.

Things I am jealous of - may try an imitate them:
1. bathroom shower tile style
2. shelving built around the toilet. I can't put the tank into
the wall but I can put shelves around it / on top of it.
3. Office mirrors behind the built in shelving

Something else to aspire to - her organization. Seriously.

Although this is not to my taste and I can't imagine choosing to live in this small a space, the organizational elements are pretty amazing. What's up with the phallic bathroom sink, though?

AMAZING, I will definitely steal some of these ideas. Great use of space!!

Makes me feel like my 1100 sq feet is the size of the Sahara!

I LOVE THAT BATHROOM!

I am totally inspired to revisit storage and efficiency in my space. Wow! This iss totally amazing!

Kitty my love,

Oh let us be married,
too long we have tarried...
But what shall we do with my clothes?

Your house is a treasure,
but stuff is my pleasure,
I feel we must never be wed...

Replete with class,
Nothing is crass,
Soothing and to the eyes mild
But no stove or burner to emulate Julia Child!

Your West Coast admirer

Oh, and besides, you are already married.

this is amazing...so many ideas...what a great space. The matching dogbed/chair is so simple yet elegant, she should have patented it!

If I had a space this small I wouldn't waste any of it on cleaning products/vaccuum though, I'd splurge for a cleaner!

This is a masterpiece for organization.

Oh my god, I would kill to have the tile and bathroom fixture in that before picture. But the new bathroom is also very lovely. What a lovely apartment!

Lovely. Unlike some of the people who commented on replacing the old bathroom, I think she made the right choice. The tile and sink looked dingy. If those fixtures/sink were there as long as the pullman kitchen (1928), it was time to update. Although I would have chose a different sink and fixture, it still looks fab! Love the tile!

Kitty does have a stove: http://www.compactappliance.com/SR-951T-Sunpentown-1400W-Induction-Cooktop-Stainless-Steel/SR-951T,default,pd.html?cgid=Kitchen_Housewares-Hot_Plates_Burners-Hot_Plates. Julia would have approved! You can cook marvelous things with one of these.

Especially if you also have a microwave/convection oven. http://www.compactappliance.com/Sanyo-1-Cu-Ft-Microwave-Oven-with-Convection-and-Grill/EMC6786V,default,pd.html

Hat's off!

Sorry, I took the dog for a cat. (I have cats myself).

Wow. Just wow.

Brilliant use of space, and so light and airy, not at all claustrophobic. And squeezing in a separate dining area, a cooktop, and clothes/cleaning storage? Kittie might be a god. We might have to start worshiping her.

Thank you Monarda, for pointing out the stove. I bet Kitty can throw something together that is quite wonderful, if simple given her space constraints. And Kitty's well stocked bar offers gracious entertaining. I imagine she can be quite a wit, and good with the occasional caustic observation.

I have to confess, I can't see the stove. But it's on her list.

Inspired and inspiring!

Monarda, I believe the "stove" is just a portable single burner unit that she stores out of sight.

Whoops, you already know that.

Hi and thanks to all who have already commented (especially Usbek for the lovely poem!).
I'll be replying to everyone in detail later, but to clear up the sq ft issue - I just ballparked it for the House Call.
The studio room itself is exactly 17 x 10, with the 2 little 20" deep recesses off one wall for the kitchen and office. The bathroom is 3 x 8. The closet is 35" x 47".
Sorry for any confusion - whichever way you look at it, it's small!
Kittie

the organization and restructuring are admirable, but honestly the decorating doesn't impress me at all. The bathroom vanity sink/situation is just tacky, the rest looks like a Red Roof Inn trying to look "modern".

I agree that it was a pity to take out the old kitchen/bathroom fixtures. I am not personally a fan of "updating" like this, it looks too trendy to me. BUT kudos for being able to live in such a tiny space! Just goes to show it is all about how you use your space... but still, I'm glad I've got 700 square feet.

Wow, this is an admirably efficient and generally attractive use of a small space. It feels really light and airy and the lack of excess stuff demonstrates restraint. I love the soft sea color on the walls and the idea to put veneer over the metal door was really smart. I'm not a fan of the odd-looking glass sink contraption either, but that's one thing.

This is the kind of post I like to see on this site and what brought me here in the first place. Please, let's have more of how people live in really small spaces.

I'm not opposed to the idea of the bathroom renovation as not everyone wants to keep 80 year old fixtures. That said, Kitty's choice of that glass vessel sink with the gawd awful faucet is really, really disappointing. Seriously woman, what were you thinking? That wasn't even a good luck before it became the $90 flipper's special.

Bookmarked! How beautiful, organized and inspirational!!!

Great job and proof that it is possible to be creative on a budget and in a small space.

And the issue isn't whether we agree with every design choice someone makes - it is that we appreciate a truly well designed and executed project.

I saw 170 square feet and thought, "How are they going to make a house tour out of that. Can't we see the entire space in the first picture?" I was wrong. There's a lot to see here. I like it.

That pant rack should be mass produced and sold everywhere!

They certainly have their priorities set in the kitchen...no food, only booze. Very pretty place, but I am with those who do not like the sink. Everything else is a keeper!

I wish every house tour had a Resource list as comprehensive as this one!

I sincerely enjoyed this tour because of what was done within space limitations. Many of us are going small, knowing it frees us from large home trappings and living better in a lousy economy. I think we need more DIY projects highlighted because many of us want to trade ideas on how we've done things on the dime, yet with some sense of style and utility.

Brava! My fav are the acrylic shelves.

I have an induction "hot plate" in my place. It cost $99, not $275. It is the way to cook and with other stand-alone appliances; lighter on the grid.

CrazyLady - I must agree. This is much better use of space.

I am going with the popular vote of missing the old bathroom - all the glass has to be a nightmare to clean. The new kitchen looks simple but it seems like it would be a nightmare to actually cook.

My first thought was what others have said already - SO much better than the other couple in the tiny studio. Style, interest, livability. Well done!

naked walls

she is my organization hero. well, her and adrian monk. i have a sickness. i admit it.

I think when you live in such a limited space, organization is a must and she did it completely right.
Cute how the dog bed matches the chair.

Impressive and thanks for the detailed resource list.

I'm not a huge fan of the new sink but having the cold and hot water spouts separate is a huge pain and dangerous. NYC apt hot water can be scalding.

Congrats Kittie to making that space your own.

Hello and thank you to commenters one and all!
Here are replies to questions:
Tom TPW, and anyone who would like to know more about my design services, please contact me via my website!
http://www.lifestylespacedesign.com
erikadmsf - we sleep on the sofabed, made astoundingly comfy by the Simmons Air Comfort Mattress. Worth the 2 mins to set it up/take it down every day to have a nice living space.
Bathroom comments
- who knew that a little sink would cause such controversy!
Everyone who is very upset that I took out the original 1928 bathroom and kitchen sinks - while it is always lovely to retain original fixtures wherever possible, trust me, these were not worth keeping. They were both cracked through, chipped and crazed, as was the subway tile.
And thank you, ahills, for pointing out that its "an awful
way to live" with ratty old fixtures. Better to start over and create an inviting spa environment with plenty of storage.
In defense of the vessel sink - I wanted a clear sink to give a greater impression of space in 3' x 8', and vessel sinks give you more storage in the vanity cabinet.
Jesikka - re the "phallic sink", I will never look at washing my hands the same way again!
Re cleaning the glass, sink and mirrors in the bathroom - believe me, I loathe all forms of housework (ask The Beloved), and am not going to spend hours polishing stuff. I clean the bathroom once daily and that's it.
I timed myself this morning, using the scientifically accurate 1-mississippi, 2-missippi method:
Squeegee all shower walls and inside glass door after shower - 76 seconds
Windex wall mirrors, cabinets & shelves (only what bits were smeared) - 58 seconds
Windex faucet, sink & vanity top - 45 seconds (and I may have lingered a bit on the faucet since jessikka's comment)
Spray loo inside with clorox, swoosh round with brush
Use already used paper towel to wipe over floor - 30 seconds
And to The Polish Chick - it's no big deal to clean under the sink: it has a mounting ring with a good 1/2" clearance, so unless you have hands like a line-backer, you can clean it!
Swedish Chef - if you mean my legs, not the dog's, thank you for the compliment. My legs are courtesy of the Atkins Low-Carb Diet. I think the slightly slutty hose helped...
Theo3 - re excessive number of towels: we change our towels every other day, b/c it feels luxurious, and do laundry once a week, so we do actually use them!
Living space comments:
Scoot - re running my business out of the apt: I have all the IT equipt under the desk; all my client files are digitally stored on my laptop & I print out hard copies as needed; brochures, catalogs & inspiration images are on the glass shelf above & also digital; I have enough tile & cabinet/ closet samples to get an idea of client preferences before going to the showrooms. It really does work!
Kitchen comments:
Yes, most people don't realize there is a cooktop - I had a custom drawer made for it in the island with heavy duty over-extension slides, and just slide the drawer out when I need it.
I don't like to cook any more than I like to do housework, but I also don't want to eat junk, so I have a list of all the from-scratch dishes I can make if anyone would like it. Including shortbread cookies from a regular microwave!
Note: a Blue Goose vodka bottle can do double-duty as a rolling pin...
Thank you all for the comments thus far- helping New Yorkers live well and graciously in small spaces is my passion, and it is a blast to be featured on AT!
Kittie
kittie@lifestylespacedesign.com

It just goes to show you that no matter how small your home is you can make it work.I think it is a beatiful and cozy place.

Usbek de Perse,
Thank you for the poetic tribute!

Usbek, O Usbek, what can I say,
Your verse and proposal just made my day!

But yes, it is true that I am a wife,
For 32 years to the love of my life...

Yet to have a place gracious
Like mine, feeling spacious,
I fear you must weed out your stuff!

Donate and de-clutter, consign to the gutter,
Then maybe you too will find love (luff)!

Anyway, I'm probably old enough to be your Mum!

Kittie- will you please share the recipe for the gorgeous color you created?

Kittie - you are a truly gracious person based on your replies. And I love and adore your lifestyle!!

Kittie, you are awesome!

Kittie, I adore you and your apartment. Ignore those rude commenters; they should be so lucky to have your taste and grace!

Kitty, you are an organizational goddess. How you managed to find a place for EVERYTHING is beyond me. I feel like I have nothing but I still have junk everywhere! Your apartment is seriously an inspiration.

What makes this apartment memorable and a plus for Kitty's business is the terrific organization skill she brought to the closet (or lack of) space. Otherwise, I agree with those who miss the beautiful orginal tile now oh so copied but this is the real mckoy in the bathroom. And a new version of the same washbowl would have been nice. I understand her reasons for going ultra and glass but I also wonder how one can wash one's face, shave, or do anything other than wash a hand at a time over such a tiny space! I guess I could have accepted the look in a guest bath (give them something to talk about) and in a very modern environment. And doesn't the water splash all over the shelf in the shower?

I also assume there is nothing on the walls in order to maintain the feel of clean space but it also loses in warmth and a feeling of being lived in and cherished; just a thought. And while the couch is not a bed, maybe the winsome corner chair could be further away from the wall. It looks "punished". The desk is also a marvel of organization but requires a highly mentally organized worker so the person who wondered how a business could be run from such a space should keep this pre-requisite in mind. More power to Kitty!

ebr - I'm so glad you love the color! We're really enjoying how serene it feels at the end of a busy New York day.
There isn't a recipe, b/c it was arrived at by lots of trial and error with several little bottles of craft paint on posterboard and computer-matched at my local Benjamin Moore dealer.
But I'd be more than happy to paint a piece of posterboard with the color and mail it to you, if you'd like to go to my website and email me your address.
Thanks,
Kittie
http://www.lifestylespacedesign.com

NOT this house tour related, but i just noticed how in the previous house tour the comments have now been disabled. Just seems like such a copout to me. Just because people may not like a place and state so, the comments are being disabled? ( it seems that case, as from what I saw most people didn't like the place ( referring to Ben and Joanne's first sweet home)

ciscogirl1 - thank you for your well-thought out and considered comments!
Re size of vanity sink - it's really big enough at 14" diameter and 7" deep, even for The Beloved who is 6' 2" - we haven't noticed it being a problem.
Re shower shelf - all the horizontal surfaces in the shower - the seat, the glass soap shelf and the lower shampoo shelf, are very, very slightly angled downward at the front, so the water runs off.
Re lack of artwork - yes, I am trying to keep it simple and serene, and want to avoid that 'train carriage' feeling in such a narrow room if I had art on the side walls. I added some personal lived-in-ness with the color and textural interest of my favorite books on the shelves
Re chair - I think I keep it closer to the wall b/c I like to sit in it and look at the river view, but good point.
Thanks again for commenting!
Kittie

I'm impressed with Kittie's organizational skills! This is an amazing and efficient use of space. Love the rolling pants cart and the matching chair and doggie bed. Definitely an inspiration. Making sure to bookmark this page so I can refer back to it.

This space is a gem! Gorgeous, inspiring and tiny! It takes quite some discipline to be this organized - impressive!

The only thing I question is the bathroom faucet, otherwise all beautiful and stylish!

Bless your heart, Kitty...from a native New Yawker now living in Texas.

I saw and commented on your Tudor City Tour de Force once before...and I will repeat myself, if you don't mind.

My late mother's dear, dear friend Miss Consuelo lived in Tudor City for more than 40 years. I had the privilege of visiting her several times as a young woman in the 70s and marveling at how she managed to live such an elegant and lady-like existence in such a tiny flat.

If she were alive today, Miss Consuelo would heartily approve of the way you rejuvenated your flat into the jewel box it is today.

i like the bathroom sink

Wow, you have created a fabulous home, nicely done! Just marvelous. In particular your clothes closet and the hanging gloves/scarves. You are using space efficiently, with a lovely sense of balance and a clean aesthetic that is elegant. You will never want for clients, you are very talented.

Before: the bathroom was beautiful.

After: staggeringly hideous.

Some people shouldn't be allowed near prewar buildings.

Buildings were built a certain way at a certain time because that's what was in favor at the time, and they used materials that were available at the time.

I don't think later residents should feel tied to that particular era and its materials until the building crumbles to the ground. It's a new day; new materials and fixtures are available.

I think Kitty did a lovely job of working modern finishes and textures into an older building.

(again not related to this house tour but not sure where else to post it...)

aster - i noticed the same thing re: disabled comments on a dc house tour (where the first few comments were fairly negative). what gives, at??

Hmmm. That's a north Texas area code... Do you do work in the DFW area?

Love it, so many great ideas that I can use; especially the bathroom.

Oh dear god. I've never commented on an AT house tour because frankly, I can love what I see but it has little to do with my current life style, which is living in almost EXACTLY the space you are living in...albeit on a tiny island, with a huge yard almost surrounded by water. Now, thanks to all the AT posts I've sent family and friends, they will see this and say, OK, MJ, time to style up! Which won't happen anytime soon...but I love how you've made such lovely and practical use of your space. I have this great queen sized bed (high up, storage beneath) that I keep thinking I should trade in for a futon or sofa bed...hmmm, but damn I love my bed (which is also my couch and semi-living room!).

Well done, you have such a great attitude! Who cares if I like your sink or not?

kelleyk,
The area code is b/c I haven't wanted to spring for a new phone contract, but will be getting a NY area code in the New Year!
Thanks,
Kittie

Tomorrow morning I will HAVE TO clean out my closet...Epiphany!

Hooray for the tiny house tour! I'm living in a 200sf studio myself, and I cringe every time I see a 1200sf house/apt referred to as "small".

Kitty, your rolling storage for your pants is amazing! Though I am creative about storage, that one is completely new to me. Simple & simply brilliant!

The bathroom fixtures are not my style, but I do wish I owned my place & could make such choices for myself. In the meantime, I am going to take your advice (& apt quotation) to heart.

Thanks for sharing your place!

Kittie,
I work across the street from you and LOVE your apartment!
I have seen so many uninspired Tudor City apartments - you have now proven what I have always said - small can be beautiful.
Great job!

Kittie,

You are my hero!! I will be keeping your beautiful and HUGE but tiny place in mind for our future plans. My daughter and I will be moving from MN to L.A. next August and will be going from 3 floors, 3 bed, 3 baths to probably a studio. It will take some serious planning but I will channel your inspirational space while moving in! Your closet and office space is amazing and I LOVE your tile in the kitchen. Oh, and Lotus Blossom is adorable two!!

P.S. we have two cats and I have started to attempt to toilet train them for the new place. Wish me luck!!

I just got scary flashbacks to my 250 square foot Tudor City Studio that I lived in for 3 years!!!

keep this in the AT archives for the masterful closet organization (best yet on AT), use of the toekick in the credenza for storage, and the slide-out hot plate! appreciate that the post is accompanied by a large archive of resources & thoughtful responses.
disparage the total disrespect to the pre-war ambience of the unit, particularly axing the murphy bed & the horrible remuddling (majority rules here!) of the bathroom, esp the inefficient, very ugly sink & glass that tries too hard.
the kitchen is a wash; the old one looks like an afterthought of its time & is no loss, but the new one has too little storage & only emphasizes the "chic hotel experience" decor.
keep in mind that the poster has two storage units, one in texas (where everything is bigger), so this is not living in reality. it will be interesting to see what happens when the couple only resides here, like normal new yorkers. keep us posted,

Amazing! Floor plan with dimensions, please?

WOW!

a place for everything and everything in its place, with clever ideas and great style to boot. Well done!

Definitely my favourite house tour!

I absolutely adore the pant rack idea!!! The bathroom sink is really neat and gives the feeling of more space which is crucial in a small bathroom. Also the use of fresh flowers is a lovely touch.

Kittie, I drool at your organizational skills!

Kitty, I visited your site last week. Your place is fantastic!

Y'all, those original fixtures were once cookie cutter builder's specials as well. Heather said it well, but it bears repeating--there's nothing holy about old stuff. Sometimes it's well made, beautiful, and practical. Sometimes not. She did what works for her and on a budget. Kudos.

The one resource missing-the kitchen countertop. What is it?

Sorry, susanfilm, my error - the counter is granite, but I don't have the name of it on file. It is an offcut I sourced at a local granite yard in Brooklyn - I'll try to find the name if you'd like.
Thanks for posting!
Kittie
http://www.lifestylespacedesign.com

I think Kittie did a masterful job on this place, obviously tailoring it to HER likes, needs and lifestyle.

Personally, I'm all for the new bathroom, love the look of the clear sink and would gladly spend time cleaning it to keep the look if I lived there.

There are things here that wouldn't suit me, but why should they? This isn't my house.

Kittie (& spouse) evidently have the means to eat out and prefer to do. and have created a space that fits their needs. The overriding lesson I take from it is that if you are willing to put in the thought and the time to decide what you need and want (& clearly, what YOU can afford to do) you can make your home a place that cooperates to the max with all of that.

Reply-round-up from Kittie:

Thank you all who had such positive comments about my studio - your encouragement to me as I build my small-space interior design business is much appreciated!

On to specifics -

To all who think I should have kept the murphy bed
- guys, it was a TWIN size bed!!

While sharing a twin bed was enjoyable to The Beloved and I in our college days, it's significantly less appealing in our mid-50s.

To all who hate my sink - I respect your position, and rejoice in the varied and fiercely-expressed opinions of the AT community!

Thank you, kellyk and heather77, for pointing out that there is nothing sacred about being faithful to a building's original style, or plumbing fixtures just because they are old, especially since mine were damaged beyond reclamation.

To islandwomanmj - I'm fascinated about your island location, tell us more!
Re queen bed vs sofa bed (not a futon fan, you have to make them up with sheets every night), obviously your personal choice is what matters most, but I must say in my little place I think the slight inconvenience of the sofabed (but only with the Air Comfort mattress) is outweighed by having a lovely 'living room'

To sweetluna - I wish you luck in your move w/daughter and cats to smaller quarters. Take heart, be ruthless in editing your stuff and live well!

To LCS - I'll find a way to post a link to my floor plan. Meanwhile, here are the dimensions -
studio: 17' x 10'
kitchen recess: 51" x 21"
office recess: 45" x 21"
closet: 37" x 47"
bathroom" 3' x 8'

Now, amisdottir,

I always appreciate your thoughtful responses on AT tours, and thank you for your positivecomments.

I'm glad you have raised the issue of whether I am 'living in reality' 'like normal New Yorkers'!

Now, maybe I'm wrong b/c I wasn't born in Manhattan, but I wasn't aware that renting a storage cage in the basement of my building means I am not a real New Yorker! I guess a lot of my neighbors in the building are going to be surprised to learn that too!

As for my second 'storage unit in Texas' - you would be absolutely right if I was lugging suitcases every trip from Dallas full of things to supplement my life in NY.

The truth is, I usually travel with no luggage, just my business bag, the clothes I stand up in and my doggie. If I do use a carry-on, it's usually to bring things FROM my NY studio TO Dallas.
Reason: there's no Murray's cheese or H&M in Dallas.

LCS and anyone who would like to see the studio floorplan with measurements - here's the link:
http://www2.snapfish.com/thumbnailshare/AlbumID=3406915013/a=125896232_125896232/otsc=SHR/otsi=SALBlink/COBRAND_NAME=snapfish/

Also in the snapfish gallery is a photo of Lotus Blossom in her little custom bed!
I don't know which is the most impressive - the unbelievable cuteness of the dog, or the besottedness of her owner.

A beyond brilliant and elegant use of space! I would hire Kittie in a heartbeat if I lived in your burg.

I am in the process of moving, and though I've tried to be firm with myself regarding what goes and what gets donated/sold, this home example, and the accompanying William Morris quote, is really reminding me of what kind of space I want to create as far as my own essential needs and desires in terms of form and function go.

As far as the kitchen and bathroom go, the former strikes me as a wonderful, inviting space from which to entertain, and the latter, indelibly fresh and relaxing. The glass sink may be on the funky side, but I can understand the choice given the limited space, and personal preference; I certainly can't comprehend any loathe of it! This, for the record, is coming from someone who has chosen to exclusively rent intact prewar apartments and bungalows purely out of predilection (throughout the Pacific Northwest and California, by the way). I also love the shower shelf.

Regarding the dearth of artwork, although I am keen on punctuating my walls with art, I love how open and airy the walls are (while, at the same time, the kitchen tiles/pendant lamps and credenza/sofa lamps bring warmth). And I get the feeling that Kittie herself brings an immense amount of charm and vivacity to her space. In other words, it's hard, in the end, to get at the character of space without experiencing the characters that live within it, and from the looks of Kittie and the passion and panache with which she has so functionally and elegantly designed this home/office (or home base, as all such very small homes tend to be) in the city, one might surmise that her daily life is such a work of art. Anyhow, this is all to say, as the numerous diverse comments above evidence, that tastes in decor are myriad and subjective, but design such as this is nothing short of genius.

Finally, I'm definitely going to take more than a few cues from that closet--especially the pashmina cubbies, and I love the Karlanda/Simmons Air mattress duo. (The latter might end up a future guest bed!)

Best of luck, Kittie! And thanks to AT for sharing so many wonderful and diverse spaces.

Ingenious! A round of applause for you, Kittie.

My first reaction to the bathroom was that is was nice, but not really my style. I suppose I'm not much of a seashells-in-the-bathroom person. But I went back to look at the photos again and it's not until now I'm actually *seeing* the ingenious solutions. The the use of glass shelves under the window probably doubles the amount of light in the room. Same thing with the shower cabin. The 4 min/day it takes to clean the glass and mirror surfaces is a small price to pay. And it's not entirely different from living in a large apartment and "paying" with more vacuuming, for example.

Ruusu,
Thanks to you for your well-considered comments, and wishing you all the best in your move.

As others have said before me, involving a trusted friend in the editing process is very helpful - he/she is going to be much more ruthless than you are! My

Another idea for sentimental memento-hounds is this: rather than live surrounded by many 'emotionally-charged' objects, memorialize them in a photo album and donate the objects themselves. You can live clutter-free, spend a fond half-hour with your memories and a nice cup of tea (or glass of Chardonnay), and let some-one else enjoy the tchotchkes.

William Morris certainly knew a thing or two about what it takes to make a gracious AND functional home, no matter what the size...

Thank you again for commenting - isn't AT the best?!

Kittie
http://www.lifestylespacedesign.com

Hi Anna Europe (I'm always fascinated by AT commenters' screen names)

How lovely that you took a second look at my apparently controversial bathroom!

As several thoughtful commenters have pointed out, its less about one's personal style preferences than it is about what solutions are achieved and how well they are executed.

And yes, I'd rather windex than vacuum any day!

Thanks for commenting,

Kittie

Absolutely impressive. I love everything about this space and the level of thought and detail that went into planning it. Your design really proves that you can live and be comfortable in a small space without clutter! Thanks for sharing.

Wow. You are the queen of organization. Come do my house!
ha. ha. Great work and thought to detail. I love how everything has its place. Like the microwave and the printer hidden away. Nice.

Thank you, mstol7, DECOmyplace & sherigirl for your kind comments.
I love my work, and it is great to be featured on AT (the BEST home design site evah!) and receive so many encouraging comments from the AT community.
Happy Holidays to all!
Kittie

It smacks of loneliness.

Awe inspiring and inspiring.

Thak you very much for your answer with dimensions and for the floorplan too, Kittie. LCS.

I have a strong preservationist streak, yet can't believe some of the downright RUDE comments to Kittie about her bathroom, or on this website. (Or online in general--bunch of anonymous cowards.) I love what Kittie has done with her ENTIRE place. The bathroom wasn't to HER liking. She did what is right for her. I'd love to see some of your apartments.

That said, I'm with the majority of the others who are in love with this home. Kittie, you have done a fabulous, awe-inspiring job with this tiny space. I can't get over how light and spacious (!) it seems with all you have organized away in there.

Ignore the haters, Kittie. You rock!

Amazing space. I feel so calm just looking at the pictures. What are the dimensions of your pants rack? Do you remember how much you paid for it? I'm going to have my carpenter quote it, but just curious.

Fantastic!

Jinn

LCS - you are most welcome! I should have included the floorplan in the tour, so your request was helpful, and I'll certainly do so in the future.
Thanks for your interest,
Kittie

Jinn, thank you for your kind comments!
While of course my bathroom renovation, or anyone else's, is a matter of personal taste, I also respect the preservationist point of view (especially if it is expressed nicely!)
Many of my other projects have been more in keeping with the aesthetic of the original buildings, but as I have said before, the original plumbing fixtures in this apartment were waaay beyond saving!! In my mission to show how to live graciously in small spaces, chipped, cracked sinks just don't cut it.
Thanks again for your encouragement!
Kittie

O sorry, that reply should have been to Mindow - apologies!
This is to Jinn-
The rolling pants rack was about $200, hope that helps.
Mine was made by http://www.wgwoodproducts.com to my design. I'm sure they will still have my design on file if you ask for the rolling trouser rack made for Kittie. I have used them for several custom small cabinetry projects, and they are absolutely lovely to deal with.
Thank you also for your kind comments about my studio - it makes me feel calm and serene, too, even in midtown Manhattan...
Good luck with your project!
Kittie

hello Kittie
you are an inspiration.
i would like to know if the print stand was custom made, if not where did you purchase it. thank you. i plan to purchase the door jewelry box and the folding ironing board. great ideas. sarita

Kittie,

I am enormously impressed by your wonderful little home, especially the closet and office which are inspirational and truly what AT is about.

I also appreciate you taking the trouble and time to answer everyone's questions and remarks so graciously, even though many of said remarks were uncalled for. So many people just post here and never explain their design choices when challenged. I was initially not taken with your bathroom either, but having heard your reasoning am now won over.

If I had a small apartment in NY, you'd be on my speed-dial for sure. Now, must dash I have a closet which is shaming me into re-organising it.

Keep up the great work!!!

Sarita3330,
The desk and print stand was custom-made to my design by http://wgwoodproducts.com
I don't have the price to hand, but I'll get it for you. This company was lovely to deal with, and I'm sure they'd be happy to make one for you if you wish.
Just a note - the shelves in mine are 1/4" acrylic in green 3030, which I sourced and had cut to size separately, but you could go with wood shelves instead.
Thanks for your kind comments, and good luck with your projects!
Kittie

AnastasiaBeaverhausen,
Thank you for your encouragement!
It has been so gratifying to have my work featured on AT and appreciated by so many thoughtful readers.
Good luck with that closet - remember, if you haven't worn it in a year, you don't need it!
Kittie

Sarita, the price for the printer cart would be about $175 plus delivery.
Thanks again for looking!
Kittie

Kittie
thank you for the info! sarita

Your studio is a peace of art, inspiring, unbelivable, you managed to create so much delicate beauty in such a tiny place, I think you are a magician:)

Where do you store the simmons mattress and your blankets? is it within the sofa-bad? ready for use or do you have to arrange it every night? does your mattress has both springs and air?

liora 22 - thank you for your lovely encouragement.
The Simmons Air Comfort mattress has both inner springs and the air mattress part on top, all in one piece. The sheets and blanket are all made up like a regular bed, and when you deflate the mattress in the morning (takes about 1 minute) they stay on the mattress and you fold the sofa bed back up into a sofa, so you DON'T have to make the bed up every night!
I store the 2 bed pillows in custom-built wood boxes in the space under the credenza behind the bed, so I don't have to find space for them in my tiny closet.
Thanks for looking!
Kittie

Thanks a lot kittie

This is an apt I dream of living in one day - a place for everything and everything in it's place. I am green with envy of that closet. You found a wonderful solution for those ugly metal front doors so many of us have. Two questions - don't you worry about that hot plate being so close to the counter? and is that sleeper actually comfortable? I love all the glass in the bathroom as it gives the tiny room so much needed light and air. Although I don't envy cleaning it; I agree windex over a vacuum anyday.

Wow!
I love the new bathroom, all the glass makes it seem airy and spacious. House tours like this make me envious of people who manage to make living in a small space look so glamorous. The paint colors and material selections are simply brilliant.

Hi alexis, thanks for your kind comments!

The hotplate is the kind that doesn't get hot around the pan, and the counter is granite, so heat is not a problem.

And YES! the sofabed is actually comfortable, and the reason is the mattress. It is the Simmons 'Air Dream', made specifically for sofa sleepers, and it has regular innersprings at the bottom, with an air mattress attached to that. 2 minutes with the little pump and that mattress is lovely and firm, comfiest I've ever slept on, including regular beds! You just open the valve to deflate the top part in the morning when converting the bed back to the sofa, takes about a minute. You can replace any sofabed mattress with an 'Air Dream' mattress; my full size one was about $350 plus delivery at Jennifer Leather on W 23rd.
Thanks again,
Kittie

Kittie, I keep coming back to this post. Trying to edit in my apartment then coming back. Your space is beautiful and that bathroom is just incredible. I love it! I am trying to furnish an 1140 sq. ft space now. thanks for the inspiration!

JCNY, thank you for your kind comments!
Best wishes as you furnish your apartment, and kudos for beginning with reducing your stuff - if you apply the William Morris quote and only live with what is useful or beautiful, you will live graciously in your space!
Thanks again for the encouragement,
Kittie

Kittie - your organization and design skills are stunning beyond belief! This is my all-time favorite small space I've ever seen on AT. I'm currently shopping to purchase a small studio condo in Seattle and seeing all the fabulous inspiration in your home really helps.

Do you have a TV? I thought I saw a directv box in your office cabinet.

Hi frygirl,
No, I don't have a TV - I get my news online, and watch netflix (yaay! British comedy!)
What you see in the office is the cable box for high speed internet - apparently you have to have the cable box even though you don't have a TV. However, I designed the office so anyone could put a flat screen TV on the top of the cabinet if they wanted to.

hello kitty
i also love looking at your apt just to remind me of my goal..to live simply. would you tell me where you bought the tie and belt rack? what type of venetian blind did you use on the window and what is the color of the blind? is your apartment warm enough in the winter, that you do not need curtains or window insulation. how is it heated?
i wish you the best life. thank you. sarita

Hi sarita3380,
Thank you for your kind comments!
The tie & belt rack was $18.50 s/h, and came from http://www.closetvalet.com. They have them in various colors of wood and pins. Mine is maple with satin nickel.
The blinds are natural maple faux wood and were a stock item from Home Depot. They were about $60 each 5 years ago and have held up very well.
My building, like most NY pre-war buildings, has steam heat and it is unbelievably warm. We also face due east over the East River, so we get direct, unobstructed sun all morning - trust me, heat is not a problem!
Best wishes in your quest to live simply,
Kittie

Kittie,

You've done such a great job with your place. I really like the open brown boxes that are in your credenza. I've been looking for boxes for my credenza as well, and these would be just perfect. From your resources list, it looks like they're either Bigso & Bristol or Container Store. Unfortunately, I can't seem to find them on either company's website. Can you help?

Thanks!

Hi mackenziemarie - thanks for your kind comments!
Yes, the larger boxes are Bigso from the Container Store, and the smaller upper boxes are Bristol in the green linen-like fabric.
I got mine from the C Store at 6th & 18th in NY - good luck!
Kittie

Kittie, so sorry I am very late to the party here but I had to throw in my kudos here with everyone else's on a job extraordinarily well done, with the hope that you'll check back sometime later to catch this.

A lot of really very smart space planning on your part & the bright but calming palette you selected have done just astonishing wonders to extend the psychological footprint of your tiny TC studio. You've made it seem both cozy & airy simultaneously - a pretty tricky feat to pull off anywhere, let alone in only 170 sf, but you sure did it.

I love that your discontinued barstools subtly mimic the gridded mullions on the typical TC windows (not shown in the pics, but I assume you have them) and I love that your 'bar' turned perpendicular to the axis & the floating sofa & credenza help mitigate the "shoebox" feel that so many NYC studios have. Your bathroom looks so clean & fresh & perfectly relaxing - such an inviting respite from the grimey big city.

Goodness, there are just so many great small space ideas here. Reverse-painting the glass cabinet doors the same color as the walls allows you to maximize the perceived space by getting the benefits from both the reflective surfaces and the continuity of color. Those two window-sized mirrors judiciously placed and mounted completely flush to the wall without frames help create the trompe l'oeil illusion of cut-outs, further promoting the sense of volume beyond the actual dimensions of the room.

And those shallow wooden boxes you made to store pillows under the credenza are a brilliant idea. Because you stained them the same tone as your hardwoods, the eye reads them as part of the flooring & so it keeps 'travelling' under the furniture- thereby preserving the effect of the valuable space-enhancing trick of selecting furnishings with legs that prop their bulk up off the floor. Very, very clever way to have your cake & eat it too, storage-wise.

Speaking of which, you need to share your "paper plate shortbread" recipe. Even those of us with an arsenal of fully-loaded full-size ovens could use a teacake recipe which allows us to throw away the whole pan after we've finished eating them! ;-)

But I'm sure you already know there are microwave-sized ovens from several manufacturers like GE & LG which offer all-in-one multi-function combination cooking (microwave, convection & traditional thermal) on the market. I'd imagine that would be a great option in your future clients' TC kitchenettes if they'd prefer to go the old-fashioned route for their shortbreads. I've used 'em on sailboats & they work great for everything (well, small things at least) whilst saving loads of space. I recommend drawer dishwashers to wash their cookie pans in too if there's room to install them, because they can serve as both dish storage when they're clean and a convenience appliance when they're not.

All in all, a truly wonderful accomplishment there, Kittie, so go ahead and have another cookie, you deserve it. (And one for your tres chic Shih Tzu furbaby too! Congratulations!

I'm with the majority - this is one of my most favorite AT posts. What an inspiration you are! I visit it often - Thanks for replying to the posts! My bedroom is 13x11 - a tad bit smaller than your entire living space, and I feel cramped. I "thought" I had a small closet until I saw yours and how efficient it was. I'm missing some shelves, not to mention style. I'm going to save my money and copy yours. I think my closet is similar in size. Could you please reveal the dimension of your closet? Thank you for being an inspiration and for sharing the William Morris quote.

I would like to get more of an idea of how your closet is designed. Fabulous!

Thank you, leilanitexas, for your extensive 'essay' on my renovation - you really have captured the spirit of my philosophy & how I have tried to put it into practice in my tiny space!
I will post my microwave shortbread recipe separately - lots of people have asked about it!
Re multi-function microwave ovens, yes, I do often specify them for clients who have the space - in my little kitchenette I had a max 11 1/2" depth in the island, so had to find the smallest microwave in the world. Even though it was from Walmart & cost $60, it works great.
Also agree with you about the drawer dishwashers, where space allows. In most of my renovations, there just isn't the lateral space, and I find a fab product is the GE UNDER-SINK 24" wide dishwasher, which takes the place of a sink cabinet. Or the GE 18" wide dishwasher.
Thank you again for taking the time to comment so fully - and Lotus Blossom says thanks too!
Kittie

Hi, LANative,
I'm so glad my tiny reno inspires you!
My closet is a not-so-princely 35"deep x 47" wide x 84" high.
Good luck with your own closet!
Kittie

Hi 91styale,
You can see more of my closet on my website http://www.lifestylespacedesign.com
For all my closet renovations, I design a system based on the clients' storage needs, order the components & accessories online in a choice of finishes, and have it installed by my local contractor.
Hope this helps!
Kittie

Ohmygod - this makes me so claustrophobic - I would never survive - not good at putting things back either....which would be mandatory in this space. Oy! Looks wonderful though.

Kittie, your space is just absolutely gorgeous. The paint color definitely contributes to the atmosphere. I particularly love the renovated bathroom and the custom closet with the vacuum storage drawer (everything fits so nicely!). I can just imagine lounging on the couch, looking out of the airy windows.

Congratulations.

leogenghis, thank you so much - I am lounging with my coffee enjoying my view right this minute!

I can't believe it is only 170 s.f.! I've stayed in larger hotel rooms. Brava for doing such a wonderful job (I love that quote from William Morris, too, and have used it often).

I too adore the wall color!!! Does the lid of the can not still have the sticker with the code on it? Taking in a paint chip, even if it's literally from what you used doesn't always generate the same match! (learned this from experience!)
Beautiful wee home.

Amazing organization! Definitely an inspiration, but the style definitely looks like a suburban renovation (especially that poor sink).

I always look at this post whenever I try to organize and de-clutter. It's so inspiring... almost nothing is compromised here. It looks like she is living the good life despite the tiny space.

I just bought a 208 sq foot condo in Seattle- good to know I can change mattresses in a sofa-bed!

I am amazed how well designed is this space.
Kitty, you rock. It seems like that there was not one inch of the apartment that wasn't thought out. I can't believe how spacious and serene it feels.
I LOVE the bathroom. It is so bright and cheerful. When I saw it, my thought was: finally, a pretty bathroom and something different than those generic old bathrooms I am so used to seeing... I love the tile, it is gorgeous, I love it that you managed to squeeze in few decorative items and not make it look cluttered... Wow!

The place is small, but I can see myself enjoying a space like this... Reading a book by the window, working in the office, eating breakfast on the kitchen bar or entertaining friends over...

I love your idea for the pants rack in the closet. You just encouraged me to organize mine now...

Regarding comments about sink and general nastiness on AT: surely, we all don't share the same tastes, but is there really a need to be so rude about it. Wow... I mean, I do appreciate some vintage finds, if they suit ME, but seriously people, not every piece of 100 yr old bathroom fixture that is falling apart is worth worshiping... From experience ;)

I absolutely love everything you've done to this little place called home! I register just to be able to comment this. This place beckons to me. Especially love the bathroom sink, shower and all. Thank you for posting the photos and allowing us to see what you've done to the place.

brankica and snoogums - thank you so much for your kind words and encouragement! And brankica, special thanks for understanding that my original bathroom was NOT one of those 'vintage gems' to be treasured.
And for reminding us all to 'say what you mean, but don't say it mean'!

*sigh* amazing use of an itty bitty space. Great ideas for us mere decorating mortals. I stunned my friends by saying I want to live in a micro house (I live in Indy where you can still get land at a reasonable price), but at their next gasps I will proffer your digs. Stylish, eco-conscious, and beautiful. Kudos.