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Southwest Semi-Finalist #1: Laura's Fresh Start Studio

Name: Laura
Location: Santa Monica, CA
Type: 293.5 sq.ft. studio
Go to: Original Entry

Laura's favorite OTHER entry:

#4 Lee's Small Smart Space. There were so many wonderful entries to choose from. I prefer the entries that look "real" but well thought out. I chose Lee's Small Smart Space because it is super tiny and yet it feels very spacious and well lived in. I think that is the definition of small and cool. I don't get the impression that Lee is suffering from not having more room and that is how I feel in my small space. Very nicely done!

 
 

What is your next improvement (if you could do anything)?:

My apartment is tiny so storage space is very important. I have one small closet and two overhead storage areas. Both storage areas are fairly large but hard to access. My next project is to create a way to use the space efficiently in the most aesthetically pleasing way possible. I rent but my landlord is really open to anything I'd like to do to the place which is awesome but my budget is very tight. I'd like to build some shallow shelves inside the storage space above my closet and then get some tall baskets to essentially hide the opening and provide storage. The space behind the baskets will be for luggage and seasonal items. I would also like to build a cabinet with drawers next to the kitchen space. The built in cabinet would provide more kitchen storage and integrate it into the bedroom area without it being obvious that I have silverware in my bedroom. A real dining area would be a nice improvement as well. I have big dreams but a little apartment and an even tinier budget - but I'm making things happen a little at a time.


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Comments (30)

I new this would make it. It's just lovely. I didn't think I had a favourite, but I'm starting to hope this one will win. Way to go Laura!

posted by K on May 14th 2007 at 11:59am
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Awesome, one of my favorites!!!

posted by rachel (between denver/nyc) on May 14th 2007 at 12:07pm
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So many good really good entries but Laura's stands out because of the terrific use of color and the nice choice of accessories. This is such a nice living space with so much light from all the windows. Small, yes, but the small green stacking tables, the vases, and the flowing sheer that separates the sleeping area give this apartment a vibrancy that makes is a fun place to be.

Laura, you've done an outstanding job with this.

posted by TheDesignGuru on May 14th 2007 at 12:08pm
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I love this one. Laura, your place looks amazing! Good luck!!

posted by jodi on May 14th 2007 at 12:15pm
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this one is my absolute favorite - it makes me want to move into a much smaller apartment expressely for the ability to copy this place. it's something i just CAN'T stop looking at! Everything about it is wonderful and i can only hope that after (what seems to take years) i get my apt done, it won't pale in comparison!! WONDERFUL work!

posted by elizabeth in AL on May 14th 2007 at 12:15pm
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i love your choice of colors; very fresh and inviting. they are very appropriate for the location and setting.

posted by ab on May 14th 2007 at 12:22pm
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This is both the smallest and the coolest thing I have ever seen in my life. And I have seen Tiny Elvis.

posted by Wordissuperfly on May 14th 2007 at 12:24pm
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You have such an eye for color...I especially love the third picture with the light wall, white cabinets and the bright pink flowers framed by that gorgeous teal strip of wall. It's really striking.

posted by alisong on May 14th 2007 at 12:25pm
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Congratulations on making it to the finals Laura! I'm rooting for you and I hope you win!

posted by Sean Maisch on May 14th 2007 at 12:56pm
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Holy smoke, this place makes my NYC apartment seem huge. But what a lovely little jewel box it is. Congratulations!

posted by Lori on May 14th 2007 at 1:30pm
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This place is totally gorgeous. In my next apartment, I'm going to use a brilliant green like yours :)

Best of luck, you are my favorite for this region!

posted by Meg on May 14th 2007 at 1:39pm
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This is a lovely apartment. The color choices and lighting really make this pop. The flowing curtains and natural light give the apartment an airyness that makes it feel like a summertime at the beach. Very appropriate for Santa Monica.

Great job Laura, definitely rooting for you!

posted by Nic on May 14th 2007 at 1:45pm
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I love your place, its is so clean and simple, with just the right amount of color and accessories...a perfect balance...and I've always wainted to paint a wall that color...(bonus points in my book)

posted by Jess2nola on May 14th 2007 at 2:32pm
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This is really a great place. It feels like someone lives here, it's well thought out, it's beautiful and really well done. Congrats on being a finalist!

posted by dusty.meyers on May 14th 2007 at 2:54pm
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congrats on being a finalist, awesome treatment of a small space on a limited budget.

posted by gradualepiphany on May 14th 2007 at 3:10pm
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This is a very small space but looks very nice and cool!

posted by sleekspacedotcom on May 14th 2007 at 5:53pm
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Laura, this is amazing! The colours are superb: crisp, invigorating, and gorgeous! A lovely "teeny-weeny" abode... great job!

posted by mulove on May 14th 2007 at 6:28pm
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really, really nice. how did you hang the white curtains framing the bed area?

posted by sarahlesley on May 14th 2007 at 6:35pm
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Beautiful! Absolutely beautiful...can you come help me finish decorating my bedroom? (And recommend a maid to keep it so pristine?)

Fantastic job hon! It's super stylish but still looks very cozy and liveable.

posted by JuneGloom on May 14th 2007 at 7:51pm
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you've done such a nice job here. lucky that you have a great landlord to boot. love the colors, the sheers giving a definite divide between the two rooms. fantastic use of color. i imagine you must be very neat with such a small space!

posted by kat156 on May 14th 2007 at 8:43pm
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this is an amazing space. You don't look like you're on a tight budget - everything is so well planned. It makes me want a smaller space too! Now that's an acheivement!

posted by Linda from ::Surroundings:: on May 15th 2007 at 5:15am
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This is so fun...love the video...such a steady hand! It's like you shot it with a steadicam...

More importantly, great job on the space and congrats! Love the color of the wall behind the bed. Love it.

posted by londonurchin on May 15th 2007 at 8:54am
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you moved your chaise!

posted by jamie* on May 15th 2007 at 10:29am
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??? My chaise is in the same spot.

posted by Laura on May 15th 2007 at 10:38am
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Thanks everyone for your kind comments!

I've never previously had an apartment that I was able to paint. I finally got the opportunity and I went bold. It's wonderful to know that I'm not the only one that likes it. :)

posted by Laura on May 15th 2007 at 2:00pm
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one of my favorites-- crisp, sweet, and colorful

posted by saya* on May 16th 2007 at 9:12am
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Awesome Laura! Thanks for the kind words and I'm so happy you finished at the top. You represent Santa Monica well...go westside...

posted by chon on May 19th 2007 at 5:50am
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too bad u don't own that place! ur landlord is lucky. i really the airy clean sophistication of how it looks. your choice of furnishing and accessories are right on point. beautiful color scheme, inviting and relaxing.

posted by SD913 on September 17th 2007 at 9:03am
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I think think someone else asked this question, which you answered, but I can't find it now. What is the paint color and manufacturer?

I love your space. It looks very inviting. I'm sorry but I might have to steal your wall color.

posted by MegRae on September 27th 2007 at 11:35am
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This is definitely a favorite of mine. Love how you pulled everything together. It looks roomy, interesting and comfy at the same time.

Thanks for sharing.

posted by abena on December 19th 2008 at 1:15am
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