Name: Lex, Lynn and Lucy
Location: Financial District — Manhattan, New York
Size: About 800 square feet including terrace
Years lived in: 4.5 years — own
When Lex and Lynn moved into their one bedroom apartment in lower Manhattan, the view of the New York skyline took center stage. Their style was minimalistic — graphic black and white were favored over color for a look of grown up chic. But enter their daughter Lucy, and everything shifted. With the birth of their little girl, their style began to open up to include bursts of color and whimsical touches.
This couple proves that having a child doesn't mean having to sacrifice style to make room for baby. Remaining true to their design aesthetic, color and whimsy comes in the form of clean lines and stylized motifs. Colorful pieces such as pillows, carpet tiles and brightly painted wooden dolls from midcentury designers like Alexander Girard cheerfully brighten up the space.
If their home looks familiar, it's because the family was featured as part of our Small Cool 2012 Contest earlier this year. Readers were impressed by their use of small space to comfortably house two adults and a child, so I wanted to get their tips for adjusting to make room for additions to the family without moving into a larger space. They offered four tips that helped them make it work.
Tip # 1: Customize.
Now that a large percentage of their living room would be dedicated to their daughter, they had to find a new place for their computer station. To do this, they customized, renovating the front hall to remove the closet and turn the space into a comfortably sized entrance with enough room for their desk.
Tip # 2: Lighten Up.
They chose a number of pieces in acrylic, which helps to minimize the appearance of furniture and avoid a feeling of clutter.
Tip # 3: Build Up.
Removing the front closet meant losing precious storage space, so they added a closet to their bedroom that uses all the vertical space possible. Take a cue from the city of New York itself: when space is at a premium — build up.
Tip # 4: Multi-Task.
Another way the family has added storage without reducing the amount of livable space is by choosing furniture that can do double duty. You wouldn't know just by looking, but their bed was an Ikea hack that allows for invisible under the bed storage. They used the same concept in the living room. For the twin bed dressed as a daybed in Lucy's area, the same invisible storage system is in place. When a bit of extra privacy is required, a semi-opaque curtain has been installed and can be pulled out or retracted with the pull of a string. Perfect for an overnight guest.
Apartment Therapy Survey:
My Style: Clean, contemporary and evolving. We used to be somewhat minimalist, too, but since having our daughter that obviously changed.
Inspiration: Living in New York is our greatest inspiration. We are exposed to so many stimuli and so many resources are easily available to us. It's easy to be inspired by this city. One just needs to be creative and have the passion to create the space they desire.
Favorite Element: Foregoing the biggest closet in our apartment for a dramatic entryway/office was a tough decision to make. We felt the need to do this in order to open up the narrow entry space and to create a visual impact when you first walk into the apartment. We achieved this by using the damask wallpaper and by our furniture choices. This area has served as backdrop of numerous self and family portraits as well :).
Biggest Challenge: Having a baby changes everything. We needed to create a space for her to play and learn without completely sacrificing our adult aesthetics. Also, we had our moms come over (alternating) to help us take care of Lucy in the beginning. So this Play area/Guest Room was created to serve both purposes. We are also still in the process of toddler-proofing our home.
What Friends Say: "Your apartment is so clean and organized. Lynn, where do you keep all your clothes and shoes?!?". Our floor to ceiling closets are filled to the brim and every awkward nook and cranny is seen as an opportunity for storage, including hacking our Ikea bed.
Biggest Embarrassment: Moving the living room to create the play area meant moving the TV as well. We didn't want to spend time and money on having electrical work done to have the cables inside the wall. So now we have cable cover kits running across our wall to the outlets. We are embarrassed to admit that working on this is still at the bottom of our priority list. Also, our building has been having façade repairs for months now, which means our little terrace is out of commission for the whole summer!
Proudest DIY: We are not big DIYers, but we are proud of not hiring professional help in the improvements done in our home — wallpaper, painting, installing shades, assembling our furniture, etc.
Biggest Indulgence: Chairs! So many beautiful chairs to choose from, so little space to put them in. This is also why we were ready to give up closet space in the foyer, because the extra space meant at least two more chairs that we can indulge ourselves with.
Best Advice: Like so many things in a marriage, with design it's important to be able to compromise and communicate with your partner. We are lucky that both of us have creating a beautiful and clean home as one of our top priorities. However, we both have strong opinions as well, which can lead to some disagreements. Over time, we learned that most of our successful home projects are true products of compromise.
Resources of Note:
ENTRY/OFFICE
- • Office Desk: CB2 Peekaboo Clear Console
• Office Chair: DWR Egoa Armchair
• Brazo Floor Lamp: Ylighting.com
• Lack Floating Shelves: IKEA
• Sunny Side Up Lounge Chair: White on White
• DNA Double Pendant Light: Interior-deluxe.com
• Fornasetti Rosenthal Decorative Plates: eBay
• Omersa Elephant Foot Stool: Northriveroutfitter.com
• Skjode Skjern Duck and Ducklings: eBay
• Zooline Monkeys: eBay
• Bullet Planter: DWR
• Damask Wallpaper: eBay
• Beocom Phone: Bang Olufsen
DINING ROOM
- • Hicks Dining Table: West Elm
• Louis Ghost Chairs: Kartell
• Linear Crystal Chandelier: Bowery, NY
• Pasha Transparent Chair: Pedrali Via Fab.com
• White Lacquer Cabinets: IKEA
• Fruit Loop Bowl: Momastore.org
• Clocks: IKEA
• Table Runner: Chilewich
LIVING ROOM
- • Cubitec Shelving: DWR
• Diplomat Sofa: Blu Dot
• Bourgie Lamp: Kartel
• Mirror Side Table: Target
• Barcelona Lounge Chairs: Knoll
• Torsby Sideboard as TV Console: IKEA
• White Deer Head: Zgallerie
• Peekaboo Coffee Table: CB2
• Zebra Rug: eBay
• Maharam Pillow in Agency: DWR
• Bullet Planter: DWR
• Fornasetti Pillow: Barneys
• Baroque Mirror: Brocade Home
PLAY AREA/ GUEST ROOM
- • Carpet Tiles: Alexander Girard
• Cubitec shelving: DWR
• Sultan Alsarp Twin Bed with Storage as Daybed: IKEA
• Bemz Daybed Cover: IKEA
• Vintage Eames Fiberglass Rocker with Alexander Girard Fabric: eBay
• Pillows: Alexander Girard for UO, Missoni for Target, Natori
• Little Friend Adjustable Height Table: DWR
• Elise Floor Lamp: DWR
• Nativity by Alexander Girard: Houseind.com
• Hans Bolling Style Duck and Ducklings: eBay
• Toy Storage: Green Lullaby Via Gilt.com
• Alexander Girard Ply Prints: Maximodesign.com
• Matisse Les Velours Serigraph Print: Momastore.org
• Rolling Shade as Divider: Theshadestore.com
KITCHEN
- • Bar Stools: Jensen-lewis.com
• Floating Shelf used as Bar: West Elm
• Subway prints: Pottery Barn
• Piggy Bank: Areaware
BEDROOM
- • Malm Bed Frame and Sultan Alsarp Bed with Storage : IKEA
• Chinoiserie Duvet: Dwell
• Landare Tall Dresser: DWR
• Lampshades: Bed, Bath and Beyond
• Acrylic Side Tables: eBay
• George Nelson Sunburst Clock: Vitra
• Pax Wardrobes: IKEA
• Middle Colors Humidifier: Gizmine.com
Thanks Lex, Lynn and Lucy!
Images: Liana Walker
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That space looks like they've carefully utilized all 800 square feet. I like the furnishings how they help the space and are not overly obtrusive. I love the chandelier- from DWR? I think....
ok- just read the post- the chandelier is not from DWR. haha.
Well, also in reading where they purchased all these things, I realize that nothing in this home appears cheap.
Ok, I clicked through hoping to see how they dealt with the kid's sleeping area in the 1 bdrm, and I still don't get it. Did I miss the kid's sleeping arrangement?
Some people just know how to live --this is light and fun and lovely. Great space for a child and for art lovers. Stylish and comfy looking ... and when you have limited space, it is very smart to make the most of it and opt for the best items you can get. A lot of nice details.
sorry we didn't get to see your terrace/ hope the work on the bldg doesn't keep it off limits for too long.
The first sentence mentioned a view of the NYC skyline, however, not a single photo of it.
This is a really nice apartment, I would love this much space in Manhattan.
First, I have to start by saying Lex you look just like Fred Armisen. :)
Second, I love the table runnner. It looks great with the Starck Ghost Chair
Third, I like how you turned the Mies Barcelona Chair into a loveseat. Very creative use in a small space.
Fourth, I envy your DWR budget.
@AMABKLYN, the child's space with daybed is right behind the pair of Barcelona chairs.
I'll comment on the house later, but I just wanted to say that my very first thought was "please let your last name be Luther. Pleeeease let your last name be Luther."
Lex, Lynn, & Lucy: Love the floors and love the overall style of your home. Thanks for sharing :)
They've made wonderful use of their space. What a lovely home. I love the red walls in the kitchen. Thanks for sharing.
Really great space! I'm assuming they co-sleep because I didn't see a crib....unless Lucy sleeps on the twin.
I like it!
How do you use that bar stool/mini table area though? It seems like maybe a space where somebody could sit, enjoy a drink, and watch somebody else cook? That's the only thing I can think of. Obviously you have a dining table where you eat.
This is a wonderful apartment, full of warmth and color.
@katnyc - I'm guessing it's the daybed because Lucy looks way too old to sleep in a crib.
Although I somewhat agree with recent naysayers re inhabitants photos in their home tours, Lucy is absolutely adorable!! I love the pensive not so trusting look on her face. I'm a grandmother of seven including 4 little girls 6, 4 and two 2's so I'm partial.
Loved her space the most
LOVE the linear chandelier with the crystals!!!
@pi
LOL! But I imagine Lucy Luther would get teased :P
I am usually too lazy to comment, but this is really well done. Gorgeous space and gorgeous family :)
Thank you for featuring a non-white family. I love seeing diversity online, since so few magazines offer that. Plus the apartment is wonderful too.
Lucy is just precious! Beautiful toy arrangement too.
What a wonderful home! I love the use of the rolling shade as screen divider to create privacy for Lucy's area. That's exactly the arrangement we need for our apartment when the little one comes. Thanks for the inspiration!
I want to see Lucy's sleeping space!
Gorgeous family in a gorgeous home...love it!.
Great pad of a lovely family of three! It is wisely furnished and has a lot of tips to steal from to offer. Lex and Lynn mix cheaper big reseller stuff from IKEA with precious design furniture in a really inspiring way and throw in some great ebay finds. All the acrylic chairs and side tables look so airy, the shiny surfaces of the mirrored credenza adds lots of light, too. Your wall colour is beautyfull, too, I love the bold red in the entrance!
Thank you for sharing!
love the house and it was definitely a surprise to see them here especially since i used to follow Lynn's fashion blog @allthingsnyc.blogspot.com
Nice floor. I, too, missed a photo of the skyline.
@Tetegrondona, Lucite furniture is very pricey in Canada, too.
Love that kitchen! Very beautiful and warm in feeling.
Thanks for the roller shade idea. Right now I have a giant Chinese scroll that I use to divide my bedroom from the rest of the apartment, which has an open floor plan, and I've been searching for something that is more versatile in terms of design. Why didn't you get one that touches to the ground?
I love how there's a full commitment to the kid stuff in the kid areas, like the rocker, the pillow, the cute rug; it's not just a nod to kid stuff with some framed sunshine quote on the wall. but everything looks so beautiful and light-filled all together as well. what a deft hand and wonderful eye.
LOvely place. WHere can I get those book shelves??
Love everything...great space...great taste. Would also like to know where the book shelves in LR came from...and drapes, both LV and BR. Thanks so much for sharing!
It's obvious that a child lives and plays there. I live in a small home a little less than double the square footage and it seems so cluttered and overrun by our daughter's stuff. I am so inspired by your space -- beautiful and clean but not like a museum where you can't touch anything. Time to start de-cluttering in our home as well as make better use of space and storage.
thanks everyone for the wonderful comments! to answer a few of your questions...
lucy's sleeping arrangement - we have a portable crib in our room which we fold up during the day. but more often than we would like, she wants to sleep with us, so we co-sleep. this works for us right now but would obviously need to change as lucy grows bigger.
@PI - sorry to disappoint, our last name is not luther. lol. it does start with an L too though.
@MSHANNAHNV - the ledge in the kitchen is an additional counter space and we have had breakfasts and snacks in that area too.
@PERKYWALLFLOWER - wow, tickled pink that somebody still remembers my blog -- allthingsnyc.typepad.com. i missed blogging, but the demands of being a mom takes a lot of time. hopefully, when lucy gets older i can do it again.
@MEDUSA12120 - our building is doing facade work and our terrace is out of commission for a few months. we totally missed it this summer.
@NONIE - yes, lucy has bumped into that table a few times, she has learned to avoid it and ducks when she wants to play under it. we are still in the process of toddler-proofing our home and this is probably one of the furniture we are looking to replace.
@TAMMY L 2012- the bookshelves are the cubitec shelving which can be bought online and on multiple stores. the drapes are from bed, bath and beyond, brand is union square.
Beautiful home!!! Where are the grommet curtains in the bedroom and living room from?
Our family of three is thinking of downsizing to a loft around this size so it's encouraging to know that it CAN be done!
Thank you AP for posting this : )
"wallpaper, painting, installing shades, assembling our furniture" ~ that's DIY in my book!
Beautiful home. I love the Matisse in the play area. I still remember fondly a Renoir reproduction in my room when I was teeny ~ it fascinated me ~ and I'm sure Lucy will remember the Matisse and so much else of this lovely home.
I, too, would like to know where the curtains and curtain rods are from.
Lex/ Lynn, are you Filipinos? I'm curious since I saw a belen, although isn't it a litte too late (or early) to have it? anyways, I'd be so glad to see my country get represented in AT for once! :)
ok just went through the entire tour and saw the Manila clock. now i'm sure. yay!
Very beautiful. Loved the red kitchen.
@summer13 & @vintage birthday - the curtains (Union Square brand) and curtain rods are from Bed, Bath and Beyond
@yasubeiGirl - yes, we are :). we figured that since the nativity set are so pretty we'll display them year-round.
I read through all the comments and not one on the shoes! Love the house, it is very nice and I am sure in NYC, that is a palace, but... I must have the cat shoes. Where did they come from?
@kinxhi_bites - lol, they are charlotte olympia kitty flats
It's such a great place! I wonder how they have a sex life though, with their child's room on the other side of a partition, and how that's going to work as she grows older.
Oh what an adorable family. I love that they made space for their daughter and found other ways to make for themselves like the computer desk that used the space from the closet. How wonderful. The acrylic shelving, table and chairs are great and wonderful advice of how to use small spaces. Thank you!
Limited space with style to spare! Modern, clean, sleek and yet warm. Lovely home for a lovely family! Thanks for sharing.
Oh, and I LOVED the red kitchen and it's something I always wanted to do but unfortunately would not work in my kitchen :(
Very classically modern! I love the different elements...yes you have a child, but the house isn't all about the baby (sorry parents, but it's not- at least to me) it's like saying you are parents but you are you too...though that may not be what you are saying..I surely picked up on it. Nicely done!
allthingsnyc - the very next day I went to my mailbox and in one of my fashion magazines are the kitty shoes!
I love, love, love all your lucite items. Plus, I love how neat you guys keep everything and train Lucy to do as well. Enjoyed your space.
I Love lOve loVe lovE the linear crystal chandelier in the dining room Is it possible to provide the manufacturer or model number or ANYTHING more specific about it besides that it was purchased at Bowery? they seem to sell a bazillion and 1 things and even just knowing a manufacturer or model number would help narrow the search down. many thanks in advance!
Nice tour and I love the clocks in the kitchen.
I hope im not too late for comments and I can get an answer. Me and my husband also live in a one bedroom and expecting, and im planning to do this same thing with the living room and divide it to make room for the baby. PLEASEEE, WHAT TYPE OF SHADE IS THIS?? I went in to shadestore.com and I just cant find the same one. ANYBODY KNOWS??