- Name:
- Melissa
- Location:
- Arlington, VA
- Square Feet:
- 595
- Division:
- Tiny
- What I Love About My Small Home:
- I love that my condo has provided me with a myriad of learning experiences. I now know how to fit a hot water heater into a 20 inch wide space, that if you adopt a rescue dog everything needs to be machine washable (goodbye silk DKNY Collection bedding and hello cold delicate wash cycle for real fur rugs), how to hire a contractor, what to do when a litter of baby squirrels are living above your ceiling, and that design blogs, especially Apartment Therapy, can be a wonderful inspiration.
- Biggest Challenge of Living in a Small Space
- I think the challenge in every small space is storage. Following the failure of my building’s roof, I had to rip out my ceiling and some drywall to address mold and water damage. While the repairs were being completed, I realized I could increase storage by reducing the size of my bedroom to create three new closets. I now have a 15+ feet of hanging storage, 20+ feet of glass shelving for my heels, and drawers and shelves to accommodate at least twice the amount of folded clothes I moved in with. Plus, I have a storage closet that fits my bike, snowboard, holiday decorations, craft supplies, and ever-growing tool collection for home repairs. I have had to give away lots of old clothes, books, and furniture that didn’t multitask enough for a small space, but I finally feel like my home has ample storage, a reasonable amount of possessions in it, a cohesive look throughout, and is organized enough that I can keep it clean.
Categories:
Style,
Main,
2012,
Small Cool,
Small Spaces
Like this Small Cool 2012 contest entry? Favorite it below!
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The Big Book of Small, Cool Spaces 
Apartment Therapy Presents 
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My Staple Summer Cocktail Recipe: Campari & IPA Spritzer
I like that you integrated your dog into the floor plan.
love the way you have taken the photo shots - and the dog in the floor plan :).
Your place is cute, and I love that you redesigned to give yourself more storage space. I would like to see your shoe shelves!
Love your place!
Very nice place! What is the source for the lucite (glass?) desk and bar stools?
I love your condo. I want to see more of it, especially the new closets. I like how you used lucite (?) table and chairs - they are almost invisible which makes the place appear more spacious.
That hanging mount for the TV is an EXCELLENT idea! And the dog in the floor plan is adorable (although your real dog is much cuter in that picture!). I love the bold use of dark paint in your living room area. I'm not sure I'd have the guts to do it, but it looks great in your space.
I think you have done a great job really utilizing the space you have. Sounds like the ceiling damage was a blessing in disguise.
great place - and from my hometown! I LOVE the soft gray in your bedroom, can you give the color details on it?
Dog says "watcha doin?" Hilarious expression!
Good floor plan -- I appreciate the optimization of storage!
I also love the dog in the floorplan, and that you tried to capture the full feel of each room as best you could..instead of sections of each room & vignettes.
Love it! This is gorgeous! And such a sweet doggie too. :)
Cute apartment :) What is the bowl with the oranges?
So smart to steal square footage from the bedroom and use it for what you need instead!
Great job! I LOVE all of your lucite furniture. Would you mind letting us know where it came from?
Yay for rescued pit bulls! This condo is impeccably dog proofed without compromising an ounce of style. Way to go!
You've made yourself a wonderful home; you've made some really smart decisions about your space and it's beautiful. I have three rescue dogs. Yes, lots of compromises, but so worth it. Your kitchen and bath are so nice I assumed you owned. Most landlords don't go that high end on fittings and fixtures.
Very nice!! Is your bed from West Elm?
I loooove the bedroom
A laundry room in 595 square feet? Such is the decadent exuberance of our times. Melissa should be sanctioned for her frivolity and for daring to enjoy and make livable such a small place.
bold use of color......smiles
Love love love this condo! And I love the rescue pibble :-) Where are the lucite stools from? They are awesome!
Forget a house tour, I need a CLOSET TOUR!
I have that same glass desk and I use it as a dining table. Great place. Love the floor plan with the dog included :)
I am looking for a large work of art like that white canvas you have in your living room. Can you please tell me where you got it from? Its beautiful against your dark wall.
I love this space and your bold color choice in the living room. Your dog is adorable. Would love to see more pictures of your closets and storage solutions.
I love the black walls. One of very few apartments in this competition that embrace dark walls. Don't be afraid of COLOR in small spaces. Also, love the lucite or clear acrylic pieces of furniture. Great for small spaces!
Love your place. I love this contest. You have given me some ideas with your home. Though my house is a little bigger then yours I am extremely jealous of your house ....you have made great use of space...good job! Love the baby!
I would love a house tour! Looks like you've made some great choices. You totally pulled off the dark living room -- it still feels airy and inviting. This looks like a great place for a party! The ottomans make it feel loungy — totally covet that big stuffed ottoman, btw.