apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

I live in NY and this place makes me sad. Those two uncomfortable looking chairs facing each other with a tiny stool in between does not make a living room. Maybe a dining room table or a small sofa would help this place immensely. She does have some great pieces.. I think she has good taste.

Oh, also, does anyone know what kind of plants those are? beautiful and unusual!

She clearly has great taste and organizational skills, but those two chairs in the middle of the room with that tiny stool are awkward, and as mentioned above, depressing. A lot more can be done with that space.

very inspirational!

yeah, i can't imagine having an apartment without at least some kind of sofa. it looks like a small sofa (60") could fit in that space. it might make the space seem less airy but the two chairs there just don't make the space seem very warm and homey.

but who knows, maybe not everyone likes to spend entire days cooped up in their apartments like i do.

I'll echo the comments above: take the minute to turn the pictures! Sheesh.

Anyway, I love this tour! The space looks so much bigger than it is. You did a really good job with the layout (are those before pictures from the previous owner?). My only suggestion would be to get a kitchen island that doubles as a dinner table. It would be a good place for guests to gather around, too.

i love the white clock in the bathroom ~ can you let us know the source?

I need to meet a girl like her, or better yet, her. Funny, I am always very critical on (AT) but, this is perfect. Well thought out, clean lines and minimal. The bare essentials.

I too am going through this right now, mentally, with all the wonderful economic news we are privileged to read everyday. Have lots of money saved, but something about me wants to break down to a studio myself, at least for a year or two. Save! Just a big, white, lush bed, my huge camel colored leather ottoman, a NY Rocking chair from DWR (a must have) and my custom wood table. My musical equipment also stays. Thats it! No TV, no sofa.

For me, the windowed bath and the floor tiles completely sold me. The big kitchen is cool too. I mean it is nice to eat!

I could suggest changes, but for once, I am saying leave it exactly the way it is. I just feel balanced looking at her photos, well actually they're not straight, but you get my point:)

Wish I could meet this girl and her cats...

I think this space is lovely and very soothing. And I would be lucky to have a sleeping alcove that looks like that.

Seriously, the two Bertoia chairs in the middle of the room are so random. So much for having a long, relaxed conversation with guests (I mean "a guest"). I guess the seats are great for a stare down contest. Love the dark floors though.

I know from experience that when you live in a very small apartment, it is scary to go with big seating, but you can. There is plenty of room in the center of this space for a short-ish sofa. Sofa on one side, the two chairs on the other, the Saarinen end table in the middle.

I appreciate some of the details of this apartment, and I guess it's necessary to reveal how much stuff one can have and not have it hanging out all over the place. That kitchen is all kinds of storage though, so it's not really that much of a mystery that stuff would be in the cabinets. I like the part of this tour that isn't shoe-deprived small apt. living. I'm not that into shoes, but if that's what someone likes, and they're able to have their cake and eat it too, is what I'm saying, that's alright.

My apartment is nearly twice as large, not suffering for storage space, but hers is so neat, quite fastidiously so. People have said before that having a small space makes cleaning easier, and forces you to be more neat and less materialistic. It looks "detailed" with things rather than lived in. I guess the board above the desk with the photos gives it a personal touch. Too much would look cluttered, but the choices reflect someone who is keeping real life in boxes, nice boxes, mind you, and not living in a barely furnished space, but the decorative touches are lovely yet incapable of expression, other than, it's neat and tidy here.

I don't really mind the little chairs. It's kind of weird, but it's someplace to sit, isn't it? I'd rather have some chairs than a studio where my bed was the only place to sit, and she made that a separate nook so... I don't have a couch either, but I would have at least one comfortable easy chair. The cats would be on it. I'd like the pictures to be uprighted and maybe edit some out. I realize it was a project to start and finish but it was redundant and long for such a little apartment.

I think this looks so perfect. What amazing talents you have, and such restraint! I'm jealous.

That's just it duckumu, we have spent years consuming as much as possible to make ourselves feel comforted with our interior surroundings. Look how that worked out for many.

Laura will speak for herself, but I am not sure her intention is to be entertaining several people at once. I have lived in a loft for many years. Not a large one, but every time I have more than 4 or 5 people over I feel cramped, although we are not. Home is the sanctuary for 1 or 2. I keep the gatherings these days at someone else's place or just go out!

I never realized this until recently, and I know this sounds ridiculous, but sofa's to me, are a conduit to laziness. I realized once I didn't have one, I stopped sitting on my as& in front of the tv. Dreadful I tell you. Not the way we are suppose to exist.

Looking good. BUT Laura needs to recalculate her square footage. Though quite small, it's obvious from the photos that her home is larger than 250 square feet and her previous home was larger than 450 square feet.

I DREAM of being this neat and orderly. Absolutely wonderful use of space! The chairs are awkward, but apparently they work for her.

ooh_food: I believe the plant is amaranthus. I've always loved that plant!

That bed nook is so wonderful and serene. It makes the whole place. I aspire to such a serene bedroom. I could never have my closet open like that, because it would never look that way except after a big cleanup. Plus, I wouldn't really want to stare at my clothes all the time. Just me.

I don't see the chair set up as such a big deal. To me it seems like this is moveable seating set up one particular way just for the photo shoot. I personally would want something to put my feet up on (maybe the little table?), but I can see these chairs arranged in various ways. A couch would be nice, but maybe it's just not an option at the moment.

I'm so impressed at what she made out of this.

Also, she says right in the proudest DYI comment, "Just getting this place 'done' with mostly stuff I already had. Though I would love to get a couple of cool, comfortable lounge chairs…" Sounds like comfy chairs are in the offing.

A lot of wonderful ideas in this post.

i really enjoy her organization and photography. stop nagging her about those chairs, she said she wants some comfy lounge ones but hasnt got round to it yet.

I've seen closets bigger then this apartment! Good job!

Yeah there is no way this apartment is only 250 sq ft. The main room looks bigger than the main room of my studio, and my apartment is about 450 sq ft!

While I could never live in a space that small, she has some clever ideas. Something that struck me - not a single patterned item in her wardrobe. Interesting. The lack of comfortable seating would discourage guests or any sort of entertaining.

where does the door in the bathroom lead to? did i miss something? it almost looks like it heads to the outside.

she could move the chairs to face the bed when company comes over, that way the bed would be like a daybed and the chairs could be for extra seating. It would be really awkward if she dates(not sure if she's single or whatever) it'd be like a guy comes over and he's already made it to your bedroom. Other than that, it's lovely

Well executed and neat. But Laura obviously has extraordinary skills, excellent taste, and a substantial budget (all that FLOR!) to work with. Without getting too personal, I'd be curious to know how she found herself without any better choices for space than this tiny, noisy and sooty sow's ear.

Boy, I'm impressed. Those "before" pictures really show how hard you worked.

And thanks for showing all the storage interior details. Most of us would cringe to have our hidden spaces "outed." You are a good advertisement for your profession.

**sets timer for 15 minutes of de-cluttering**

I love how the kitchen is big in this small apartment! not a stove and a bar fridge but a whole wall!

i've been to laura's apt...it's definitely 250sf!

this was the ultimate challenge for her. half the size, dirty as heck she'd been in her last place forever - breaking away is tough!

either way - it was almost shocking to walk in see this space all finished (she'd emailed loads of before pix). it's light, it's bright, it's airy honestly, it looks BIG!

i've also seen her work in other places believe me her methods translate no matter what the taste. the whole idea is "everything has its place".

having an organizer in the family is like having a doctor in the family - you can always use one!

oh the chairs look better in person ;)

love you laura! xo

Okay, where is the voting doohickie on this post? I vote Laura the most organized....ever! Nice place.

I'm in love with her place. If only I could convince my boyfriend to pare down like this!

Laura, you're my hero... seriously. You (and your apartments!) are so inspiring! I've been using the photos of your old apartment as inspiration to whip my 280sq foot apartment into shape... and now I see that your new place is smaller than mine... and way more awesome. And you have one more cat than I do! I have no idea how you do it SO WELL!

Thank you for sharing the before photos... it's nice to know that you didn't just walk into a rundown apartment and magically make it so perfect. I'm glad that you had an "in-between" stage... it's very reassuring to know that where I'm at right now with my tiny apartment is only a "stage."

The place looks amazing. The only thing I would suggest would be to get rid of the two chairs and stool and put something more comfortable like a small sofa and table. She definitely has beautiful taste and her home is lovely.

Awesome job on the apartment - I wish I had the self-discipline this woman has -and I love, love, love the fact that now I've seen someone else with a horsehoe in the bedroom - ;-)

While I appreciate and admire the organization of this space, I find it extremely uncomfortable and unwelcoming with just the 2 Bertoia chairs for seating, and no proper dining table.

My approach would be to have a small sofa against the wall, with a small dining table (oval or rectangular) in front of it, and 2 dining chairs. The books could be stored on the wall, on a shelf running right under the ceiling, and the desk could be in the same spot, but I would make it a pull-out over a built-in cabinet that stores office supplies (and I'd stick with a laptop).

But, given the dust from the highway, I would look around for another place. The "soot" and dust from such a highway is quite toxic -- it contains heavy metals (lead, nickel, arsenic...) as well as particles from brake pads and shoes and clutch dust. Brake pads, shoes and clutch linings have long used asbestos, and exposure to the dust from brake pads and shoes can cause mesothelioma.

first of all thanks for all the comments, to address some questions:

yes the before pics are the previous owner

the place is 250sqft total including the bathroom, i know because i had to measure for the flor tiles and i measured before moving in to see what furniture would fit. and my last place was about 465sqft, i know because it was measured several times since i tried to buy the place. i'll take it as a compliment that both spaces seem larger :)

as far as why i chose this place to live is a long story but basically i had another apt in mind and went back and forth with it's landlord for about a month and she pulled out at the last minute due to electrical and plumbing problems. when she finally told me i had like 3 days left on my lease and this place was at least in a good neighborhood close to where i was.

as far as my budget... most if it was blown on the carpet tiles, but i do get a trade discount there so it wasn't sooo bad... pretty bad but worth it and i wanted to be able to take it with me. about 92% of what you're looking at are things i already had.

as far as finishing the place i stopped at this point because i am planning on moving again as soon as i find something else. if i were planning on staying i would do window treatments in the main room and get proper comfy chairs and a coffee/dining table.

if you look at the space as a whole you can see what was important to me when planning the space; to have a proper office area as i work for myself and have no other office, keeping my queen size bed and creating a nice dressing area. there are a million different ways to decorate a space, yes i could do a shelf about the doors but i'm 5'1" tall and the things on my bookshelf are used almost daily as reference for my business.

i entertained at the last space and will hopefully will again when i move but for now, oh well, my friends have nice comfy places to hang out and Mini Bar down the street is a rather lovely place to pass the time...

the two doors in the bathroom... the odd one leads into the hall so there are actually two entrances to the apartment. the place is really 1/2 the second floor of a small bldg not a 'real' apt... another reason i want to move....

as far as having people coming in and they are already in the bedroom, that was one of the main reasons for the curtains on both sides. when you walk in you don't totally see it.

oh yeah, with the exception of the striped blouse, not a pattern girl!

don't know the name of the clock but i got it at A&G Merch on N6th st in williamsburgh.

my "decorative touches are lovely yet incapable of expression" sorry but what is that? yes there are many pics what isn't shown is the pan am pin tacked to my cork board that my late father wore to work everyday for over 30 years, the small momentos friends and family have given me over the years like the small ceramic lion peeking from the side of the bookshelf to great me when i walk in the door, the voodoo doll on the shelf in the bathrm. you also wouldn't know that many of the wood boxes on the shelf near the bed where gifts given to me by loved ones who know i love wood boxes. as far as me being fastidious... i am and always have been so having my space look like this really takes no effort and i also believe that less is more. most people in the world have a lot less than this and i would never dare to say they aren't 'living' but that's just me :)

thanks jill at AT!!

My first thought on seeing the placement of the chairs is that this is where Laura conducts business meetings/works with clients, etc, so I didn't find it odd at all to see the chairs arranged like that. I can't help but think that her appartment is the best possible advertising for her organizational skills, so it would only make sense for her to meet clients there.

It really is an amazing space. However, I propose a subsequent expose in which we get to see the contents of the no-doubt bursting storage locker where Laura, like the rest of us, has piles of old bills, unfiled mail, the prom dress she can't bear to throw away, magazines that she'll get around to reading one day, and lots of little tchockes. :D

juliet! you crack me up :)

in my defense i have NO storage locker i promise, those are expensive...

i'm very good about keeping up with paperwork since i eliminated junk mail at the source (https://www.dmachoice.org and http://www.catalogchoice.org/), switched to paperless statements, prom was about 16 years ago and has since been donated (donatemydress.org and operationfairydust.org), with no tv i read my magazines pretty quickly and i hate tchockes!!

i'm soooo impressed with this home; these kinds of posts are my favorite: they show planning, organization, ingenuity, and creativity. i'm not into the posts where the owners hired architects, designers, and threw gobs of money at their house. anyone can 'buy' taste. this girl just HAS good taste. way to go!!

Am I the only one finding the caption "Laura standing by her front door reaching over to her 'landing strip'" a little odd? Or maybe I'm just too juvenile...

The place looks great Laura. Well done on doing so much with such a small space.

Hey! Where are the pictures of the kitties?

rainbowbright: i do prefer the word 'entry' but i guess that could sound bit cheeky as well...

yeah, they are scaredy cats (spelling?) and were under the bed the whole time...
they are in some of the pics i've taken of the place: http://www.flickr.com/photos/30816385@N02/2887665107/in/set-72157607497700219/

their names are smokey and the bandit and i'm allergic to them, some days worse than others :)

nicely organized but there's like no color at all! not even in your wardrobe-sure its color-coded but by shades of beige and neutrals. not my cup of tea.

so how does one hire laura? I live close by in an apartment also in a tiny studio and would love to use Laura's services.

or: you can email me at lauracatt@gmail.com
please visit my website for further info:
http://lauracattano.com/

look forward to speaking to you :)

I just wanted to add my 2 cents when I noticed that the tenant is actively reading the public response to her space...

After viewing the photos, I am left with nothing but awe and admiration for Laura and her unique, optimistic vision for this space. I commend her for taking the time to create such a beautiful home for herself out of a total disaster and at the same time allowing herself to continue to own so many pairs of shoes in such a tiny space. :)

Kudos to you, Laura! I think the results are truly luxurious for having such limitations. Upon seeing this place, I'd hire you in a second.

Laura, you are an artist. That is all.

I'm very taken with the curtained off bed (I'm suddenly try to imagine how i would orchestrate such a feat in my weeny bedroom).
Very, very serene - i've never been a white fan, but I really like this.

I just looked through the flickr set and I think I love this more the more I look at it. The colours, even thought they are not my favourite, are so serene and quiet, and the little touches are wonderful-- the more I look the more I see, and yet it still all feels quiet, calming, and ordered. Also, the mirrored lamp is causing me to have Covetous Thoughts.

Laura --

This is the pull-out table I was trying to describe in my post earlier. Maybe something to keep in mind for your next place....

http://www.houseandhome.com/features.php?c=127593

Laura --

Here is the pull-out table that I had in mind in my earlier post. Perhaps something to keep in mind for your next apartment.

(it is picture 8 of 10)

http://www.houseandhome.com/features.php?c=127593

I almost wish I had less space so I could be as clever as Laura. My biggest problem is that there are too many rooms to know what to do with. I'm still just settling in, having only been here two months. Unfortunately my office has more clutter and unpacked boxes than any other room. I just want to be DONE!

Emily

Love it! So many great ideas about how to live a full, practical life with not a lot of space.

A true minimalist in action! And such style.

So inspiring to see creativity winning over adversity.

I am totally in awe of Laura's organizational and space-planning skills. Hopefully I can channel some of that this weekend in my own apartment (which is all kinds of cluttered up right now)!

This is some impressive small-space living, but maybe not quite as impressive as Maxwell and Sara Kate's old place, where they actually cooked (a lot, I take it)! It reminds me of that Flaubert quote about being orderly in your life so you can be wild in your work. Except Laura's work is also about being orderly (but in a way that would be wild for most of us). Anyhow, I used to think I'd like to be this organized. Then I had kids and now I think I'm about as organized as I want to be.

so sorry the apartment isnt working out for you but i admire your courage in making it so lovely and yours while you wait for a new one. i would probably just exist until the move.
you have done a fantastic job and i am envious of your talent , in fact i am going over the pics a few times for inspiration as i have promised myself to improve my surroundings this wkend! i am also allergic to my 2 kitties but could not do without them. i use the sheet idea also and have an air purifier. best of luck finding a new apt and dont forget to show it to us!

mschatelaine: thanks for the desk idea, even if not for me, for one of my clients... thanks!

to even compare my apt with maxwell and sara kate's is a compliment considering they did almost a complete renovation with the new kitchen, built-ins, re-fitting the bathroom and lived there for over 10 years all i did was decorative changes and at the time these pics were taken i lived here for 6 months.

remember that being organized is not the same as being neat. i happen to be both naturally so to have and keep my apt like this really doesn't take much effort for me. i've helped many clients improve their organizational skills but wouldn't force them to be neat if they are not naturally since that would take up too much time and energy, time and energy i encourage them to do something they actually enjoy.

thanks for all the comments...

did you make that awesome bookcase yourself? what did you use & can you do a quick instructional? i'd love to do something similar, but i have no idea where to start!
i love this place. you've done a great job!

saltyc: i went to my local hardware store that sold lumber, picked out a 3/4" thick wood (there are many kinds at different price points) that would be inexpensive but sturdy. at the time i wasn't too worried about the look of it since it was be behind a curtain (in my bedrm at my last place).

i had the sheet of wood (48" x 96" or 4' x 8' standard size sheet) cut to 10" x 48" pieces and they recommended the posts which i had cut to 12".

starting from the bottom, i pre-drilled screw holes into the shelves and posts and screwed in 2" screws. you can also glue the pieces together and screw them in for extra support but i chose not to glue it so i have the option of taking it apart (which was super helpful in the move).

you screw it from the bottom so the screws don't show and you stager the posts so you can actually have the space to screw them in.

i can always stain or paint the wood if i chose to at some point. for now i don't mind the way it looks unfinished.

i hope this helps!

Laura - your home is wonderful.

-another Laura, organising here in the UK :)

If it came down to taste you and I would be best of friends Laura! I have some of the same furniture in my studio. (which is about 350sq ft) But before that place, I did rent in a studio that was 250-280sq ft. I would invest in a small round dining table it would make a big difference. But I know how it is, there isn't much more that will fit, you have made it look wonderful!

I believe that this place s 250sqft. I live in a 425 sq ft place where the main room is about 250sq ft. Her main room here is a little smaller than mine, leaving an extra 30 sq ft or so for that bathroom.

I hope this place is cheap! Or, NY cheap anyway. She has worked wonders with it, but the apartment itself seems to give her very little to work with. She should get some kind of prize.

The place is beautiful, but I can't stand the two chairs facing each other with the "coffee table" in between. Do you eat with your plates in your laps staring at each other? And carpet tiles in the kitchen?

I do love the bedroom space, and the whole wall of "closet"

Laura has done a tremendous job of transitioning from 450 to 250 sq ft and on top of it, from a nicer space to a less inspiring space. She's done with panache.

On top of this, I have to say both her homes are now 2 of my top 10 favorite AT house tours ever. This is how every house tour should be. Not only showing the pretty vignettes and arrangements of expensive furniture, but also the nuts and bolts under or behind the surface. How is the vacuum cleaner placed and where? How is the closet organized? Who cares how pretty the living room is, if their closets are a complete mess and they stowed everything in there for the photo shoot?

I was looking at her previous house tour and I loved how she used the magnetic spice containers for holding pills in her metal medicine cabinet. These are exactly the kind of inexpensive, witty insights that make AT thrive.

Hoping to see more of these kinds of tours, esp. with the coming Small Space contests.

Good job, Laura!

I admire the minimalism, but I don't think I could survive without a couch.

This is great. The closet is inspirational.

I really like it!

What a transformation! The bedroom/dressing room area is my favorite--so soothing, calm, comfy-looking, and elegant. Can you tell me where you got the over-the-bathroom door hooks? Container store, maybe?
Thank you for sharing!

Well done, Laura. I'm a fan of your previous apartment (I still dream of those Pottery Barn cubes you had), and seeing your new downsized digs is a true inspiration.

I live in a similarly sized apt in NY and after seeing this, you've given me new hope for what I can do with the space.

One question, where do you sit when you are at your office desk? By the look of the photos, the desk seems to be much taller than your chairs--do you stand the whole time?

For all the naysayers, this apt definitely looks like it's under 300sq ft. It's just true testament to Laura's skills that it looks that much bigger.

Bravo, Laura. Ignore the haters!

leahgreen: thanks! the over the door hooks are from ikea and i love them too: http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/90061249

laurany: the desk is a standard 29"H so it's not very high in person. and i just picked up an old wooden folding chair from a local thrift store to use at the desk, before i just used one of the wire chairs. that's the beauty of most of the things in the place... i can re-arrange at will!

as far as the 'haters' i don't give them a second thought. most of the negative comments are about the chairs and in the survey it says i don't like them either. and we are all entitled to our opinions... i can take it cause i actually love the space :)

does anyone know where the poster in the bathroom is from? i know i've seen it before but i can't remember where...

thnx :)

poster in the bathroom is from:

http://www.orkposters.com/

love all of them :)

Love, love, love the mirrored light!

I had to come back today and take another look. I love having very few things -- my apt. is 560 sf so I'm always looking for ways to improve storage. Your apt is inspirational. Minimal but with beautiful details. You have the best taste. Thanks.

Where do you keep your laundry? The only places I can think of are the bathroom or under the bed.

And are all of your off-season clothes/shoes in your apartment?

medenver: good question, i have a hamper next to the sink in the bathroom. for better pics, check out my flickr site:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/lauracattano/sets/72157607478960925/

and yes, all of my off-season items are in the apt in the closet area. many of my blouses are considered all year round, so are still hanging. when looking at pic 45, all the way to the left, under the shelves (behind the belts) are two large canvas boxes that hold folded items, then all the way to the right the hanging canvas bag has all my coats, jackets and a few hanging off-season pieces, as well as a pile of folded items resting on the bottom (it hold a lot). shoes are in boxes in two or three of the white bins on the upper shelf and my tall boots are under the bed. (the pics show my spring/summer wardrobe).

as with everything else, i don't have so many clothes because i really try to only buy items i love, that fit me and my lifestyle which narrows down what i buy. but what you are looking at are all things i actually wear. some items are worn more frequently than others, but i do try to make a conscious effort to wear all of it.

Beautiful space - Laura thanks so much for sharing with the world. I am curious how you keep track of where everything is kept. I also like to keep my things in pretty boxes but have a hard time keeping track of what's inside them unless I label them clearly, and I don't see many labels indicating what's inside your boxes unless I'm just missing them.

soxfordgal: you are right, i do not label anything. i've always had the knack of remembering where i put things i guess because i've always been a 'things away' person rather than a 'things out' person. i will say, most of my clients prefer things labeled so they don't have to think about it.

but here are a few things that make it easy to keep track of your things:
a - storing like things together in a logical way (all kitchen related items in the kitchen, all office related items in office area, all tools and household items together)
b - being vigilant about not having much (which means being careful about what comes into your life and home, not just constantly purging) means using almost all the things you have so your forced to remember where they are.
c - by removing the things in your home and life you don't love and use you have plenty of space to keep the things you do love and use in a convenient place to be found when needed
d - taking the time to plan out your storage according to how you use your things in your space makes the decision more meaningful to you and you're more likely to remember where things are, rather than just putting something somewhere because there's room to put it there at the time.

This is really a neat place! I like it's sparseness and the fact it doesn't have too much arty stuff hanging all over the walls, on shelves,etc. I wouldn't sleep too well with a painting over or within sight of my bed. The idea to paint the wall with one color en lieu of a painting is one that I might steal. I get Architectural Digest and wouldn't have my house done like most of the clients do, even if I were wealthy. I don't want a place full of creepy old history.

Color me impressed, and the one thing I'll say to the chair/stool haters is that when you have a tiny New York studio, you don't entertain in it! I had a 435 sq ft studio, and no one ever came over except my boyfriend.

Laura, where did you get that cool mirrored lighting fixture? I want!

wow. These pics have really inspired me to get rid of stuff (and I have a lot of stuff). I am lucky to have an apartment (in the same hood!) that is more than 3x the size, but not nearly as nice or organized. I love this apartment more than her previous one! (if I hadn't recently lost my job, I would hire Laura to help me!).
I am a few blocks from the BQE and I also get some soot/pollution from my closed windows. The noise is barely noticeable from my location. The noise isn't so bad, but maybe one of those noise canceler machines might help Laura?
The neighborhood is great in that there are lots of trees and family oriented but also very close to to smith street, cobble hill and brooklyn heights (aka, stuff to do).
mini bar, huh? For some reason I've never been sold on the place...

silvamint: the light fixture is the 'mirror ball' by tom dixon. there are many places online that sell it, (just google it) and here's a list of US dealers from his website:
http://www.tomdixon.net/en/worldwide.html?Cid=US
i was lucky enough to purchase it from a client for a fraction of it's real cost. and you're right, at this space i'm not entertaining much. if anything friends come over for a quick drink to see the place before we go out to dinner....

apdesigngirl: a noise canceler would be a great idea - i forgot about those! - along with an air purifier if i was planning on staying... hopefully i'll stay in the neighborhood. no mini bar? during the week is nice cause it's pretty quiet and there's usually a comfy spot to sit. where do you go?

Lara, how much to fly ou to Texas? and fix me up? ...Maj

Wow! Do you clean all the time? Looking at these pictures is a relaxing vacation from all of my "stuff." It is so quiet and calming. Wow.

Bravo Laura. Great job using a minimal palate, paring down to essentials in the especially & creating a serene place for yourself. One thought I had, maybe you can find a beautiful door knob set for the bathroom - glass maybe? Or something you love, it's easy to change out & in such a small place, would make a real difference. I had a similar thought for your light switches & plug plates. Maybe just paint them. Oh.. and you're a beautiful young woman, get yourself a bold color in your wardrobe. You'd probably look great in a shade of turquoise... Just one piece of something non neutral, please! :)

maj: you buy the ticket and i'm there! you could go the less expensive route and email me some images and we could do an email consult.. if you're interested... if you click on my name in the beginning it brings you to my website.

ohlaha: with a place this small and limited things cleaning takes no time. i'm a clean as i go kind of gal and i do a quick vacuum every other day which takes like 4 1/2 minutes :)

monikaorinda: LOVE the doorknob idea - i adore the glass bulb ones... i cleaned all the switch plates when i moved in and bought a couple fresh ones but stopped doing anything to improve the place when i decided i wasn't staying.... thanks so much for compliment but i'm not into the bold colors!! i do a small dash of color here and there but i'm more into beautiful fabrics, textures and design over color, believe me, the wardrobe is better in person than it looks in the picture :)

the serenity of this space shines through, thank you for sharing...one question: what did you use to hang the room dividing curtain?

the curtains are hung on electrical piping purchased from my local hardware store who cut it to size, then use clothing rod holders on the wall. super cheap :)

don't know if you're still reading this laura, but was wondering where you tend to buy your hangers...thought an organizer might have a good idea on this!

mollster:
depending on your taste and budget, generally speaking bed bath & beyond has a great selection (container store can be over priced).

one thing about any hanger i choose is that the hook part not freely move around without you having to turn it, like the plastic ones you find at most dept stores, yes they are usually the least expensive but i find they drive you crazy!!

here are a few of my faves:

love the huggable hangers that you can get almost anywhere including at bb&b (ultra thin flocked hangers) and the container store. for a full range of colors available, check out hsn:
http://home-solutions.hsn.com/joy-mangano-huggable-hangers_c-hw_a-192-2868_xc.aspx?kw=huggablehangers&sourceid=googbg&prev=hp!2868&rdr=1&cm_mmc=Paid%20Search%20General-_-Google-_-Home-_-huggablehangers

the home depot sells heavy duty tubular metal hangers like i have for my closet but less expensive and you don't have to buy a large quantity.

ikea has nice wood hangers, just look at the packs carefully so you don't get any damaged ones....

IN MY CLOSET NOW:
padded canvas hangers by martha stewart sold at kmart. they aren't on their website but am sure they're still in stores. i prefer the canvas over the usual satin ones because they grip the clothes better and delicates don't slip off.

tubular metal hangers (with and without notches) from hangers.com:
http://hangers.com/metal_hangers/42/metal_polished_chrome/18-799017/top_and_suit_hanger/

wood pant and skirt hangers from bed bath and beyond. these are also not on their website but are in stores. they have side clips and a center hook so you can hang another hanger on it. go to pic 48 for a detailed look.

HOPE THIS HELPS :)

thanks so much!!

i'm in the midst of a closet makeover myself so that's great advice.

enjoy your lovely place!

Could you let me know the source for the curtain rod you used in your bedroom (in your previous place)? I'm looking for a rod exactly like it and have been struggling to find one...

Thanks!

lightsomelemon: the rod is the same used in this apartment and is electrical piping (aka conduit, electrical metal tubing) purchased from my local hardware store who cut it to size. the ends are simple clothing rod holders also purchased at the hardware store.

:)

lightsomelemon: since the rod in the previous apartment was so long i also used ceiling rod supports seen in the pictures (the small rod coming from the ceiling to the curtain rod). purchased at the same hardware store and were also cut to size.

here's some more info (i didn't get them from these online stores, i just want to show you what i'm talking about):
http://www.signaturehardware.com/product714?utm_medium=shoppingengine&utm_source=shoppingdotcom

http://www.alliedtube.com/electrical-raceways/conduit/emt.asp

http://www.buyrailings.com/pd-productid-1004-k-1_516_lido_closet_flange_set.htm

Thanks Laura!

Thanks Laura, for those tips (on labeling vs. remembering). I especially agree that when you use something often it's no problem to remember where things are.

I especially appreciate your advice on keeping only the things you love and use. It takes effort and discipline, but it sounds like it's worth it.

Very well done for the space's limits. My own needs would be for a desk or table instead of the small chairs in the middle of the room. Otherwise, great job.

This woman is my hero! I love that she only keeps what she uses... though, FOUR umbrellas?!

I loved her fantastic use of space....I guess she doesn't sew, craft, knit, woodwork or have any hobbies that require crap! I live in 690 with my son and it has crapola everywhere! Any body have ideas on how to keep art folks tidy?

ellenme: actually you're only see my full-size umbrellas. i have another 3 small fold-up types in a box in the dressing area. i'll admit i like choice for my rain gear...

jaferq: well, i do have a small sewing kit and plenty of tools in my work kit; hammer, screwdrivers, wrench, nails, hooks, power drill, carpet scissors, staple gun, pole cutter, several types of glue, tapes, velcro, and a ton of other small expendables i use for work. but like everything else, it's all carefully edited and contained. you can see it in pic #19 (top shelf - drill, shoe care kit, tool box with gift for nephew on top with ribbon. bottom shelf - left box household items, right box more tools and expendables).

the key to keep practically anything tidy is to first gather it all together so you can see what you have. sort out anything unusable or you don't want/need. then seeing what's left come up with an appropriate storage solution which may mean a couple of inexpensive sturdy cardboard boxes (like i did with my tools) or plastic containers. or maybe you have soo many things, it may be worth dedicating an entire armoire or cabinet to your crafts, assuming you will realistically use all the things you are keeping. look on flickr for some great ideas:
http://www.flickr.com/search/?q=crafts%20storage&w=all&s=int

as far as kids things... be aware of how much they accumulate. kids can tire of types of toys easily and therefore they can be donated or boxed away to allow for room for their new likings.

giving your things a home within the home is the key to keeping it tidy; a box, bins, drawer, whatever is appropriate. that's all i've done in (both) my space(s).

thanks, :)

So many good ideas here. I love your quiet aesthetic. Could you tell me where you got the long hook mounted to the wall over the floor mirror in your bedroom? I'm looking for similar hooks, as well as a good online resource for hooks in general.

frow: i purchased the valet hook over the mirror from the container store (i have the 5 1/2" one):

http://www.containerstore.com/browse/Product.jhtml?CATID=69019&PRODID=65278

check out my new blog... i'll be doing a post soon about hooks since this week's posts are all about building/purging your wardrobe then setting up the closet:

http://theorderobsessed.blogspot.com/

thanks!

Hey, thanks! Your blog looks great. I will be sure to check back in!

thanks!!

Laura:

Your first apartment is one of my personal AT favorites, this second apartment is amazing, and I can´t wait to see the third one!

And yes, I also remembered Max and Sarah Kate's place (another favorite), because this is the same kind of story: minimum space, real life demands, a small budget, and an awesome inspirational job.

I forgot the question: I saw Smokey and Bandit on the pillows in flickr... We also have two cats, we are also allergic, and we use the same sheet covering the bed during the day... I did search different fabrics to cover bed and sofa, trying to find the ones that are easier to vacuum and wash. Not a great success yet...
So I wonder what are your strategies to keep hair from getting into the bed, and preety much everywhere.

Thanks (and excuse me for my bad english, I´m not from USA)

Gaby_S: i just use a regular cotton sheet over the bed and used the same type of sheet over my sofa in the last place.
the sheet seems to work for keeping hair out of the bed.

i try to brush the cats often which helps keeps the hair at bay, but honestly, i just accept that their hair gets everywhere and vacuum a lot - every other day in this place.

sorry i don't have any better advice :(

thanks for all your kind words :)

I am coming into this late....but I LOVED your first apartment (that and Max and Sara Kate's are among my absolute favorites - along with the artist living in under 100sq feet in Manhattan)....anyway, I am completely inspired by your talent - well displayed in both places - and wanted to thank you - I live with my husband AND son in under 500sq feet - I don't store out of season clothes elsewhere and the place is relatively neat. I also run a part-time business from my home. I have always lived in small spaces so I have, over the years, gathered ideas to make the most of a small space (like building a bookshelf with hubbie after buying lumber at the local lumber store in NYC), and replacing doors with curtains as needed. You are a total inspiration!

It's so weird but I just saw this apartment listed on Craigslist today http://newyork.craigslist.org/brk/fee/1116027144.html ...so you must be moving, Laura? I'm sure you will be doing a fantastic apartment in your new apartment too. Keep us posted.

yes you did see it on craigslist!

i'm out may 1st which cannot come fast enough.

i'll be sure to do a house tour when i'm all set up in my new space :)

Laura,
I love your place and always refer to it for inspiration! I've got to know, what is the green plant pictured on your bedroom shelf, and bathroom sink?

shimmyj9: i don't know the name of the greens, sorry.

i'm now in my new place, soon to be another house tour. for a sneak peak check out my flickr page: http://www.flickr.com/photos/lauracattano/sets/72157618874946340/

and my blog:
http://theorderobsessed.blogspot.com/2009/05/move-making-decisions.html

:)

I would probably put a taller/bigger table between the two chairs.....but it looks cool the way you decided to do it. I love anything with black and white as the basics. It always bring in a modern...yet elegant look.

It's the teeny tiny apartments that show the most ingenuity and are sooo helpful to folk getting to grips with their spaces... this of course is no exception, and I come back to it again and again like a manuel when I need to rethink my space

Dear people who find chairs sad and want sofas in rooms,

I live in Japan. Traditional houses (and many modern ones) here have no couches. Sometimes low seating and/or really comfortable floor cushions are the best option, unless your grandparents visit a lot. In Laura's case, anything larger would overwhelm the small space and hurt the functionality more than help it. I'd get rid of my sofa if it didn't belong to my employer.

Laura, I love how you've set your desk and seating area so that you don't need any more than the two chairs. I also love your floor tiles; now I really want to get rid of the wall-to-wall, ill-fitting rug that I inherited with my apartment! Charcoal gray to the rescue!

Laura,
You are brillant! I think the best part of your apartment is that you live so simply. I think I am like most people and have become a hoarder of junk! Thank you for sharing your apartment with us.

But is an angel's place?

duedicuori: :0)

Hi, Laura, thank you for the smiling little face :°D, you are so nice, like your apartment. It's simple, pure and so chic. I'm from Italy, excuse my imperfect english. I like too much this site, it's wonderfull. Especially i like your style. Kisses from Italy, Turin.

Compliments for your good taste: joined to your professional approach it produces optimal results. I love the essential lines of your style, and the sense of order and harmony that your home transmits.I share your philosophy: a systematic approach in the resolution of habitability problems is necessary. I've an eclectic mentality, a naturally capacity in order to analyze a problem, and to estimate solutions to 360 degrees. Beyond all obvious, in an object, a piece of furniture, i see other functions, other uses. The necessity to resolve a problem of space, or order, unit to a desire of beauty and elegance, is fundamental for me. Elemts of IKEA furnishings prevail in my home: they gives to me the possibility to personalize atmospheres according to my taste, and change, in full freedom, without too many costs prevail. Kisses :-D

thanks again duedicuori! i want to visit italy so badly! it's one of my top 2 destinations for my next vacation...

laureljryan: you're right about a sofa would overwhelm the space and i think alot of people who commented didn't really read the post or any of my comments. i knew i wouldn't be staying there (have since moved) so wanted to 'finish' it as best as possible with my existing pieces.