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#23 - Fernanda & Adam's Hidden Storage

Name: Fernanda G. & Adam S.
Location: Buffalo,NY
Size & Type: 570sqft One Bedroom

Favorite resource: MDF and our brains!

Pitch: Storage is essential but, who wants to look at a bunch of milk crates... I know I don't. I think a fireplace is a perfect back drop for any living space especially in Buffalo. But when space and storage is low, all design elements need to have a certain amount of holding capacity as well; for all that stuff that you find yourself owning over the years...

 
 

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Pitch Cont'd: With a little creativity and a Home Depot card, we created a fireplace that stores my vacuum and adds warmth and good looks to my home. But of course the storage ideas didn't stop there... With a moving wall that becomes a pantry and a dinning room bench that opens, this space only lacks rooms, not room!

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Your favorite element: Unexpected Storage

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Small Cool 2007 - entries

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Comments (66)

I love this! Looks very warm and cozy! Great job!

posted by BklynTee on 2007-04-24 12:43:32
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I don't really get it based on the layout, can't figure out where that dining room area fits in...

But, I do love it! I think everything looks so nice and you have great taste. It's very stylish down to your acessories. I would never guess it was in Buffalo!

posted by Tiffany on 2007-04-24 13:21:09
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hey is that TWO fireplaces I see? I miss Buffalo (went to school there) and the warm, cozy winter nights. Your place makes me want to curl up on the sofa and nap.

posted by Lizz on 2007-04-24 13:24:02
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Get me a paper bag somebody, I'ma start hyperventilating.

The pictures look like they were taken with a cameraphone, but I can clearly tell this place is *beyond* gorgeous. The little fireplace - it's like something out David the Gnome, it's so cute and small and rustic, in the middle of all the shiny clean whiteness.

I guess I wish your living room wasn't such a shrine to the TV (or that you had a prettier TV), but I also wish MY living room wasn't such a shrine to the TV! Much as I wish it were a lovely sparkly conversation area, we're watching TV a lot more than chatting with friends :(
Still, someday, a flatscreen would look pretty in there.

posted by melanie on 2007-04-24 13:26:01
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Everything looks warm and cozy and the fireplace is something that is completely unexpected in such a small space. I love the diningroom and the warmth from the candles and lights. Well done!

posted by elle1009 on 2007-04-24 13:35:09
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Those fires don't look very safe to me, just sitting out there on a shelf without any screen. Please don't burn down your lovely home!
JoanneM

posted by JoanneM on 2007-04-24 13:49:11
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I love it! What is it?

posted by Alyce on 2007-04-24 13:49:34
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It looks warm and inviting, and actually kind of *hot*. In a good way.

posted by Curtis on 2007-04-24 13:50:01
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am i the only one who can't see the photos? i can see the images in every post on AT but this one! wah!

posted by kdkaboom on 2007-04-24 13:54:50
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I like this apartment. A lot. It's fantastic, especially the dining room (the living room seems a little cluttered though... could just be the photo's perspective at work).

But, to contest organizers: where are the micro-apartments? By my count, the East Coast has had what, 2 out of more than 20 apartments that were under 350 sq ft? Full disclosure: I entered the contest and my apartment is under 300. This isn't just griping to get mine on here. That would be nice, but ultimately, that's not my point. Some of the most inspiring entries last year were by people with apartments that were under 350. Again, for New York, 580 sq. ft. is pretty decent size. It's just not as hard to work with 570 sq. ft. as it is with 300.

posted by Gene on 2007-04-24 14:35:08
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Gene,
Mine is under 350 (Southwest entry #1). I've seen a few tiny ones this year. I think actually more than last year.

posted by Laura on 2007-04-24 14:43:39
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For Gene. Maybe you should suggest to the people that organize this contest to have too, one for the shoebox size apartment (under 300 sqft) and one for the tiniest apartment - between 300 - 600 sqft. My guess, there will be few entries for the first one.

posted by Anusha73 on 2007-04-24 14:46:39
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To Fernanda and Adam: Tres CHIC. lovely on the pictures and I am sure it is very warm and cozy in there. I get a warm feeling and personality from this space. Well DONE.

posted by Anusha73 on 2007-04-24 14:47:56
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I, too, feel a little nervous about those fires being right out there in the open, so close to combustibles and without a screen. I'm hoping those floors are concrete, but they look like carpet to me. It's very picturesque, but can it possibly be up to code?

posted by palousian on 2007-04-24 14:50:04
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Laura, I was strictly speaking about the east coast apartments. I know that there have been some shoebox places in the other regions. Yours was really fantastic, btw.

Anusha, I believe the two-category idea had been suggested. In fact, I'm almost certain, I had this conversation with Maxwell at the SCC party in NYC last year. But for whatever reason, the organizers chose not to do it that way, which is fine, but then it seems odd that only 2 out of 20 entries are tiny apartments and many of the others are pushing the contest sq. ft. maximums. I don't know, perhaps the last 17 or so entries will be micro ones.

posted by Gene on 2007-04-24 14:57:13
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I know I tried to convince them to have a super small category as well!

It's just comparing apples to oranges with the 350 and under vs. 350 and over and rent vs. own. It's getting depressing for us tiny dwelling renters.

Isn't it called the SMALLEST coolest APARTMENT contest anyway?

posted by Laura on 2007-04-24 15:05:15
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It all looks really nice, but those fireplaces (how cool to have two - and storage!) make me nervous. I would think there would be codes that would require them to be enclosed in some way - no? If you are comfortable living with the open fire(s) then you are way braver than I am.

posted by Sydney on 2007-04-24 15:05:30
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Where is that unexpected storage? Not on the photos, not on the plan...

posted by maja on 2007-04-24 15:16:39
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Isn't it called the SMALLEST coolest APARTMENT contest anyway?

Yes. Small has been defined as <650 sqft. Judges take into consideration size as well as other factors when determining a winner.

posted by Archie on 2007-04-24 15:42:41
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I can't believe how long it took me to work out it was a mirror in the bedroom. Combines cozy with glamour. Love it.

posted by Lesley - London on 2007-04-24 16:29:33
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genius. absolute favorite so far.

posted by oliviadc on 2007-04-24 17:12:01
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Both of those fireplaces makes me VERY nervous....

Nice dining room, but I agree that the living room is a bit TV-centric. Of course, not everyone can afford a flat screen TV.

on the side subject, I count 8 apt's below 300sf - 4 in east coast, 2 in SW and 2 in NW.

But that should really be a seperate thread.

posted by Neujeramic on 2007-04-24 17:18:48
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Can you explain how you built the fireplace? I'm assuming it's a nonventing gas unit. Thanks

posted by DC Lisa on 2007-04-24 17:27:04
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I don't get why everyone's so nervous about the fires. Unless you're leaping around your living room doing an interpretive dance with flowing scarves, you should be ok. And I say this as one of the clumsiest people I know. I spill coffee on myself almost daily. But I grew up with a fireplace that was often unscreened and we never had a mishap. Also I'm sure Fernando and Adam have a screen but it's not gorgeous so they took it off for the pics.

This place is indeed gorgeous, with the fireplaces and storage what's not to love?

posted by mjoe on 2007-04-24 17:28:57
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I'm glad to see I'm not the only one who was confused for a while before figuring out there were A) two fireplaces and B) a mirror!

posted by beamish on 2007-04-24 17:37:59
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the best apt i've seen so far...love it

posted by daforat ousy on 2007-04-24 17:40:17
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I loooooove the fireplaces!... such a great idea for storage!!!

posted by fgdesign on 2007-04-24 20:30:15
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Good lighting.

posted by Terry on 2007-04-24 22:40:59
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oh la la! very nice! but not sure where the fireplaces are on the floor plan

posted by moddog on 2007-04-25 00:32:01
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**********************************************

Gorgeous! I definetly see this one as one of the top finalists!

The wall panelling, fire elements, and earth accent decor combine to create a near-perfect package.

My Vote: Stellar! Insta-Finalist!

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posted by Hed Kandi on 2007-04-25 00:49:45
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Photos look great, but I can't figure out floor plan with what I see.

Are there TWO fireplaces? One in bedroom and one in living room?

Yes, would be great to see the hidden storage you mentioned. When you make the finalist cut (as voting so far suggest you will) and get to post more pics, pls open a few drawers or cabinets to illustrate examples of the hidden storage.

posted by gekko on 2007-04-25 03:30:50
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That is the first apartment I've seen that invested in a serious lighting design. Just perfect!!

posted by lourinho on 2007-04-25 10:05:44
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Mirrors are the best thing for small spaces... and those in the bedroom are absolutely gorgeous. Finalist!!!

posted by Ana Elvis on 2007-04-25 10:13:15
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I wish the pictures were better, but it is definitely a knock-out

posted by deed susan on 2007-04-25 10:36:40
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warm, inviting, cozy! it is really a big accomplishment having one fireplace in a small space, even bigger when you have two and genious when they are storage units. I think this apartment is unique... your brains were the best resource I've seen in this contest!!!

posted by elendavid on 2007-04-25 12:29:47
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*********************************************

genious!


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posted by jsilva on 2007-04-25 12:38:49
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Muito aconchegante!! Achei a iluminação maravilhosa, os detalhes muito requintados e a organização dentro do seu pequeno espaço perfeita! Parabéns Adam e Fernanda, seu apartamento é muito lindo!

posted by Fabi Tonelo on 2007-04-25 12:56:10
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I love it!

posted by justin devorkin on 2007-04-25 13:00:41
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Gostaria de dizer que vocês estão de PARABÉNS, pois o apartamento ficou muito bem distribuido, limpo mas cor o ar aconchegante. PERFEITO!!!!
Sem esquecer de todo requinte e a preocupação com a iluminação que trz vida para a casa.
Parabéns!!!!

posted by ccasellato on 2007-04-25 13:05:38
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Stellar! Insta-Finalist!

posted by chowell on 2007-04-25 13:13:22
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nice choices, good taste

posted by Dani Durval on 2007-04-25 13:38:29
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Parabens!

posted by rozinhagraca on 2007-04-25 13:41:54
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very creative, stylish, the best i've seen

posted by cfrancis on 2007-04-25 14:59:36
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WOW- props to my hometown, Buffalo! Are you downtown?

posted by lesterhead on 2007-04-25 16:12:09
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what shrine to the TV? This apartment is amaaaaaazing! I love everything -- the color scheme, the fireplaces, the accessories. It is beautiful!

posted by Mereides on 2007-04-25 16:39:24
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sophistication which you can actually live in

posted by robyn78 on 2007-04-25 17:15:00
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Bertoia, Gray... classics!... well done

posted by juliene on 2007-04-25 17:26:42
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I'm curious... is anything behind those panels in the dinning room? I think I just found one of the "hidden storage" places
- Brilliant!!!

posted by lindabean on 2007-04-25 17:35:47
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Can you build one of those fireplaces in my home? I LOVE IT

posted by LailaC on 2007-04-25 17:43:32
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WOW

posted by seniors on 2007-04-25 18:12:24
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I also have one word...

SUPERB !!!!!!!!!!!

posted by Jclay on 2007-04-25 18:26:24
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Have you guys ever thought to do this professionally? go for it!!!

posted by Claudia S on 2007-04-25 21:06:24
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I agree with Claudia. I would hire you guys. I'm wondering what your bathroom and kitchen look like

posted by Nayda on 2007-04-25 21:55:42
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The fireplaces clearly seems to be SunJel ventless with fake logs. Real logs placed nearby help to push the illusion. I really want to try this out in my next place. The fire box can be custom made without all the masonry work of a real fire place. The ones in this apartment do look just a bit dodgy and out of proportion. Still it works well, and the apartment is very nice, though I could not vote it one of the best.

posted by Critifur on 2007-04-26 02:34:54
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Fernanda
Muito bonito o seu aprtamento, vc soube usar muito bem o seu espaco...super cool, congratulation and I hope you win...
Claudia

posted by czwerman on 2007-04-26 09:53:36
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"out of proportion"????... what are those people talking about?...
it is beautiful!!!!... ONE OF THE BEST!!!

posted by Lin on 2007-04-26 12:57:37
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FINALIST!

posted by juliaj on 2007-04-26 16:44:05
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I loved the fireplaces, the furniture, the accessories and of course the lighting

posted by lucyme1 on 2007-04-26 20:27:39
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nooossa, adorei tudo! eh lindo!!! to precisando de uma ajuda aqui em casa!! parabens

posted by Roberta on 2007-04-26 20:56:48
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i agree that the living is a bit cluttered.
i do like the interesting built-ins, including the storage in the dining room, the headboard, and those dangerously cute fireplaces.

posted by slawterhaus on 2007-04-26 21:51:15
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I think we have a winner!!!... so far...

posted by Chrisfan on 2007-04-26 22:23:43
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very classy! congratssssssss

posted by vinicious69 on 2007-04-26 22:56:41
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Fernanda and Adam you are totally right...I don't want to look at a bunch of milk crates...you guys are very creative with a touch of sophistication... gorgeous

posted by cbpandolfi on 2007-04-26 23:17:59
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Well, I had the opportunity to visit their house and it is even cooler than the pictures! It's ultra modern, sophisticated and cozy! And by the way, they made most of the things with their bare hands!

posted by maria marta on 2007-04-27 16:23:52
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I think (and hope) you'll win... there're some "good" but yours are wonderful! Celebrate!!!

posted by Fabi Tonelo on 2007-05-08 16:56:18
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the table centerpiece is pretty in its simplicity. the rest of it reminds me of ron burgandy!

posted by SD913 on 2007-09-17 16:21:15
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