Name: Jake & Anne
Location: New York , NY
Size & Type: 245 sq ft Studio
Favorite resource: Dwell, Ebay, lots of books (obviously)
Pitch: We've designed our apartment to be as open as possible. One side of the studio is a storage system that houses books, dressers, electronics and bar. The kitchen has open shelves above and a built-in wine rack. The bed is a murphy, and its nook is decoupaged with New Yorker covers...
Pitch Cont'd: With a small apartment, it's important that things serve more than one purpose--our coffee table doubles as seating, the desk and dining table are one in the same, our door is a blackboard etc. Our aesthetic blends classic details, such as the picture rails and Venetian plaster, with modern sensibility.
Your favorite element: The storage system. It serves as our bookshelves, our entertainment center, our dressers and our bar. Without it we'd be lost.
excellent little kitchen, love how it's built in. looks like quite a nice view as well!
view ForbiddenFruit's profile
Love you kitchen!
view louise's profile
45 Sq. Ft? I don't think so.
view anne's profile
Oops, the square footage is listed wrong.
view Lisa from VA/lsaspacey's profile
Hi, There's a mistake in the posting. Our apartment is 245 sf, not 45. It's small, but not that small! -Anne
view annetix's profile
Oh dear, meant to say "Love your kitchen!"
view louise's profile
I love this. You've mixed styles quite well.
view sha's profile
It still looks fabulous at 245 sq. feet.
view Desk's profile
Anne, it's bigger than that - it's 315 sq. ft. (21 x 15). See, you have more space than you thought!
view anne's profile
I love your little kitchen. It's great to see more tiny apartments this year.
Nice job
view Laura's profile
Anne, it's bigger than that - it's 315 sq. ft. (21 x 15). See, you have more space than you thought!
LOL.
Someone needs to go back to 7th grade!
*joke*
view Archie's profile
This is incredible! I wish my kitchen looked as lovely as that one. Just imagine how much money I could have saved on furniture; a sofa, two tables and a chair. Wow. Stellar!
view Lisa from VA/lsaspacey's profile
Where did you get the shelves in your living room at? Or are they built in?
view nicolej's profile
Tudor City apartments are usually challenging -- but this is a fine solution!
view Mid-C Frank's profile
Wish there was a better photo of the storage system but the the limit of three, understand why there isn't. BEAUTIFUL place!
view Keefe1's profile
beautifully organized space. Everything is perfectly organized and nicely composed. well done!
view jfeldmann's profile
Nicely done! Thanks for sharing floor plans that show both the "bedroom" and "dining" configurations.
view freedesign's profile
Wow! Love, love, love the kitchen. Love the space plan too.
view Terry's profile
love it... this is what small cool is about
view nicci's profile
What is your table? I wish we could see a more detailed picture. I love the castors and the stainless steel.
view Terry's profile
I love the use of dark wood and think the decoupage of the New Yorker covers is a classic DIY solution. I can't imagine working with a kitchen that small, but it certainly looks great and I wouldn't want to give over any more space to it when the apartment is 245 square feet. And, Archie, I have to point out that it is 245--the main volume is 21 x 10 (210) and the bathroom is 5 x 7 (35--though the 7 is a guess but that is a very standard size for NYC). And before anyone who is more of a stickler than I am jumps in, there is probably a few extra feet to be found in the murhphy bed and kitchen nooks.
In any case, I think this is a great solution for a truly tiny space.
view Paullchik's profile
I was astounded when I read the word "ours" and "we." Amazing that two people live here. You must have a great relationship and be very respectful of each other. Though I don't usually like Murphy beds, this one is rather well placed. I really love your little kitchen nook. This place is very well organized, but I think lacks a little pop of beauty (although the rug is beautiful). I think you need a lamp and a vase, but nothing more than that.
view peggy's profile
very nice use of space - well done murphy bed, especially the new yorkers...i love how warm your space appears to be - neat, but not staged feeling, and very personal. if my place makes it into the contest, you'll see that i am dealing with a similar amount of space so i fully understand the challenges or living in a small space while wanting the maximum openness.
view BK's profile
Very warm and beautiful.
view Joan A.'s profile
I think my calculations are right, archie. Their floor plan shows a 21 x 15 ft. space. What did you come up with?
view anne's profile
If it has an Eames, it got my vote! ; )
Nice space.
Joel
view joel maria pirela's profile
Hi Anne, it would only be 315 if the bathroom was the same length as the whole apartment. Instead it is (21 x 10) (5 x ?) (length of bathroom), so 245 seems right to me!
view AMP's profile
The kitchen is my favorite spot. <3
view Jamie's profile
I love this whole design, but especially the thought that has gone into dual usage spaces. Looks fabulous, too!
view zooza's profile
That kitchen is amazing, love the wine cubby holes rather than the usual criss-cross design, or rippled-looking shelves. Gorgeous!
view Tiffany's profile
Wow--245 square feet and you actually have books. You are my heroes. The New Yorker headboard/niche is genius. This is great, neat and controlled but also warm and snuggly.
view Cassis's profile
Well, this is easily my favorite space so far (in any region). The thoughtfulness evident here, and the respect for the materials and style of the original building, is inspiring. That there are two of you living here (and that the space doesn't feel compromised to death) is amazing. Beautifully done!
view moira's profile
Beautiful! Not cluttered and so efficient. I agree about how amazing it is that two people could live in such a small space but congrats for making it work.
view Sydney's profile
It's very warm and cozy, and livable. You've proved that you can have Stuff without it looking cluttered or overwhelming. Great job on organizing the space and making it feel like a home, not just a place to live.
view favabean's profile
This is a great use of space - designing features that give warmth and openness with little jewels of detail - I also love the windows and the light that washes the room!
view ptmann's profile
Holy cow. Small for 2. I'm impressed with the space planning. Once I "got" the entire visual in my head I thought "Neat and orderly folks".
I love the kitchen - ok, well, who doesn't? It's wonderful! And now I wish I could see what you've done with the bathroom.
I do not, however, like whatever that is behind the murphy bed, but that's just me and it doesn't take away from anything.
Amazing what you've done with the orderliness of this space.
view JacksonMarie's profile
I love this apartment. Very warm and inviting. I love that books are the main decoration.
view C*'s profile
I could not live with that much open storage, but a really smart use of the available space overall.
view patrick (the other one)'s profile
That is the sweetest little kitchen I have ever seen. The whole space is really lovely.
view yellowbellpepper's profile
This is definitely my favorite so far, I would love to live here. I love your shelves and the fact that you have happily incorporated all those books into such a tiny space. And of course the kitchen. I'd really like to see a closeup of the inside of the Murphy.
view mjoe's profile
Now, this is a place where I could see MYSELF living-- love it! I can't believe you get two people in there though. This one's my favourite so far.
view synecdoche's profile
Wow, two people in that space?? I am amazed. Love the kitchen nook and the storage wall--you seem to be getting the best out of open storage. I don't feel like I'm looking at clutter or stuff; it's more a feeling that there are all your favorite possessions right in front of you. But then I am a big fan of books and when I pass open windows here in NYC I always stop and admire when I see a nice big bookcase.
view beamish's profile
What kind of shelving is that wall unit? Is that a tension pole system?
view jimkk's profile
WOW! That's tiny! I absolutely love what you've done! Love the kitchen especially! Great job!
view BklynTee's profile
Nice Job. Love the kitchen and the warm wood flooring.
Invest in a colorful, more comfortable chair for your desk.
view hshppy's profile
Wow! I love the kitchen and the murphy bed and the shelves of books! Insta!
view ethernaut's profile
Other Patrick -- You could probably install pull-down/pull-up curtains (I don't know what they're called) on the shelving. Voilà -- closed storage!
view ethernaut's profile
The kitchen is stunning. I'm glad to see so many apartments that are *really* tiny this year.
Thanks for sharing.
view Caitlin in Seattle's profile
what a lovely place, well done. and books is always a plus. did i mention the beautiful kitchen cabinet?
good luck in the competition :)
view aad's profile
i love the dark wood. especially in the kitchen. and i love those shelves in the kitchen.
view grassgreen's profile
I am in absolute love with the kitchen nook!!!
view elle1009's profile
This is what I think of when I think 'small space' and 'studio.' Not super high end, not decorator city, it's homey. Awesome place.
view alicia's profile
Love the kitchen. Great double-use of the coffee table/bench and desk/dining for living and dining setup versatility.
view OliviaLeigh's profile
I can't believe that two people live here. I think you have done a really amazing job fitting everything in here and being organized. Good showing!
view fiona's profile
I like the efficiencies made with the kitchen, the storage and the murphy bed, but for some reason the mix match of woods it bugging me. Any one or two of these elements by themselves are okay, but the whole thing doesn't quite gel for me. Close though!
view charlenemcbride's profile
Holy MOLEY that's teeny. I love how the kitchen nook echoes the Murphy bed (a Murphy kitchen?). Well done!
view Mlle Kate's profile
I love it, Anne! Well done Jake. Of course, you know I am a sucker for a murphy bed. And your adorable kitchen reminds me of the built in bar in a fancy hotel. Are their mini-bottles in the fridge?
view Ryone's profile
The photos and layouts really give us a sence for the whole space and all the neat things that you have done with it. Great job!
view Xeno's profile
Kudos on efficiency & great view!
view GlennS's profile
The table actually came from a professional kitchen supply shop on the Bowery - you can get them custom made to any size you want, including casters - it ended up costing less than $400 - delivered. The storage system uses pieces from a company called Rakks (www.rakks.com) and a local dealer, Shelfshop (www.shelfshop.com) fabricated all the cabinets from our design. It is indeed a tension pole system.
As for the mini-fridge, yes - it may contain a few mini-bottles. But I'm not at liberty to confirm or deny that.
Thanks for all the great comments everyone!
view Jke's profile
Lordy, now this is an entry!
Your kitchen nook will inspire me for ages.
I like taht the coffee table resembles the radiator.
You deserve top credit just for being in a place that small!
view velvetseas's profile
Feels dark and slightly oppressive for me. I like light.
Great use of the space though.
view TallulahBelle's profile
It's lovely, and it also looks entirely livable. Hoorah!
view rsilverman's profile
Liking it. Effieciency exemplified. It's got some character. Love the kitchen too.
view Pietro's profile
Wow! I'm amazed couz and couz to be. You've turned an INCREDIBLY small space into a very livable home. Your apt. would fit into my living room, but that just means I have more crap to clean!! Very cool. Very cozy. Very well done. You two must REALLY like each other :-) Good thing, huh?
view joancousin's profile
what an amazing kitchen!
view olya's profile
That kind of kitchen carpentry & NYC street smarts could only be accomplished by a Nipponese ShimWolfian!
Bravo Hiroyuki! & Jakey pooh too!
And in terms of Shanghai square footage, you could fit a family of 6 including both grandparents w/ alzheimers!
view danielwolf's profile
Your place is fabulous and efficient. I love the "product" placement of the Tabasco and Zatarain's. The only thing missing is some Jack's Tiger Drive Inn decor. However, Leo & Jesse, two kool kats think that your space too small. But then again, they roam a 4BR,3bath,kit,den,liv.rm,din.rom, & foyer.
view DUCKMAN:>inNR's profile
Brilliant use of a small space! Kudos! I hope you do enjoy your place.
view Loosetooth's profile
Nice place. Where did you get the rug?
view Gabe's profile
Thanks - the "rug" is actually 12 FLOR tiles from Interface(from the "Thick and Thin" line). They're very inexpensive, easy to clean and easy to replace in case of irreperable staining.
view Jke's profile
Well all i can say is Wow! For a nyc apartment it is beautiful. Although the couch is a bit out of place in such a size. As a small NYC apt. dweller myself(279 sq ft not including the 39 sq ft bathroom wife and dog) we can attest to trying to make the best of a small space. I have one quibble only-since we cook every day, and only take away once in a while, the kitchen would be a tad too small to be useful to a proper cook. But it is fab nonetheless. Tell me something, where did you get the murphy bed? Did you buy it or build it? We're looking to minimize space even more by either building a murphy bed or a loft bed, only problem is we have a 60 lb. golden mix and he LOVES to sleep in bed with us......
Anyway kudos on the work- oh and i also love the bookshelves!!! books in a nyc apt is not something one sees every day, especially in a small one.
view jonrossjan's profile
I love the kitchen and the bookshelves.
Really nice.
view hb's profile
Like everyone else on AT, I love the tiny kitchen nook! - But knowing myself the way I do, I doubt I would ever be able to find it useful because I cook all the time. But hey, I guess if I lived in NYC I'd be eating at all of those amazing restaurants.
On the whole, I love this place. Excellent job you two!
view cmay0's profile
Wow! I'm sorry I didn't come upon ths sooner. I love it! My apartment is the exact same layout but with a separate 5x5 kitchen. (It's actually very similiar, down to the radiator and the little edge on the corner wall - are you sure you're not in my building on the UWS? :) So I'm very impressed with what you've done.
I would love to see more photos of your apartment. I wanted to ask two questions about purchases. Where did you find the coffee table/bench and where did you get the dining table/desk? I already have a similar wall unit and couch. Love your layout idea so I'm going to copy, hope you don't mind! Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery!
view elvina's profile