Name: Amanda (mandymic)
Location: Park Slope, Bklyn
Size & Type: 496 sf Studio
Favorite resource: Reprodepot fabrics, Ikea Hacker, art nouveau design.
Pitch: I was raised in a family of artists and though I can't draw to save my life, I've been able to accumulate some nice pieces over the years from family and friends. I've hope that, by not being afraid of color or texture, the look of these rooms is respectful of the building's 1920's origins...
SURVEY
Pitch Cont'd: Perhaps because it's spring I've been attracted to motifs that are about botanicals and growth and light. This apartment is one that, despite its size, I hope to be able to grow in—maybe until I'm 90!
Your favorite element: My apartment has an unusually large eat-in-kitchen for such a small studio, and recognizing the limitations of one-room living, I really wanted to maximize this additional space. So using kitchen cabinets and black cushions from Ikea, plywood from Lowes, foam from Economy Foam and fabric from Joe's remnant room, I fashioned a bench that works as storage, a sleeper, and seating for friends while I cook. This room now serves many different purposes—it's workspace, a guestroom and a place for socializing.
© 2009 Apartment Therapy
Too cool! That bedroom wall is wonderful.
view ebrown's profile
I really like this one - shame it didn't get into the top 40, I think it could have been a winner.
view Erin K.'s profile
i love what you built for the kitchen. i was thinking of doing the same for my dining room. essentially it'll be 2 storage benches along the sides of 2 walls. hope it won't be too hard to tackle.
view mei's profile
That's so interesting about the bench. I've actually been plotting how to do a cornered one for my kitchen. The one on Ikea Hacker is great, but I really want one with storage. Any details on how you built this would be much appreciated!
view fiona's profile
Why are the bedroom pics different? Any way I like this one as well. Would love to see more.
view Sara48's profile
I'm impressed with the bench; very creative problem solving. Like the painted branch over the desk as well.
view Sydney's profile
I'm a little confused. Is the middle picture a "before" of the bedroom before the wall was painted? Either way, I really like the headboard and the blinds in the bedroom.
And is it just me, isn't it so hard to take a good picture of a bed? What looks cozy and inviting in person seems to come out all rumpled. Not a criticism of this apartment at all, just a general observation.
view alisong's profile
I can see why it was an extra... I like the atmosphere, just needs a few more "finishing" touches.
view 2T's profile
I don't like the bedroom space, it could have more work, it feels too busy on the lower part and too empty on the upper. The pictures / frames size are unbalanced with the headboard.
Everything else has a very cool and inviting feeling.
view Socool's profile
Hey, this is my apartment, thanks for the comments!
Building the bench is really easy. Ikea makes an extra-deep cabinet (24'') that's supposed to go above your fridge. I got two of the 36'' wide ones so that the whole thing would be long enough to sleep on. I also bought two pieces of plywood from Lowes that measure 24'' by 80''. I simply assembled the two cabs and then nailed them into the plywood pieces, which were painted white to match. I bought a large piece of medium density foam from Economy Foam--they have precut pieces in 24'' by 75'', something like that. Found the black leather cushions in the Ikea as is room.
I think handier people could do a better job finishing the bench, but even if you are pretty much a beginner and don't have any fancy tools, it's easy enough to make. Instant guest room!
view mandymic's profile
Poor quality photographs. From what I can see, it looks okay. Except for the bedding. Simplify?
view west212's profile
Wow, Manda, the pictures are great. I'd like to see a new one when you finish reupholstering your new flea-market piece. Wonderful apartment, comfortable too! Mom
view Mom's profile