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Small Cool 2009: Dana's Neutral Foundation
Little Division #35

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Who Lives Here: Dana + husband + dog Sophie
Location: Upper West Side, New York City
Size: 700 square feet

What is your one favorite element in your small, cool home? My favorite is the neutral color palette I chose for the walls and furniture in the living room. I like to frequently tweak elements of the design as my taste changes over time. So in choosing neutrals for my more large scale pieces it lets me have more fun in my selection of decorative items like pillows, throws, vases, etc. These pops of color aren’t overwhelming for the small space and most importantly gives me the freedom to easily change these things out to transform the room.

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What was one of the biggest challenges you faced in furnishing your small home? The living room is long and rectangular in shape so it made it difficult to create a symmetrical seating area with a sofa, chair set and an entertainment unit without it looking cluttered so I had to consolidate pieces. I got a sectional that provided plenty of seating space and stretched across the living room in length and an armoire which I placed on the opposing wall that houses the TV and media equipment but also minimized the look of clutter and created the illusion of a wider space from its mirrored reflection.

Give Dana a THUMBS UP if you think this home belongs in the finals!
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Comments (33)

is it that dark or is the pictures that make it seem a little dark?

posted by ss622 on April 15th 2009 at 4:05pm
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shagadelic

posted by sunan on April 15th 2009 at 4:21pm
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I like the faux-fur throw on your bed - Is it from Fabulous Furs?

posted by bepsf on April 15th 2009 at 4:33pm
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Wow. There is a lot of "trend" going on here- Mirrors, crystal, greek key, gray and lavendar. I'm amazed that it all comes together so nicely!

I love all of the black and white ceramics- that container on the coffee table is stunning!

posted by shockthebourgeois on April 15th 2009 at 4:37pm
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Love your gray walls.

posted by bonline on April 15th 2009 at 4:42pm
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funky

posted by sm09 on April 15th 2009 at 4:51pm
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This place is gorgeous! It is one of the few that I've kept a picture of for future inspiration. It contains my favorite....everything.

posted by baileyb on April 15th 2009 at 5:06pm
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It's really nice. Good Luck.

posted by FilthyMcNasty on April 15th 2009 at 5:10pm
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dapper. i love it.

posted by eddie p on April 15th 2009 at 5:13pm
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Beautifully styled and comfortably elegant, though so many trendy elements may not wear well in future. Still, great taste, and lots to love here, especially your color choices. That wall color is smashing--the perfect, interesting neutral.

posted by LiliZ on April 15th 2009 at 5:37pm
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Are there two identical chandeliers in the living room and bedroom? I love the chandelier itself, but perhaps mixing it up would make it more interesting.

posted by eyelight on April 15th 2009 at 6:45pm
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The floors!
You've really found a way to showcase their best attributes! Parquet floors can go one of two ways - These ones look beautiful!

posted by theserovingeyes on April 15th 2009 at 6:50pm
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this apartment looks like it's out of a magazine, but not some boring elle decor or martha stewart living...something that's more fashion oriented. i love the mix of classic styling and whimsical accents. it really is perfection in my eyes. great job!

on a side note - funny how you mention your dog's name but not your husbands. clearly playing favorites.

posted by ludlow on April 15th 2009 at 6:52pm
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The gray walls are cool and sophisticated. The parquet floor is sophisticated, too, but warm. A nice combination.

posted by mozy2 on April 15th 2009 at 7:22pm
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The colors and textures are really cohesive! Definitely a genius at work here! This is my dream apartment! Maybe one day I will be just as lucky. ;)

posted by thejanius on April 15th 2009 at 7:59pm
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Your place looks great! I love the various elements you've included into the space to give it so much texture. There are so many different styles and finishes and you pulled it all together really well. Awesome job!

posted by Krissy B on April 15th 2009 at 9:17pm
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Such an inspiring space. Someone's done their design homework but added a bit of flair and uniqueness. Your anchor pieces look carefully selected and to perfection. Color palate is incredible - love your use without being too "themed" or diluted. Perfect art selection also. Not over the top although very "elegant meets artistic luxury modern". Amazing!

posted by jrtinaz on April 15th 2009 at 11:08pm
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Loving Danas space

posted by bkhdesign on April 16th 2009 at 2:16am
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Glamorous, but not fussy. Great colors, too.

posted by jendavid1000 on April 16th 2009 at 6:48am
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WOW! Love it.

You are fabulous!

posted by thebear on April 16th 2009 at 7:42am
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It is absolutely a lovely space - feels very personal - I feel like I know the people that live there - real people. It does not feel like an apartment that is decorated in one trip at DWR, which some prior to your post are. It simply is WELL DONE. I give u my vote.

posted by Anusha73 on April 16th 2009 at 8:12am
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Yum!

posted by Gvinton on April 16th 2009 at 8:28am
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You did a fabulous job! Love the gray walls, they really make your colorful accessories really pop.

posted by suzy8track on April 16th 2009 at 12:25pm
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Your place is great! I can't believe you haven't gotten more votes. Kudos for getting your husband to agree to chandeliers!

posted by Heather C on April 16th 2009 at 1:49pm
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Wow. I want to live here.

Can you tell me more about that black lamp in the living room?

~Q

posted by hishtafel on April 16th 2009 at 3:32pm
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Great combination of colors and modern elegance with class. Great job Dana!

posted by djacks on April 16th 2009 at 3:32pm
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Okay, I already voted once. Can I vote another two, three times? Because I haven't stopped thinking about this lovely space all day.

posted by jendavid1000 on April 16th 2009 at 3:39pm
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where's the lamp in the bedroom from? love the grey walls too, i'm doing mine grey soon, though slightly darker, i think. lol. such a commitment! heh.

posted by audemars on April 16th 2009 at 3:46pm
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hishtafel-

i hope dana doesn't mind me answering this, but that lamp is one i've been lusting after forever and can not afford...just yet.

http://www.freddricbradford.com/dlb.html

posted by ludlow on April 16th 2009 at 3:49pm
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Can you tell me where the Buddha print is from.
Thanks,

posted by coophaus on April 16th 2009 at 4:01pm
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LOVE it - you are good at this
-Holli

posted by spiceybean on April 16th 2009 at 6:51pm
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Gorgeous luxurious space, simply beautiful. I love the sectional, can you tell me where it's from?

posted by holiday1 on April 18th 2009 at 7:37am
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I am loving the colors on your walls. Can you please tell me what you used? I've been trying to find the perfect grays for my house.

posted by Sexton on May 26th 2009 at 8:16am
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