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Small Cool 2009: Julia's Studio in a Brownstone
Tiny Division #57

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Who Lives Here: Julia
Location: Brooklyn, New York City
Size: 350 square feet

What is your one favorite element in your small, cool home? My apt is in a historic brownstone built in the late 1870's, which I love because of the detailed crown molding, window moldings, high ceilings and archways you don't see in new construction. It is on the top floor and the views of Manhattan skyline convinced me this was a great find. The kitchen was old and small when I moved in but I renovated it to create as much storage as possible and added much needed counter space and seating. Now I have enough storage to keep everything out of sight and helps keep such a small space neat.

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What was one of the biggest challenges you faced in furnishing your small home? Since it is a open studio, creating a clear separation between the kitchen/living room and sleeping area was important. I tried to use a slightly different color palette in each area. Since it is one room everything still had to blend together. Trying to make a small space look larger was difficult. I tried to buy furniture that wasn't too big and found chairs and a coffee table that didn't block the space.

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Comments (50)

Nice :) Like the living room area.

posted by TheSwedishChef on April 17th 2009 at 4:05pm
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It looks so relaxing! I love your window treatments and the light in your bedroom area particularly.

posted by LovelyDarkandDeep on April 17th 2009 at 4:07pm
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Can you tell me about the end/side table in the living room? Thanks!

posted by asprygal on April 17th 2009 at 4:12pm
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This is a great example of how to break up a brownstone into multi family units and have it be nice and useable.

I love the niche where the bed is, that helps to define the sleeping area from the more public areas and keeps the bed out of the main area, making it easier to arrange the space IMO. Nicely done.

posted by ciddyguy on April 17th 2009 at 4:42pm
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it looks like a big space for 350. good job

posted by ss622 on April 17th 2009 at 4:42pm
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Your home makes perfect sense. I love it!

posted by boho on April 17th 2009 at 4:44pm
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350 sq ft!? amazing, it looks so much bigger, good work!

posted by SweetChicEventsChicago on April 17th 2009 at 4:44pm
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Great kitchen. It does seem roomier than 350 sq. feet. Nicely done.

posted by Sydney on April 17th 2009 at 4:50pm
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Nice apartment but I think it's missing a cactus.

posted by djfingers on April 17th 2009 at 5:18pm
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lovely home -- you created a beautiful environment.

posted by jfl17 on April 17th 2009 at 5:39pm
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Its very nice - but a big area rug in the living room would make it so much nicer...
...and a wallbed in the sleeping alcove would make it perfect.

posted by bepsf on April 17th 2009 at 5:41pm
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Looks like a place to feel happy, awesome.

posted by andrea/in/gt on April 17th 2009 at 5:49pm
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Nice! Looks very cosy, and uncomplicated.

posted by harris3 on April 17th 2009 at 6:17pm
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Very nice and very much my taste. I love it.

posted by Gallivant on April 17th 2009 at 6:18pm
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Love the space -- Q. where did you get the couch...it's perfect?

posted by holiday1 on April 17th 2009 at 6:25pm
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Can I come live there?? I love love love love it.


I really like how the kitchen backsplash "steps down" on the side to the edge of the bar. It makes the kitchen look larger, and keeps it from looking disconnected.

There's a million things I love about your place, and I feel silly just mentioning that tile.

posted by ohjodi on April 17th 2009 at 6:58pm
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Very nice! It's very cozy and well thought out in such a small space. Your bed looks sooooo comfortable and your place has nice architectural character. The bay windows (and plants) and arched doorways are great.

posted by junklover on April 17th 2009 at 7:10pm
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Great! Clean and simple. Love it.

posted by JustinRez on April 17th 2009 at 7:35pm
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Truly inspiring space. Well done!

posted by Betian on April 17th 2009 at 7:44pm
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This is reallyy reallyy prettty! it looks kinda like a beachy house its superr cool! :]]!! gooood luuckk!

posted by mrgx3 on April 17th 2009 at 8:06pm
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Just lovely. The plants make me happy :)

posted by albaloo on April 17th 2009 at 8:26pm
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This looks more like SF than Brooklyn with those bay windows and arches. I like the sleeping alcove and the fourth photo, with the plants by the window. Why no rugs? If you wear heels, I'm sure you drive your downstairs neighbors crazy... If I lived there, I'd have to add something personal to the kitchen- like artwork or color or something. It looks clean but a bit plain.

posted by Clopes on April 17th 2009 at 8:44pm
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no, bay windows and arches are very brooklyn too. i have both in my studio, too.

great space and the kitchen looks fantastic!

posted by Lady J on April 17th 2009 at 8:57pm
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Wouldn't it have been better to place the bed entirely into the sleeping alcove instead of having it awkwardly stick out? Sorry but it makes the space look even smaller.

posted by ChrisGal on April 17th 2009 at 9:06pm
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I am so green with envy because I wish I could achieve the classic look you have.

Don't change a thing I think its perfect and like everyone else it looks larger than it is.

posted by Joan52 on April 17th 2009 at 9:25pm
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I love all those plants by the windows! This is a wonderful use of space. Comfy-looking bed too!

posted by EmmaMiles on April 17th 2009 at 9:32pm
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Yes, Lady J, it's a shame so many Manhattan apartments have lost architectural details like these.

posted by Clopes on April 17th 2009 at 10:11pm
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Thank you for all the nice comments!
The coffee/end table were actually made by my dad which he shipped to me from Oregon and the couch is the Jasper from Room & Board.
I am still looking for a rug for the living room area, any suggestions would be helpful.
-Julia

posted by wil02 on April 17th 2009 at 11:10pm
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Wow, this is gorgeous!

posted by desertflower on April 18th 2009 at 2:23am
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Julia, thanks for the reply on the couch. I'm surprised the couch is the Jasper from R&B. It looks so fabulous and far better in your space. May I ask what fabric you choose?
It looks like a microsuede, nice richer look than what they have on display in the store. Again, congrats on such a wonderful design.

posted by holiday1 on April 18th 2009 at 6:38am
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Love it to bits. The architecture's wonderful--so full of interest. The tables your father made are to die for! IMO, they stand for what's great about your place; serene quality. Nothing screams trendiness or vies for attention. Just lovely.

I, too, wish the bed didn't stick out into the main space. It really reduces the feel of a separate sleeping area. Couldn't you tuck it in against the wall opposite the window in that niche?

posted by Aulaire on April 18th 2009 at 7:37am
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The couch is the stock Khaki color R&B has on their website/store. Fabric is a soft cotton/poly weave, not microsuede.

Unfortunately the bed only fits where is it, only sticks out a couple of inches. Couldn't go lengthwise because it would block the window and cover up the radiator ( need all the heat I can get in my apt! ) and on the opposite wall is the door to my closet.

posted by wil02 on April 18th 2009 at 7:58am
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You have really used your space well. Looks so much larger than it is. Beautiful!

posted by ThatGrrl on April 18th 2009 at 8:44am
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I would be delighted to come home to this apartment everyday! Beautiful work!

posted by janjan on April 18th 2009 at 10:49am
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Julia,
Hey, Love the space! This is the first time I have seen it. I've heard about it for a while, but wow. You have done a lot with a little! Good Job! Talk with you soon.

posted by fatherobrien on April 18th 2009 at 11:00am
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lucky girl! you have such a wonderful little space and you've done it justice.

posted by animalhouze on April 18th 2009 at 11:36am
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Super Cute! Looks really cozy. Great job on the kitchen.
Ronda

posted by rondafast on April 18th 2009 at 11:39am
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Gorgeous! That paint color is nice and warm and the blinds give the place a very zen feel. It looks like a great place to relax after a long train-ride home!

posted by sinjenjen on April 18th 2009 at 3:03pm
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Your home makes studio living very attractive. The layout is good, and your decorating is perfect.

posted by asdf3001 on April 19th 2009 at 10:43am
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If I had to live in a studio as pretty as this one, I wouldn't feel cheated due to lack of space. I really love it. I love your choice of window treatments and everything else you've chosen. Great job!

posted by baileyb on April 19th 2009 at 4:44pm
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I could live here.... even though your bed might stick out, the feeling of simple, uncluttered living is evident.
Good Luck!

posted by kritty49 on April 19th 2009 at 9:04pm
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Hi Julia,

I love the shades in your living room. Where did you find them?
Thanks!
Liane

posted by Style_du_Nord on April 19th 2009 at 10:33pm
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Love the lighting and kitchen. Such a comforting and inviting place to be.

posted by mpongtratic on April 20th 2009 at 1:43am
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Very cosy. I see Asian touches scattered around the home - cabinets, the bamboo blinds, and that ornamental umbrella in the bedroom. You can enhance that ambiance with Asian art prints.

posted by Ianny on April 21st 2009 at 8:07pm
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Julia,
As an interior designer, I vote this the best! Great use of space, uncluttered, functional and eclectic mix of modern to rustic. Not fussy, but soft and hard edges.
I agree, don't settle for a rug until you find what you love and pulls everything together.
To those who think your bed protrudes into the room, drapery rings installed into the living room ceiling with gauze curtains will "hide" the bed. This application injects a tropical feel as air flow creates movement, but I think it looks great as is.
I would suggest placing a torchiere or suspend your bedroom pendant in the corner behind the sofa and place a crystal chandelier over the bed, and a red throw for the sofa!
Great job!

posted by callisondesigner on April 22nd 2009 at 7:35am
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Super warm and cozy! I love the kitchen! So jealous! I am assuming Julia owns the apartment... ?
I am also not a big fan of the bed sticking out, and would turn it or have a wall bed... but whatever, it works for her!
Rug suggestion: you can get chilewich rugs from the clothingline sample sales... (and no I don't work there. unlike some people trying to promote their poster business...)

posted by apdesigngirl on April 22nd 2009 at 10:38pm
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Listen to me I need to know the broker you used to find this gem. Moving from 2 bedrooms to studio or one bedroom. Help my son has now left home and I want to downsize. Love this love this.
TY

posted by accessoryshy on April 23rd 2009 at 4:28pm
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Love the old detail, paint choice with the pops of color you imbue by pillows and other decorations. My only question: why is the mirror propped up and not mounted? It gives it a 'not yet completely moved in yet' feel...

posted by spotonriver on April 24th 2009 at 10:54am
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that really does not look 350 sq feet. my apt is about 500 sq feet and its dimensions are way smaller than that one.

posted by ababystarr on June 13th 2009 at 9:35pm
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oh wow. this is an incredibly classy studio. and yeah, it looks SO spacious!!

posted by mariemm on June 14th 2009 at 9:47pm
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