
thumbs up
Who Lives Here: Kimmer & Jari (Henry + Lulu kitties)
Location: Brooklyn, New York
Size: 1,090 square feet
What is your one favorite element in your small, cool home? My favorite element in my home is the natural light, the openness, the sense of loftiness... the floor to ceiling windows and bright views.
Give Kimmer a THUMBS UP if you think this home belongs in the finals!
Thumbs Up Voting is only activated for 48 Hours — so don't delay!
What was one of the biggest challenges you faced in furnishing your small home? Because it is a newly constructed building, I felt I needed to tone down some of the slick materials used, so that the details of the space felt more artfully worn in. To add some texture I painted over the original silver stock fixtures to soften and create a more industrial look.
There was also no closet or storage space (welcome to NYC!) To remedy this, I installed shoji screens which not only provided storage solutions but also brought in warmer more organic material. I installed shelves created from reclaimed timber I found dumpster diving and my coffee table is made from two massive construction timbers perched atop a base of two cinder blocks.
A few of my favorite pieces of furniture I literally found on the street, including an old double-wide children's school desk. Inexpensive shelf boxes from IKEA were used in my studio both for storage and creating unique displays of curios and found objects. These collections are tightly edited, bringing little stories to nooks without compromising the clean, uncluttered atmosphere.
The push-pull of old and new strikes a balance so the modern won't look pretentious and the worn doesn't feel shabby. This approach for me transforms a small space into a calm experience rather than overwhelming or chaotic. I think of my home as a grown up tree house (well actually more of a nest in a tree) in Brooklyn.
Give Kimmer a THUMBS UP if you think this home belongs in the finals!
Thumbs Up Voting is only activated for 48 Hours — so don't delay!

Do you have a Small Cool Home? Enter Here by April 13th!
i am in love with your kitchen!
view abigailbelle's profile
Color scheme, warm earth tones, natural light, fantastic kitchen, great bedroom...this is a winner!
view Usbek de Perse's profile
This doesn't at all feel slick and modern. It feels cozy,warm and worn in.
view adetoth's profile
Wonderful.
view CGfromMN's profile
I first looked at this and thought it was another kind of sort-of okay loft space, but then I saw the details-- you've done a lovely job of softening and complicating the generic floorplan/lines of the space. I love the kind of organic surfaces and textures you have brought to this-- a beautiful job, subtle and expressive.
view Juliet's profile
Alright, where's the sofa from? Spill it!
view zaky's profile
So beautiful. May I have some tea?
view luna's profile
Lovely - agree with adetoth's comments above.
"Cozy, warm and worn in".
view Gallivant's profile
Very nice space and I do like how you married different styles together to not overwhelm the space with one style so together it's more of a cohesive space.
However the color pallette needs something bold and bright to add a little zing. Doesn't need to be a lot but something just the same for right now it's a lot of earth tones and grays and is a little too muted.
If I read the floor plan right, whoever thought to put the washer and dryer upstairs when it looks like your bedroom is downstairs makes no sense.
What looks like an otherwise generic "modern" condo has been given detail and life through what you have put in the space.
view ciddyguy's profile
That sideboard with the weathered barn doors is EXACTLYwhat I have been looking for for years.
view beamish's profile
Beautiful!! Doubtless, one of my Top 3.
view An Clár's profile
my favorite so far!
view mahoganymoon's profile
Love the sofa - where did you buy it?
view oliviahh's profile
My favorite too!
Its a loft townhouse yawn with predictable cherry veneer and black granite counters but you made is so earthy and great tonal with greige, washed grays and other earthy colors, textures and nice details. Excellent job.
view LoriSF's profile
See, I don't agree with all your decorating choices (those stools in the first photo? no thank you) but you actually have good taste and it's very ADULT.
I would move into your place.
view FilthyMcNasty's profile
Love the modern/rustic/Asian style here. This is the style I'm aiming for in much of my place. You do it vastly better! Will be checking back for ideas.
Nice job.
view kelleyk's profile
So gorgeous! It has a "retreat" vibe while still being totally NY. Hot.
view rc411's profile
Simply fantastic: modern / zen / funky / comfortable / not cluttered/ organic / approachable / lived in / clean / easy on the eye / fun vibe. I would definitely move in today.
view daynaellalulu's profile
one of the few places on AT I could live in
view tyrone t rex's profile
This is a beautiful space. I may have to steal the string-lights-on-ladder idea.
view graefix's profile
I think this is my favorite so far. I’m a huge advocate of small lamps in the kitchen. I am looking at what looks like a tall, slim bookshelf on a pedestal of sorts in your livingroom. Can you tell us more about it?
Good luck in the contest!
view Rick Roberts's profile
beauty ,warmth and function all balanced perfectly .. gorgeous !!!
view bigsky's profile
love, love, love the scale and the other vintage/quirky touches
view bmfree's profile
My Favourite. Old and new looking cool and hip! Love the space.
view PNolan's profile
I would love to perch in this beautiful natural home!, perfect nest for two love birds. Becky from Seattle.
view essenzastore's profile
hi.... it's kimmers from 'old and new'
thanks for all the amazing feedback!!! makes it worth all the effort!!!
(rick roberts) the tall slim bookshelf is actually an old storage container for metal work so it has a cool patina but it's an easy copy... just have a friend/carpenter make it... 1/2" plywood made into a box that's 5'X8" and put 2 little shelves evenly spaced. I like this type of box floating so there are 3 2X4 pieces of wood attached to the back... just hang on the wall and fill it up!
(zaky oliviah) the sofa is a Room Board from 3 years ago but I removed the back cushions and added some pillows to mix it up.
I agree with all the non color comments... I really have a hard time with color. When add it my eye goes straight to it all day everyday and I have to move it... I will work on it!!! for now I just wear it!!!
cheers, kim
view twigs stones's profile
Those cherry cabinets are gorgeous!
view crabtops's profile
Love it, Kimberly! :-)
view kmeinelt's profile
This is by far my favorite. Thoughtfully edited and tasteful. I love the balance of weathered/Asian/modern and think the color palette is soothing and just right. I would happily live there in a minute. Come finish my place, please.
view jacasi's profile
Easily my favorite in the not-so-small category.
Incredible mix of texture and patina in a modern and hard-surfaced space.
view jac7890's profile
This is certainly my favorite, it feels so warm and comfortable - just the right amount of detail and texture without being cluttered. Bravissimo!!
view billyp's profile
This is also my favorite. Really liking the textures, the soothing colours and repurposed materials .
Good Luck to you in the contest.
view peachpie's profile
two thumbs up. got a great vibe and mix of old and newer, clean and interesting, and color and neutral. you should source more stuff, all of your stuff looks so interesting.
and the photos are great - you can really see spaces rather than just close ups which seem to be popular on home tours. great job and good luck.
view Johnp's profile
Love the textures and colors here.
view renata's profile
Great space! I can see that you worked long and hard to get your apartment just right!
view morjam53's profile
I think I might just have found my favourite.
view Madame Is's profile
Love the toned-down / weathered look that you've achieved. That hanging scale in the kitchen with the plant is a unique touch. Personally, I wouldn't add the splashes of bold color -- looks fantastic as is. Great sense of style!
view s_boston's profile
absolutely booooooooo-tee-full Kimmy!
view mzt121's profile
Love it, Steph!
view babybuns's profile
I love the light, openess and warm feeling expressed in this apartment. I wish I lived there.
view sbautumn's profile
Great mix of natural, calming elements into a modern feeling. Love that it's not cluttered or kitschy.
view thalyanna's profile
love it. Where did you get the bedding?
view 12Fairwood's profile
Beautiful! Good Luck Kim!
view EbonyS's profile
love your HOME Kim!
Where are Henry and Lulu??? :)
~Beate
view bsykes's profile
Good Luck!!!!
view reginar's profile
Great Fun! Good Lucj!
view gaetanbenson's profile
Sorry Kimmie - typing too fast meant Good Luck is isn't some crazy new language
view gaetanbenson's profile
Gorgeous apartment. . .good luck Kimmie!
Hope my battery holds out long enough to vote. . .it's not easy to cast your ballot on this site.
view LexLuthor's profile
This place has good bones, but it could use - I don't know what exactly - maybe some antlers. The colors are right for that kind of thing and it seems to cry out for some sort of anatomical display. The unmade bed is a nice homey touch. The light is great.
view lauraticonderoga's profile
There is good taste and there is delicious taste. (c;
view rorirobson's profile
rorirobson, this is indeed delicious.
view urbangrace's profile
Talent always rises to the top! Fabulous pictures, simple and elegant. You should be a decorator.
view Meinelt2's profile
Squirt, I am not at all surprised. This is definitely elegant and picture perfect but at the same time homey. Luv it.
view topper1225's profile
I am lucky to live close to kim yari and have seen this place with my eyes. I love every detail of this apartment. It is a cool loft but still makes you feel at home even though you have never been there before.
view madamt's profile
this is gorgeous! i absolutely LOVE the hanging scale with the lil plant on it. it makes me want to go home and move my furniture around...
view lizziepeony's profile
This is my favorite so far. Where did your hanging lights come from? They are all beautiful.
view rkm's profile
the curio... the organic... the light... the found objects...
no comparison...
...the zoestramatic...
view zowiggle's profile
A little dull to my taste - but love the kitchen and the floor plan. I am one who enjoys the stimulation that colors bring about. Some color would of spiced up that fantastic floor plan. lady T
view Board Liaison's profile
You've got mad talent Kiimers. Amazing what you do with apartments! I'm lucky to live in your x-apartment. I'll take your hand-me-downs any day. mwah!
view modemmex's profile
Better in person... great space Kim!!!
view goldy101's profile
Absolutely delicious... completely inspiring. Great use of material (glass, metal, wood, etc), it creates a delightful texture... Which is why I can believe it is even better in person.
view Jesse Lu's profile
I really just want your staircase.. and maybe that coffee table, and some touches from your kitchen, lol!
Very nice :)
view missnic's profile
12 fairwood: the bedding is all from EILEEN FISHER.
rkm: the hanging lights I made myself, just some cool wrought iron baskets and edison bulbs all jumbled together... happy you liked them!
thanks, kimmers
view twigs stones's profile
I think this is my favorite yet. I love your home.
view theresaclare's profile
Im a big fan of this one
view andrea/in/gt's profile
So beautiful.
view bcgannon's profile
lovely. so you! really like the old/new vibe of this one, definitely my fave!
view hagan's profile
Sweet apartment!!
view kmeinelt's profile
Awesome use of natural colors!!
view windyskies2's profile
Kim,
you got my Vote!
Good luck to you!!
Darren-
view gough's profile
Where is the coffee table from?
I am considering building one but hadn't found the right design. When I saw this, I thought it was perfect!
view Z Brownie's profile
Kim, Ya got it licked!!! I like Coors Light myself :) Teana
view masonsmom's profile
Good Luck Kimmers and Jari !
Incredible place ! Well done !
daniel håkansson
view danski's profile
Wow, what a good space. Wow, what bland taste. Wow, I hope this place doesn't win. Pier 1 sucks.
view CrappyTaste's profile
ROCK ON CHAKA KHAN!!!!!! :)
view nugget1's profile
Nice place! It looks very cozy :)
view rachtastic's profile
good luck! i want you to win sooooo bad!
view linus22's profile
Not a bad space or general use of it, but the color and general decoration is a bit bland. Just seems a little too impersonal to me.
view buttboy879's profile
LOVE IT!
Every little Detail!
Can I buy the 'key holder' from you?
view gough's profile
Kimberly has an absolutely amazing and sophisticated design sensibility which is punctuated by unique elements of surprise.
Awesome space!
view jcb88's profile
Bummer, this was the second best designed space in yesterday's voting between you and the Corset Factory.
Is there a prize for 'almost in the finals'?
view Aquaman's profile
Aquaman, it just goes to show that impeccable taste does not always win first place!
view jvr427's profile
There can be only one.
view Aquaman's profile
My closet is two plant hooks with a long dowel for hanging pants and two large S hooks for hanging hangers flat against the wall instead of shoulder to the wall. Mine is open but you could definitely screen it off with curtains or something. It only comes out 6 inches from the wall. I also store clothes folded and bought a little steamer iron that has a water reservoir that hangs on the wall. If I want to wear something that isn't hanging, I can slap it on a hanger and have it steamed in about 2 minutes. I love my little wall closet and my steamer thingie!
view cinco's profile