Name: Cooper and Ali
Location: Oakland
Size: 502 sq. ft.
Rent/Own: Rented apartment
What is the advantage of SMALL? As most people have mentioned, small spaces are the best way to keep materialism to a minimum and they are easy to clean, but we actually love the creativity involved in trying to fit our life into a nutshell. ..
What is the advantage of SMALL? CONT'D
...It makes every little detail that much more important and we can literally change the entire look of the apartment by swapping two or three pieces of art or furniture.
What's your favorite resource for your home?
Surprisingly, some our favorite pieces of furniture were found on the street (i.e. the Steelcase desk and office chair). When we're not looking for free retro modern loot we occasionally get crafty and make our own creations (fir desk lamp and black rolling cabinets w/ solid cherry doors). We also turn to companies like Design Public (where Ali works) for inspiration.
What is your one favorite element in your small, cool home?
What initially sold us on the apartment was the revolving wall (a former murphy bed). It is still a great feature but we now realize how impractical it is because you can't place anything within its 360 degree radius. Overall, our favorite element is the way the abundant window light and old craftsmanship lends a comfortable open feeling to the space in spite of its size. Cooper runs a wedding photography business from home and he regularly has clients over for meetings so having an inviting atmosphere is essential.
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it's cool, but a little "white."
view fleadell's profile
I like the simplicity of it all. It seems like everyone has that Ikea bed, I guess it is telling me that I should really consider it! LOL
view oatmealsoap's profile
That first picture confused me, until I saw the floorplan. I love those floors.
It also seems like everyone has that Ikea PS cabinet. I want one so bad, but I don't have anywhere to put it!
view Pteetsa's profile
It feels serene. I love the way the white lets the floors stand out... I would feel very relaxed in your home!
view MelissaLeigh's profile
I thought you used some weird wide angle lens in the photos until i saw the floor plan. What a crazy layout! I like the simlicity of it and the natural light and wood floors. That rotating closet thing is pretty awesome too.
view Laura's profile
Love, Love, Love the floor plan!.... Oh, did I mention that I love the floor plan!. There aren't enough quirky homes around, and I love that back in days of yore, builders didn't force cookie cutter square boxes onto angled lots.
As amazing as the floor plan is, I can see that it would be a challenge to live with and design around... I like how you have worked with the limitations.
view Devyn's profile
Best floors so far.
view Sabt's profile
eh. not impressed.
view animalhouze's profile
wow. look at those floors. They're stunning!
view wc_canuck's profile
My first thought is that you must watch a lot of tv and my second was to ponder why the closet door swivels? It looks like it could be a cool design feature but I just don't get it. That said, it did make me grin.
view canadian_ginger's profile
That Steelcase desk chair is that company's knock-off Knoll's Pollock chair from the 60's and 70's-- one of my favorite office chairs of all time.
I've sat in the Steelcase and I own a Knoll Pollock -- they're both very comfortable, rivaling modern fully-articulating office chairs.
view lightspeed's profile
Cool space. Overall, I really like it. Points off though for the wide screen blocking the window.
view arza's profile
Why does everyone on this site view TVs with such contempt?
Besides that, I love your place. I've begun to have a new appreciation for white walls and the way they make furniture and art pop; your apartment reflects that perfectly!
view Talloush's profile
Me, I love me a TV, and I think they look fine here, but I'm guessing you'd have to only watch them at night since all that gorgeous light would blind you while watching during the day?
Meanwhile, I think you should just give in and put another Murphy bed back on that swiveling wall! They're great, no kidding. Those floors ARE beautiful.
view Curtis's profile
That closet is AMAZING. I'd feel like I was in an Agatha Christie novel every morning when I got changed.
I like how you've integrated the work space with the living space. I'm trying to do that, but I haven't been able to successfully mesh the spaces. I'll be looking to this for inspiration!
view halvorsen's profile
i love the rotating wall. seriously want one!!
whoever designed your apartment building was odd. it looks great, but who would have though of having so many weird angles and hidey holes around?
view venus_thames's profile
I agree with Devyn, love the quirky layout of the space. Also, bright and airy... both the apt and your interior design. *Super Cool*
view martita's profile
love the floors. loving the white in here. and the layout is awesome. the angled walls make it seem roomier!
view carlac's profile
Behold the awesome power of white! It's been used so beautifully here to create a serene and relaxing space.
The kitchen needs work - one of the downsides of renting, I assume - but that cool closet door makes up for it.
view Blandwagon's profile
Looks great. I have to say... while ubiquitous... the malm bed with the attached side tables is a true classic.
view jenzoe's profile
Interesting floor plan. I liked how bright and airy your space felt. Very nice.
view suzy8track's profile
Love the floors ... not too excited by anything else.
view ridge.'s profile
I think you have good taste- cool stuff, but I feel like there is too much furniture in there!
view rhismith's profile
Way to adapt to that crazy angled layout!
view CanadIna's profile
Beautifully photographed.
view meg_ues's profile
I think being drunk in your apartment would be so disorienting, since all of the walls are on a slant.... nice space. but just cool.
view Jamie's profile
I love quirky apartments, but this is the worst floor plan ever. (not your fault)
As much as I love secret doors, I think I might switch out the 360 door for sliders or something.
Decor is nice.
view Cally's profile
Awesome job- the furnishings compliment the character and eccentricities of the apartment's "bones" wonderfully. The crisp white walls and warm honey floors are a beautiful backdrop for the design. The layout of the items are expertly placed- it is easy to find items that one likes, but to be able to arrange and display them in a cohesive manner takes some skill, which you two have.
BTW- I am thoroughly enamored with the wooden lamp- it has to be the coolest do-it-yourselfer project ever!
view ruester's profile
What's so wonderful about a garbage can next to the stove next to overloaded shelves at all angles?
Reminds me of my grandmother's house...
view bepsf's profile
I think the floor plan works pretty well and the apartment is in good shape, I don't really get a sense that Cooper and Ali put much "design" into the space. What's unique is really just the placement of furniture--and that isn't enought to wow me.
view deneph's profile
Yes, I too thought there was something different about the angle of the living room photo until I saw the floor plan, then it all made sense. I definitely think you have to work with that 360 degree door and reattach a bed to it think of all the extra room you will have in the bedroom. Just a thought. Thanks for showing us your lovely apartment.
view desertflower's profile
It's okay, but a lot of white and no personality. I think over time it will be a really cool place.... after you collect some treasures and add a bit of color.
Nice, but not MY bag.
view Sleek's profile
The closet ROCKS!
view karyn's profile
I would love some insight into the floor plan and building itself. Is this one of those triangular spaces that you can find in old downtown areas (like the Flat Iron types of buildings)?
It certainly looks like a nice, old building. Just because it's white, doesn't mean there's no personality. It's just subtle personality. I think this is still a rich space and very individual, but tasteful at the same time.
Yes, interesting closet idea!
view lolax's profile
I wanna see that rotating door!
view Elizcrtv's profile
maybe at one point some crazy couple took turns strapping each other spread eagle to that door, spinning it madly, "twirl, twirl honey, baahahaaa!!"
can you please share the origin of the super cool/high integrity square lamp?
view orangered's profile
LOVE the wooden lamp. Please please please a tutorial?
It's funny to see that Ikea PS cab everywhere this year. We actually have 2 in our house - 1 in my roommate's bedroom, 1 in my son's bedroom. It's a good piece, it should be popular.
view mjoe's profile
great use of space
view jbv's profile
this should have been a finalist....
view jbv's profile
where r the carpets from?
view jbv's profile
Great taste overall
view jbv's profile