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Small Cool 2009: Sara's Starting Over Studio
Teeny-tiny Division #12

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Who Lives Here: Sara and Maddie (her Scottish Terrier)
Location: San Francisco, CA
Size: 283 square feet

What is your one favorite element in your small, cool home? Hmmm...I love it all, it has great character. Since I have to choose one element- I suppose the large windows, and the amount of sunlight they permit, would win out. It makes the space feel so much larger, even serene.

Give Sara a THUMBS UP if you think this home belongs in the finals!
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What was one of the biggest challenges you faced in furnishing your small home? Starting over was a challenge. I moved to San Francisco from the midwest about a year ago, bringing only clothes + shoes, my dog, and a few other miscellaneous items/momentos including a lamp from my grandmother. Starting from scratch certainly made it much easier to fit my belongings into a tiny studio, but it didn't make it very home-like. I slowly acquired items (due to both lack of budget, and because I was searching for what I thought might be appropriate for the space and what appealed to me).
Interestingly enough, I didn't spend more than $50 for any single item. I frequented Craigslist, was given items, shopped at thrift stores, visited Ikea and a local handmade event, plus I totally lucked out at the DWR Warehouse Sale. I also made most of my artwork (still working on that actually).


Give Sara 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!

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Comments (32)

I really love your studio. Great job! It's nice to see a real bed in a studio.

posted by nycbound on April 10th 2009 at 5:05pm
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You chose the perfect curtains for those gorgeous windows. Altogether lovely!

posted by Mavesse on April 10th 2009 at 5:33pm
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Wonderful job. Your elegant place is so warm and inviting. Love the curtained window over the bathroom sink. Just lovely. Congratulations on starting over.

posted by klt108 on April 10th 2009 at 6:07pm
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the paecock feather on the wall is my favorite part.

posted by Lady J on April 10th 2009 at 6:37pm
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I LOVE it. :)

posted by amidalailama on April 10th 2009 at 6:40pm
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Fantastic, I could actually see myself living here and I love that! Though, you've done much better than I have with a small space. I particularly admire the fact that you started with nothing since I'm currently dealing with the problem that happens when you fill your new place with the things you THINK you need and then are cramped.

My all out favourite.

posted by prairie girl on April 10th 2009 at 6:52pm
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This is so cute. I love the bedroom, kitchen and pooch.

posted by LoriSF on April 10th 2009 at 7:03pm
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Great job! You should be proud and especially what you have done with a budget.
The windows are fantastic and your dog is lovely.

posted by sassydo on April 10th 2009 at 7:17pm
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I love it. It doesn't look like a MCM showroom, It looks personalized and unique. It looks REAL. My favorite so far.

posted by Megan in AZ on April 10th 2009 at 7:20pm
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Well, I just love it. I want to come visit you!

posted by Rick Roberts on April 10th 2009 at 7:28pm
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you've made this place look much bigger than 283 sf. great job. cute dog!

posted by Sassy in SF on April 10th 2009 at 7:32pm
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Darling... It definately feels a little stuffed (how could it not in 283 sq. ft?) but you manage to keep it looking classy and comfortable, and even breezy. That's tough to do in these tiny SF shindigs...

posted by Jesse Lu on April 10th 2009 at 7:52pm
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I would have a hard time living here...the bed is so inviting that I would come home and see it there waiting for me to lie down on it.

posted by desertflower on April 10th 2009 at 7:55pm
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Sara, you are an inspiration! That bedroom is divine!
I hope you make it to the finals!

posted by letteretcher on April 10th 2009 at 8:06pm
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You did an amazing job for such a tiny home! You've managed to make 283 feet seem so much bigger....a hard thing to do. Your home looks complete with all the comforts (and art ) without being cluttered.

posted by junklover on April 10th 2009 at 8:09pm
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Really looks much larger than 283 sf. You did a fabulous job with the furniture arrangement. Love everything you have done here.

posted by suzy8track on April 10th 2009 at 8:16pm
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I want your dog!

Thumbs up - your place looks like a haven. :~)

posted by sleeping spot on April 10th 2009 at 9:39pm
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You need to get two thumbs up and a round of applause of buyings things secondhand and spending so little on each thing. The space looks wonderful - it seems much larger than it is.

posted by ChrisGal on April 10th 2009 at 9:57pm
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Gorgeous curtains for gorgeous windows. Good layout, doesn't feel too cramped. Effective limited use of colour. This is what Small Cool is all about

posted by Ina on April 11th 2009 at 1:55pm
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Wonderful job in a small space. The only thing I would change is the bed pushed up against the window. On that angle it looks a little juvenile. Other than that everything is great. You nailed it!

posted by missbynski on April 11th 2009 at 1:57pm
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A real bed in a studio! It makes so much more sense to sleep comfortably instead of on a pull-out couch. Very nice!

posted by mjs7640 on April 11th 2009 at 7:50pm
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with the exception of coffee table, i dig it! *ouch* don't pinch me, i do realize how incredibly functional it is in such a teensy space. i do, really. i just. hm. i'm not sure. nor do i have any *clue* what i'd suggest in it's stead.

i love love love the bedroom shot - nice items, arrangement, and texture. from the fluffy neutral blanket to the rug/throw, from the drapes and mini stool under window, to the slim white chair against desk and even the cute blue shelf opposite the bed and the *pop* of plant. how wonderful, to be able to fall asleep beside and wake up to.. windows and sunlight.. in a full-size bed no less! mm. mhm.

posted by moonbeam on April 12th 2009 at 12:07am
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That last photo is beautiful. The whole space is so homey and inviting but also really elegant. Very nicely done.

posted by renata on April 12th 2009 at 2:10pm
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I agree with renata. The last photo just made me want to move in. Lovely home.

posted by baileyb on April 12th 2009 at 4:36pm
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This is one of my favorite studios so far. Doesn't look too cluttered or too stark. Really reflects your own taste and personal style and looks totally comfortable. I love it!

posted by Tricky on April 12th 2009 at 7:35pm
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This looks designed, but still homey and inviting. I would love to live here!

posted by Gvinton on April 12th 2009 at 8:18pm
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Your style is a complete match for mine and even more - i love teeny-tiny studios as they are extra cozy. 100000 thumbs up!

posted by vanilla on April 13th 2009 at 2:22am
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Props to you for finding inexpensive items to make a great pulled-togther space!

I really like the "pocket" on your headboard!

posted by Camilla Jo on April 13th 2009 at 12:13pm
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Very nice. I have to echo everyone who said it's homey and inviting. I would get rid of the coffee table though, or get a smaller one. I like the table itself, but it takes up so much space.

posted by jooly on April 13th 2009 at 12:35pm
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The wall/above the floor details add charm, whimsy, and actually takes away some of the heaviness that having lots of furniture creates. Very nice! You knew when to stop:)

posted by spotonriver on April 14th 2009 at 4:18pm
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For everyone who keeps saying "maybe the reason the photographs aren't great is because the space is so small that it's too difficult to get good shots." well, take a look at this entry.

If only I had the chance to give this another thumbs up, I would. Imagine that? An entry for a contest to find the smallest coolest space that actually has pictures of the space and not random objets d'art littered in the home?

AWESOME entry Sara.

posted by marc from vancouver on April 15th 2009 at 8:25am
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The problem I'm seeing overall with these teeny tiny houses is that the furniture is designed for larger spaces and creates too many sharp edges to move around in a small space. I think I'm going to round off the corners in my small apartment furniture, or utilize more "transformer" furnitures.

posted by Gnosis on April 15th 2009 at 7:44pm
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