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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Nice :) Like the living room area.
It looks so relaxing! I love your window treatments and the light in your bedroom area particularly.
Can you tell me about the end/side table in the living room? Thanks!
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.
it looks like a big space for 350. good job
Your home makes perfect sense. I love it!
350 sq ft!? amazing, it looks so much bigger, good work!
Great kitchen. It does seem roomier than 350 sq. feet. Nicely done.
Nice apartment but I think it's missing a cactus.
lovely home -- you created a beautiful environment.
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.
Looks like a place to feel happy, awesome.
Nice! Looks very cosy, and uncomplicated.
Very nice and very much my taste. I love it.
Love the space -- Q. where did you get the couch...it's perfect?
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.
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.
Truly inspiring space. Well done!
This is reallyy reallyy prettty! it looks kinda like a beachy house its superr cool! :]]!!<3
gooood luuckk!
Just lovely. The plants make me happy :)
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.
no, bay windows and arches are very brooklyn too. i have both in my studio, too.
great space and the kitchen looks fantastic!
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.
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.
I love all those plants by the windows! This is a wonderful use of space. Comfy-looking bed too!
Yes, Lady J, it's a shame so many Manhattan apartments have lost architectural details like these.
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
Wow, this is gorgeous!
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.
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?
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.
You have really used your space well. Looks so much larger than it is. Beautiful!
I would be delighted to come home to this apartment everyday! Beautiful work!
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.
lucky girl! you have such a wonderful little space and you've done it justice.
Super Cute! Looks really cozy. Great job on the kitchen.
Ronda
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!
Your home makes studio living very attractive. The layout is good, and your decorating is perfect.
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!
I could live here.... even though your bed might stick out, the feeling of simple, uncluttered living is evident.
Good Luck!
Hi Julia,
I love the shades in your living room. Where did you find them?
Thanks!
Liane
Love the lighting and kitchen. Such a comforting and inviting place to be.
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!
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...)
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
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...
that really does not look 350 sq feet. my apt is about 500 sq feet and its dimensions are way smaller than that one.
oh wow. this is an incredibly classy studio. and yeah, it looks SO spacious!!
I love your place!
julia -
what planet is that in photo # 4?