Who Lives Here: Beth Location: Sausalito, California Size: 350 square feet
What is your favorite element of your Small & Cool home? The cottage is circa 1930's with this spectacular indoor outdoor sun-bleached vibe. My favorite element is definitely the light. The living room floods with a warm afternoon glow. From the sofa there's a peek-a-boo view of sailboats, blue water and lush, leafy garden which surrounds the property on all sides. The room is super fresh — whites with bold saturated colors splashed about. It has a 'flip-flops on the front porch' ease…my outdoor chandelier flutters and tinks. Being teeny-tiny is never about living small. It's about "making it work". I have a lot Tim Gunn moments.
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 Cool home? My greatest challenge has been finding storage that serves the dual function of killer design and smart hiding place. I have met this challenge by repurposing two great pieces. For example, my living room has a sliding glass book cabinet which houses books and also cleverly hides my flat screen TV behind a painting. A media/TV cabinet now houses my 'bar'. I switched out the TV and installed a large mirror inside which makes the room feel expansive and elegant. I keep glassware, liquor and candles in view; the drawers hide media cords, papers and entertaining items best kept out of sight. The doors get closed when I am focusing on work, but open to relax and chill out.
West Elm, Apartment Therapy, Lonnie Mag, my old Domino mag, and the ever multiplying design blogs have all helped with the hunt and peck for my ideal pieces — that and my "stealth tape measure", which gets creds too! Seeing furniture in context is super helpful to my process, so the house tours and web blogs rule my design library.
Thumbs Up Voting is only activated for 48 Hours — so don't delay!
Check out all the entries on our contest page.
5 Online Services to Save Yourself a Trip to IKEA
Nikki’s Sweet and Cheery Print Studio
Good Food to Share 
The Big Book of Small, Cool Spaces 
Apartment Therapy Presents 
The Eight-Step Home Cure 
Sprout Side Table
5 Things Paris Taught Me About Travel
Recipe: Ham, Cheddar & Chive Egg Bakes
you sure made it work.
And the winner is you! In my book, at least. You've done an amazing job of creating a cozy, pulled-together home full of beautiful things. I like to pretend I'm a minimalist, but why lie - this is really my style. I love the pops of color and something interesting everywhere you look.
So calm and clean. I love!
I love how light and airy this entire apartment is. I'm super jealous of the gorgeous windows!
This is great! Designed, but not overly so. Plus I am very envious of all the white furnishings--you must not have furry friends :) Congrats, really a nice space.
Excellent job of great style with realistic livability. And to top it off, great photography that conveys the apartment well - not an easy feat in a small, non-minimalistic space. You make lived-in super classy!
What a perfect little Sausalito cottage. Gorgeous!
this is white done right! i often find white to be off-putting because it seems too precious - like i might hurt it or stain it. But this is warm and inviting. I looooove it!
i absolutely love your sense of design/decorating. the space is so cozy and i love the mixture of modern and country elements. kitchen phone is my fav. bravo.
I love this. You and I have a very similar design aesthetic, but you are doing a much better job of "making it work" than I am at this point! Very inspiring.
Fantastic! Beautiful mix of styles and colors. Love the light cottage slipcovers with the pops of modern orange. Great job of making it homey, yet stylish. Lots of stuff, but not cluttered. Kudos!
Oh Beth - your place is just precious! I love how the dark painted accent walls, your amazing collection of books and pops of bright color. Who cares that it's only 350 sq feet .... it looks like a dreamy place to live!
There are a lot of different things in your house, yet you have made it look cohesive and not overly "done". Love it!
p.s. i would love softer looking rugs, the ones you currently have make me hesitate to want to take my shoes off...
It was genius of you to extend the living room into what was (I assume) intended to be a dining area. Beautiful!
You made excellent use of your space. It looks like it's 700 square feet, not 350. I love how bright and cheerful your apartment is.
This has GOT to be my favorite Small and Cool place I've seen so far. It seems so cheery, stylish, and most of all, LIVABLE. SO lovely!
Side note: I'm crazy jealous - She's got about 100 sq. ft. on me and apparently that turns into a living room, a bathtub, and counter space in the kitchen. Not fair!
What a great little place - Wouldnt change a thing!
Oh Beth...I love your home!!!
Awww....this is pretty close to perfect. Easily a contender for winner this year.
I love this because it's so awesomely decorated, but it looks like someone actually LIVES here. With some they seem too hotel-ish. Love the coziness.
love. it.
wow
Quite possibly perfect. And that's without even seeing the view.
I want to go to there....
Okay, you win!
So much to love about this home.
God, I need to live in this cottage.
I'm with sally305. So gorgeous, comfortable and elegant. Especially love the vibrant orange, teal and turquoise against the white. Fabulous!
lovely! you make me want open shelving in my kitchen and more windows through out my house. i only wish you had more books in that bookcase.. or better yet store those books somewhere else and give the bookcase to me! hehe
you have my vote, so special!
love the beachy/cottage-like feel. plus with all the windows, it takes my breath away!
You had me at Tim Gunn. :)
Lovely! Will you rent it out??? :)
i wish i could give this two thumbs up. From one 1930's-cottage dweller to another, nice job! I love what you've done and have gotten some great ideas for my own space.
It is a perfect little get-a way all year long! Love it!
I love it! The bathroom is so airy and relaxing. Talk about inspiration!
I cannot believe this is 350 sq ft. Absolutely fantastic!! You're definitely a contender in my book :)
I love all the color and I'm so envious of your kitchen. Totally loving your blue phone and the tiny slab of marble.
And love love love how you have decorated the bathroom. What's the sandy tan color? It's pretty perfect. Love that you have hit "beachy" in there... without "beaching it" to death!
Wow. Hands down my favorite by far. So jealous of the cottage layout. Love love love your style, furniture arrangement, paint colors, and how you "made it work" in general! You make 350 sq ft look damn good!
LOVE this. I want to stay here then travel north to napa to wine taste.
A contender indeed!
sigh! when can i move in!
Love love love it!
I love this so much! I want to curl up in your space and stay forever. Also the view looks amazing.
I especially love the blue phone in the kitchen, curtains in the bedroom (where are they from? They compliment the space so well), and the blue accent wall in the bedroom.
Winner in my books.
Honestly, you just blew everything else away. Amazing!!!! What I wish my place could be! (If only I could live with white couches, but my puppy's dirty feet say no) MAJOR WIN
Also, WHERE are the two white livingroom chairs from? Beautiful!!!
Honestly, I can't get over this, everything is perfect. My lord I wish I had your chops.
What a luscious home.
So beautiful!
Wow a place I can actually see myself living in. Very well put together! Very lovely. I wish I had a look of the view! Beautiful.
Captures the sense of place....Sausalito, A
Beth, you have done soooo much in such a little space. It is so chic as well as cozy. I would love a retreat in your sweet space! The pops of color make it happy and inviting.
A treat to see. Cottage perfection!
All that has been said. I love this very much and you have made the most of a small kitchen in the most delightful way.
I can't believe this is 350 sq feet! Bravo!
the only thing off here for me, i guess, is that there are two a spine bookshelf and a big bookcase yet there doesn't seem to be many books in either one...
but the place is gorgeous for sure...just that looks a bit off.
Wow!
Everything about this is amazing.
perfect wiev through the windows....
You win my vote beyond! It's white but not uptight! Modern... but I could totally see myself living here! Your BAR.... the mirror is so glam....that's such a great idea! I love your cottage, small & cool. It makes me curious to see the whole place! Love your color palette! Inspiring!
Love your bedroom! and bathroom too...
Nice house, lovely bathroom!
In the bathroom window, have you sticked any paper to produce that effect?
I want your place!
There's a little too much clutter for my taste, but the kitchen really pulls it off by looking so functional!
Love.
Absolutely lovely!!!!
love it! where did you find that glass book shelf?!
winner! winner!
That's it. Contest over.
and we have a winner! love it! please tell us what color paint is on the walls and where u purchased the area rugs. love!
OMG. By far...fantastically perfect. Wow. I'd totally pay to stay here. Will you come down to Los Angeles and help me with my tiny space?!!
Great job Beth.
LOVE IT! Can you come over to my place and consult, i'm really close by!
I used to live on Bridgeway in Sausalito, I can appreciate the view you have.
Love. The. Blue. Rotary. Phone!! And the rest of course. And what's that shade of wall color? Is it sea foam green?
sooo cute! i reeeeally want to see the outside of these teeny tiny houses!
Wow, I'm impressed!! I love your use of color and I thinke the lightness is captured in your photos. I want to live here!!!! Nice job
I see why you have received so many thumbs up. This is lovely. It make me love blue and white again. I love the apron in the kitchen. The whole thing is adorable.
It does look like a vacation.
Beautiful -- really, this is absolutely lovely. I think it would feel sunny and warm there even on the darkest, coldest and wettest winter days.
I have to add that I'm not sure I've seen 350-sq ft laid out so well, structurally.
This is GORGEOUS! My favourite of the contest so far! I love that you have quite a lot of stuff but it doesn't look cluttered in any way - it all just serves to add interest. And your use of colour is sublime! Massive thumbs up!
Very nice - love the white couch and chair and peeks into your garden area outside - charming floor plan rendering too
Your home is incredibly stylish and fun! Thanks for sharing.
As a matter of fact, Beth, your bathroom was the final piece of the puzzle for my own bathroom dilemmas. So, thanks for the inspiration!
Is it weird that I really wish Beth would comment on the comments? I always like that honestly, gives you a sense of the person . . . pretty silly though when you think about it.
Love the orange pops of color! You can almost feel the breeze...just a simply "cool" n crisp place. I would enjoy having a closer look at your paintings and artwork. Would love to spend some time in your place...great luck and enjoy what you have created!
i wish you would respond back too, beth! we have lots of questions and i keep checking back!
Bravo Beth!
Your Peek-a-boo View is inspiring! I love the pops of color and how everything harmoniously plays together. You make living in the Teeny Tiny division fun and refreshing.
I have a teeny tiny dog named Flash, the chiweenie (chihuahua-dachshund) who would fit right into your artistic space. Congratulations! Lori
Thanks for all your comments. Wow! The response has been overwhelming & humbling. I am lucky to experience this. Thank you for sticking with me until I was ready to write.
Where to begin...
Living Room- I am a big believer in BOLD colors that can be toned down by the crisp sunlight & white. A few favorites are red, orange & turquoise & many hues of blue. I used 2 Benjamin Moore colors combined Soot 2129-20 & Midnight dream 2129-30( more of this color) on my "artist wall" because I wanted the highlight the artwork on its own canvas. The color has a lot of black in it which totally grounds the space.
Find a style of art your like or mix different pieces to express your personal likes, right?
White Bergere chairs- I bought in an antique store - Rats! Sorry! I re-upholstered in white cotton twill. They can be easily found at Jayson Home, Crate & Barrell or Ballard Designs at all different prices. I have so much more to share but I have to get some rest.... Oh but the red Square Ottoman called the "Primary Pouf" comes from DWR. $299- I worked there for awhile but they have the best sample sales. My mantra: Buy good pieces & with strong design bones. They last longer & will endure. Great design lives a good long life!
Thanks again for all your accolades I have loads more to share, of course!
Now...Can I count on you to vote for me TODAY?? Thanks so much!
Peek-a-Boo Beth
Simply put...stunning. I want those armchairs!!
I live in Sausalito too, and you have mastered the relaxed and fresh vibe of this beautiful place!
I LOVE your place Beth. I'd also love to know the color of that teal paint in the bedroom. Would really appreciate it, thanks!!
i love it!!! It's so beautiful. I love the blue and white, the warm living room, good storage solutions and full of fun elements!
Beth, did you comment on yourself up above? 'I could totally see myself living here!' is quite honest, I suppose.
So, so lovely and relaxing. Whatever happens in the contest, this is my favorite of them all. :)
Beth From Sausalito writes to all you guys again!
THanks for all the VOTES! YOu guys ROCK!
Hi Greek Goddess- The Paint color: Benjamin Moore -Surf Blue 2056-30 http://www.myperfectcolor.com/Benjamin-Moore-2056-30-Surf-Blue-p/mpc0004412.htm
Bathroom -"Elephant painted Stripes" - Benjamin Moore - Benjamin Moore™ OC-47 Ashwood with Simply White contrast stripe
LR - Sooki Purple Pillow - Red/ Purple Accents - Crate & Barrell- The Crate team rocks , so helpful & fun to work with! http://www.crateandbarrel.com/family.aspx?c=1273&f=35768&q=pillows&fromLocation=Search&DIMID=400001&SearchPage=1
More to come in an hour!! I am at work now!!
Love all your VOTES & great comments! THis is worth the work put forth_ I love sharing it with everyone!
Bedroom= Bed accent pillow "Mosaic" criss-cross pillow -color "Espresso" http://www.westelm.com/products/r851/?pkey=coutdoor-pillows-cushions
Sheets & Duvet - Frette' - White double stitching border.
Pillow -Euro square down fills- Bed Bath & Beyond
Letter "B" on Bedroom wall Anthropologie.com $18.00
Bedroom Lamp - Boutique find-glass blown Note: Linen lamp shade (pottery barn) I love that they sell lamp shades separately.
Side table - Crate & Barrell - Iron bookshelf -3 shelves
Beth from Sausalito - Here are a few more resources for the FANTASTIC fans of Apartment Therapy! Eiffel Chair great for my desk & goes anywhere in house! The bookcase is constantly getting new items place on the shelves. - I usse a lower shelf as a spot to place a drink if I am having people over!
Living Room -
Vertical White Bookshelf $298- DWR http://www.dwr.com/product/sapien-bookcase-short.do?keyword=sapien&sortby=ourPicks
Eames Chair in Red/Orange - $249- DWR http://www.dwr.com/product/dining/chairs/side-chairs/eames-molded-plastic-side-chair-dsr.do?sortby=ourPicks
Sisal Rugs - West Elm Pottery Barn -West Elm Seagrass Jute Area Rug 5x8 sisal
Just a start as I was falling behind on info sharing.... Bathroom resources to come!.... Back to work! Now go online & VOTE for me PLEASE! Thank you!! Cheers,
beth
I've been voting for you since the beginning! Trying to get all my friends to rally up and vote!! Good luck!!
I too voted for you all the way; kinda lost interest in the contest now, as the rest of the entries don't have the wonderful spark that your place does. Enjoy your lovely space! One day when I have my own pad I will dig this up from my files and seek inspiration.
I think its pretty clear the other apartment really rallied for votes among friends, etc, which is totally within the rules but doesn't reflect which was actually more liked or beautiful. They got to the next round but your place has inspired and will be remembered :)
Your place is honestly one of the most inspired and beautiful I've ever seen on this site - rooted/voted for you all the way and still think you should have won! Enjoy your gorgeous space. =)
You clearly should have won, this is tragic! I guess unfortunately sometimes saavy social networking outweighs great style and well-executed design. I will miss seeing your beautiful space Beth. The contest just isn't the same without you, I've lost interest.
Beth - 'Chris from Houston' here. I'd been looking forward to competing with you in the final round too. I can't thank you enough for casting your support for me in the final round. Regardless of style preference, your teeny tiny cottage can only be described as amazing. I hope you'll enter again next year, even fiercer, and I'll support you all the way.
I find your space incredibly inspiring, Beth.
From the way you've arranged your furniture to the teal wall in the bedroom (that teal wall is the inspiration behind a whole new revolution in my home at the moment, btw) you've really made some bold, fearless choices.
You've done a truly remarkable job here, win or not. You should be proud of yourself and very happy to come home to this after a long day.
This tour has left me in awe, and provided the inspiration I needed to finish decorating my place this year. Thank you! <3
Your home is SO personal. I love it. Funky & Happy !
ugh! you should have won! your place is the most inspiring hands down
are you available for online consulting?
I want to live here! I would love to know where the shower curtain is from. . .
Hi Beth,
I am sorry that i missed the voting period, because i think your place is amazing and quite inspiring. I am currently in the middle of moving into a tiny cottage which is very similar to yours (except that mine doesn't have a single closet!). I was wondering where you got the wonderful white cabnet piece with the glass doors that is in your living room as well as the great mirrored bar? Also, where do you eat? I am trying to determine if it is necessary to allocate quite a bit of space to a kitchen table or not. Thanks for sharing your lovely space.
Ellie
Your place was my top 5 and I voted for it every chance I could.
I'm new to apartment therapy so I also missed the voting period but I would have voted for you hands down! Your place is a slice of happiness and so inspiring. Wish I had your talent.
Thank you for posting all of your resources but there is one I didn't see. I love love love the vibrant poster in the living room on the wall behind the glass table w/ Bourgie lamp. Where did you find that? Thank you!
LOVE IT! Although with a place this small and with so much stuff, being neat and tidy must be a necessity!! Props to you...
SO BEAUTIFUL .. JUST LOVE IT !!!
Beth,
Your house has been one of my all time favorites on apartment therapy. Love, love, love it!
I still drool over this place. It's just that good.
Hi Beth!
I think your apartment is just amazing!!! We clearly have the same taste:) I just wondered what color you painted your walls in your bedroom. Let me know when you have the chance!!!
THANK YOU!!!
I love the black wall and the red touches...or are they orange. I can't tell from the lighting in the photos.
Oh and the phone in the kitchen is amazing. Isn't it wierd how just a color of something ordinary can make it so extraordinary.
Really well considering the size. Amazing!
Love a small, spacious kitchen.
Kitchen utility items are not very decorative:
Store a set of stackable pans in an oven.
Store baskets of utensils or spices – they’re easy to transport.
For extra counter space, try a large cutting board over a sink or stove.
Upper kitchen cabinets are not always needed:
To beautify, stand decorative plates and glasses vertically on open narrow shelving.
Rather than a dining room table, eat/entertain with your plate in your lap.
Cabinets, shelving and bookcases may not be needed:
Replace paper, books, pictures, tv, stereo, etc with a hanheld computer.
Try the couch on another wall – to enjoy the view in other windows.
Rather than drapes, try a shade or mini blinds with a small knick knack shelf on top of a window.
Rather than an end table or bed stand, try a floor lamp and tote bag of handy items.
Tote bags are easy to transport or store away.
Hang a tote bag on a doorknob or hook.
Try a clothing hook and full-length mirror on the back of a bathroom door.
Store towels and cosmetic baskets on open narrow shelving over a toilet or sink.
To sit on the shelf in the bath tub, try a handheld shower nozzle.
I love your living room and am wondering what color/brand the paint is in that room. I'm talking about the picture of the living room with the doorway pictured and just the one piece of orange furniture. I want that exact color for my living room. Thanks.
Hi Beth I work at THE NATE BERKUS SHOW and we're VERY interested in speaking with you--please email me at sselvaggio@thenateshow.com if you can ASAP!
I lovwe it. What a smart choice of colors
Few years late on this but love the blue wall with the white bedding. Great bright rooms.