Who Lives Here: Lacey Location: East Village, NYC Size: 290 square feet
What is your favorite element of your Small & Cool home? My proudest moments are in the details. I recently made a trip to the hardware store for paint and left with a power drill so I could add wheels to my desk and a lesson on installing a light dimmer. Those DIY projects keep it interesting and fun.
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What was one of the biggest challenges you faced in furnishing your Small Cool home? The refrigerator was my biggest challenge in this space. There is a small nook in the kitchen where I thought it would fit and it turned out that you couldn't open the front door without hitting the fridge! I do not want to have to shimmy into my apartment everyday, so it has become a part of my living space. I have tried to work around it by treating it like a wall and butting my desk up against it. I'm sure it resents me for ignoring its presence.
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Sheex Bedding
i totally get it when you have these diy projects and feel so good afterwards. congrats on those things. are you not able to hang artwork on the walls? i noticed your walls are untouched (with art and paint color) but wasn't sure if this was by choice or rules. you have these clusters of things (like on those shelves above the bed) and in this space, it might help to spread it around a bit. the wall behind the single chair seems lonely.
the dresser is cute, but i think the tv seems too big for the space. all in all, nice job!
I think this is a really sweet little apt. how about hanging a huge bulletin board from the ceiling (if you can) to give some separation between the fridge/kitchen and the living space?
the raccoon picture in the bathroom is adorable. a very homey looking place.
Cute! I especially love the Ryan Berkley print in the bathroom :)
I'm sorry, but it comes across very plain to me. Doesn't look like there's a whole lot of anything going on.
What about adding some of those little peel and stick chalk board panels to the side of the fridge, or a fabric panel?
Ho Hum.
As a fellow New Yorker that lives in a similar space (under 300 sq ft, West Village), I completely understand the challenges... However I think there is plenty of room for growth here. There is just too much blank wall space going on, as well as lack of color. The messy bed doesn't add to the look either.
I like the simplicity. With such a tiny place, I feel like if there was much more going on it could feel claustrophobic.
I love your space. It is clean, airy and lived in! I love the three tables near your bed. Thank you for sharing your haven.
Wow - I don't think it's "plain" or "boring", I think it's calming, restful, and remarkably restrained in a very tiny space. I love the little burst of color from the pillow on the chair. And as for the "where's the artwork?" questions, it's propped, not hung, on the picture rails and the desk. Well, as my mother is fond of saying, chacun à son goût!
I second the suggestion that you might hang a big bulletin board or panel on the side of your refrigerator that faces the room. I also think the TV seems a little big in the space, esp. considering you also have a monitor which could easily function as your TV (given that the room is so small). But I loooovvve TV, so I don't want to be one of those "ugh a TV a TV make it go away" people. If you enjoy your big TV, then enjoy it.
I disagree with the dissenters! I think your place is totally awesome. I love the organic mix of tone on tone textures. It feels like a really lovely little room in some European bed and breakfast. Maybe a combination of that and an Anthropologie/Urban Outfitters photo shoot. :-) Great job.
290 square feet really? Goodness. You've done a great job. You've managed to make the place look cozy and uncluttered. Not easy for such a small place. I love the cozy arrangement of the bed. You have just the right amount of stuff. I love the dresser the TV is on. Great job.
Just curious - can you actually reach that microwave on top of your fridge. If not, just get rid of it. Sorry, that's a recent pet peeve of mine, microwaves that are too high.
Just read the comments. Don't listen to the negative ones. Simplicity is a marvelous thing. Blank walls can be beautiful. It's remarkable that you achieved something airy in such a small place, and you should be commended on your retraint. Also, love your rug.
i love the glass jars in the bathroom. i have my cotton balls and other useful things in jars too. love the look. this apartment is fab for your needs and it looks swell!
I like the messy bed look, it's very inviting and romantic. Love the bed frame, where is it from?
The pillow and chair are great!
Thank you for NOT subscribing to the "if I have a wall, I should hang something on it" school of thought. Yay!
I think this is gorgeous in its simplicity. I agree that it would feel cluttered if there was a lot of color and a lot of things up on the wall. It looks great how it is. Sticking with a neutral palette and not having "stuff" everywhere is what gives this a calm feel that makes the space seem bigger than it is.
I think if I ever had a place this tiny again (and I hope one day I do!) I would opt for a bar fridge.
Looking at your plan, one might fit where you currently have your trunk. I know they're little, but my relatives in England all manage OK with them. And on the plus side, your energy bills would be reduced.
Thanks for sharing your lovely home!
i had to put the fridge into the living room in my last NYC apartment too, so i can empathise with your fridge situation! you have a calm, inviting and uncluttered space.
I also love the print in the bathroom! I've been a fan of this artist for a long time :)
uncluttered, simple, and yet well defined spaces
@Peggy, that fridge looks pretty short--my fridge is taller and my microwave is still completely accessible. Plus an eye-level microwave is a good reminder to wipe it out if food spatters.
Nicely done, Lacey!
I think you've done such a great job, your furniture pieces are stronger than I would have thought workable in such a small space, but you've pulled it off, the place looks airy and open and welcoming. I suspect the lack of artwork on the walls is a deliberate part creating this effect, so don't mind the people criticising it.
For such a small space it still looks bright and airy - well done!
I do think your bed needs an update - a bright throw or some cushions or just a new fluffy duvet would have lifted everything.
I love love love the racoon print in the bathroom.
Thank you everyone for the great feedback. To answer a few questions...
I am allowed to hang things on the walls and paint, but I have super high ceilings (thank goodness) and I found that hanging the art seems to throw the proportions off. I also love the versatility of being able to move things around at a moment's notice. I think I've rearranged the furniture at least 5 different ways, but so far this is seems to work the best.
The suggestion about the bar fridge is something I have thought about, but have been hesitant to invest in, as my current fridge came with the place. Maybe if I win I'll buy one!
And last but not least, my bed is from West Elm. I usually swap out the knit blanket for a turquoise quilt in the summer. Maybe it's time to do the swap.
Thanks again! -Lacey
I love it -- especially the details.
Also, I've been considering the exact same bed for my place! I insist on having separate living and sleeping areas. A futon just isn't attractive nor is it really practical IMO.
I love simplicity, and I think I might like this place, but it come across as kinda drab. Maybe because of the lighting/photography. I think that if it looked a little more professional, this would be an instant hit.
Please make your bed before taking pictures...
For such a tiny space, you managed to photograph it in a way that makes it look quite roomy. Good job! nice touches.
It is not drab, it is not crowded, the TV is not too big. This is a home, and I'm glad to see that someone out there is not ashamed to have their bed less than perfect and their furnishings not competing with artwork. Nice Job!!!
Where did you get the rug by the side of your bed? Very cute!
I got the rug at Anthropologie. It has held up for two years already and I even run it through the washing machine.
I love this space. The light is wonderful and it feels like home. I just had to comment that I think your bed looks made and when mine was against the wall, even when I made it, it still never looked perfect. Kudos to you and making such a small space work.
This is off the chain! Esp since my apartment is half this size... It shows me there is still hope.
I wish your dresser were mine.
Your place is like a beautiful study on texture and tone. I love it!
i love this, i am sorry i am too late to vote. i disagree with almost every negative comment i have read. i think this apartment is warm, edited, and SMART. The pieces you have chosen seem like they are all there for a reason, not just there because you happen to own them. I love the inviting bed, the propped up artwork, the rug, the piano bench, the dresser, the gray chair, the colorful pillow..all of it really. I think that the most impressive part of this place is the fact that the bones of the apartment are nothing spectacular, yet you managed to make it swoon-worthy. Very well done.
Where is the grey chair from? I'm looking for a compact but comfy chair just like it.
I love this. It doesn't feel plain to me- it feels serene. Living in NY I've come to really appreciate the beauty of a blank wall.
Thanks for the wonderful comments. The chair was my big splurge it's from Pottery Barn. It sort of looks more compact than it is because there isn't any scale reference in that photo. It's actually quite big.
I like your place, even though it's plain, it's a good plain. I like the simple-ness!
You need to get the fridge out of the living room. If you must cut the counter aand move the sin over slightly... get a 24inch wide one and put it where the trunk is.. you will love more liing room space.
I am always impressed at what individuals do and how each space is treated to accommodate pieces in their lives. Looks amazing. Thumbs up from me.
Ahhh... the fridge! I feel your pain...
The bulletin board suggestion is good, in fact I have the same problem and I`m considering similar ideas: an oversized chalkboard, a mirror panel, a japanese paper screen... whatever makes the fridge disappear!!
But in your case, would it be possible to change the bathroom door for a sliding one? I have the impression that if you replace that door, there is enough space for the fridge next to the entrance.
It´s late for a vote, but you have my thumbs up. Good luck.
I really love this apartment also. Especially that cushion on your armchair! Where is this from?
the pillow is actually from urban outfitters.
I love your print in the bathroom ,very cute and charming.