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A Smart Layout with Pop of Colors Small/Cool Space

To have a flexible layout, small and moveable furniture were chosen. The coffee table from pallet was a DIY project. Instead of a normal armchair, a compact dining chair does the job perfectly. Thanks to large windows, tons of light bright up the space which is ideal for growing plants. (Image credit: Yonanda Adhitama)

A Smart Layout with Pop of Colors Small/Cool Space

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Name: Yonanda Adhitama

Size: 525 sq ft

Home type: Studio apartment

Location: Leonberg, Baden-Wuerttemberg

Years lived in: 4 years, rented

Household: Alone but occasionally with my wife and two small daughters (6 and 4)

Have any design professionals worked on this space: No

Describe your space:

When I found this rental apartment four years ago, it was initially planned as a temporary house until we found a proper house to live with my family. The apartment already had good bones, although it was not optimal for us to have only one bed area. The living room needed to be able to be converted to a bed area. The private area had to be easily shut off from the living area whenever guests come. With that in mind, full height curtain, bed sofa, and movable furniture were selected to create the flexibility to quickly convert the single-room space to a two-bedroom apartment.

Did you DIY anything in your space? And, if so, what's your favorite DIY?

The coffee table was a DIY project. I found the pallet on eBay and attached industrial castors to it. I didn’t stain the wood, as I like the story attached to it (it even still has the label of the product the pallet used to support). It’s a simple DIY but turned out to be very effective for a flexible layout.

What's your favorite product that you bought for your space and where did it come from?

Definitely the bed sofa is my favorite. I found it on eBay Kleinanzeigen (Craigslist in USA) after almost giving up but not ready to spend lots of money for a brand-new bed sofa. The old owner just started a new life as a couple, and the “bachelor” sofa somehow didn’t fit into their new design aesthetic. So, I came in to rescue his secondhand piece. It’s less wasteful, and I could get a way better deal that fits my design vision. It’s a win-win solution. The eBay find Heriz Persian rug is also my favorite. It just brings life after living with minimal design for several years.

What inspires you?

Creativity always inspires me. Seeing others coming up with smart solutions, yet aesthetically pleasant, makes me also want to have it myself. Creativity also means that you don't have to spend lots of money in order to create something you [are inspired by]. Creating something yourself will bring a story and experience attached to the thing you've created.