A Cozy Nester Small/Cool Space
A Cozy Nester Small/Cool Space
Name: Kim White
Size: 296 sq ft
Home type: Studio
Location: Brooklyn, New York
Years lived in: 2 years, rented
Household: No one
Have any design professionals worked on this space: No
Describe your space:
The comfort of home has never been more significant than now. I’m grateful for my tiny studio—a haven during extremely impactful situations. I’ve invested a lot of sweat equity in my rental apartment, putting a great deal of detail in DIY projects and filling it with family keepsakes and vintage finds. I’ve used economical items like contact paper, paint, and beadboard to breathe life into an older unit. Everything has a place and a story that brings me joy, and that’s what I think makes my small home cool.
Did you DIY anything in your space? And, if so, what's your favorite DIY?
Quite a few DIY projects can be found in my home. There’s the storage add-on above the Murphy bed; the gold contact paper that transformed the kitchen; and the reimagined closet that’s now an office. However, my favorite is the tufted banquette made from an IKEA BESTA. Brady Tolbert’s genius headboard tutorial served as inspiration. Having a dining area was important to me, but anything taking up that much space had to also function as storage. I knew from previous experience that I prefer drawers to hinged storage, which led me to IKEA’s BESTA unit.
What's your favorite product that you bought for your space and where did it come from?
My favorite product that I bought for the space that was not a vintage find has to be the Samsung Frame TV. I use the art display more than I watch television. Rotating works based on my mood, it really makes a huge impact in a small space. I’m also guilty of playing a crackling fireplace on chilly days and rainstorms on sleepless nights.
What inspires you?
I’m inspired by silver linings. I love hearing stories of people who have made the best of a bad situation, or overcome some type of adversity.