A Calm, Bright, Warm Small/Cool Space
A Calm, Bright, Warm Small/Cool Space
Name: Kelsey Swarthout
Instagram: @bungalowbean
Size: 480 sq ft
Home type: Bungalow
Location: Los Angles, CA
Years lived in: 8 Months, rented
Household: My partner, Luke, and our cat, Bean (who loves sneaking her way in to my photos)
Have any design professionals worked on this space: Myself, Kelsey Swarthout. I work in the architecture and design industry.
How did you use color in your space? One of my favorite places that I've visited is Sedona, Arizona. The warm, layered reds, oranges, and tans of the mountains are some of the most beautiful colors I've ever seen. Using this same palette throughout my home always takes me back to that jaw-dropping desert landscape. I love plants and the bright green of the leaves brings a nice contrast to those warm tones, and also helps break up the sea of orange. I love using my home as a reflection of the outdoors and as a way to remind me of some of my favorite memories with nature.
Describe your space:
My space is the perfect combination of function and beauty. Given the last year of quarantine, when I started designing my home it was important that it was somewhere I could spend 24/7 without feeling claustrophobic. I effectively utilized the small space by using furniture to break up rooms into multiple zones. The living room is an office, an entertainment space, dining room, a reading zone, and a cat playground. For me, having a uniform color palette was key for making my home cohesive. The warm wood, bright walls, and sunset colors create a calming atmosphere that I never get tired of.
Did you DIY anything in your space? And, if so, what's your favorite DIY?
I often have ideas for decor that either aren't available for purchase or are out of my price range, which is why I love DIYing! One of my first projects was building raised planter beds for a veggie garden outside. I've since built shelves for my plants, a toe kick for my media stand to hide TV cords, and learned to punch needle to make a rainbow throw pillow. But by far my favorite DIY has been my nightstand. It started as a cheap laminate piece I got on Offerup for $20 that I was able to transform in to an '80s lacquer inspired side table with just some sanding, paint, and elbow grease.
How do you make your small space work for you and feel bigger than it really is?
The most important storage solution in my home is my bed. The IKEA MALM bed has huge built-in drawers underneath that allow for a ton of additional closet space. It's perfect for my partner and I to store our seasonal and bulky clothing items, as well as extra blankets, linens, and towels. I also have low, rolling storage bins under the couch that can be completely tucked out of sight. Another trick I use for maximizing space is by using baskets as both cute decor and secret junk drawers. Keeping surfaces clean and clutter free help a lot to make my tiny home feel bigger.
How does your home reflect you?
The colors, style, and decor of my home are all a result of my personality. I struggle with anxiety and depression, so having a safe haven that feels relaxing and inviting is crucial for me. Painting the walls a fresh white helps brighten and open up the space so much. Nature is something that always puts me at ease and I love being reminded of it in my home. Warm toned oranges, tans, browns, and reds are all very comforting colors for me and brings me back to the desert, rock canyons, and sunsets. Filling my home with plants literally brings the outdoors in and brings life to every room.