A Bright, Cute, HERS Small/Cool Space
A Bright, Cute, HERS Small/Cool Space
Name: Jessalyn Broadfoot
Blog or website: https://ladylike.design/
Instagram: @ladyjessalyn
Size: 494 sq ft
Home type: Studio
Location: Kelowna, Canada
Years lived in: 2.5 years, rented
Household: Me! (And the sunlight)
Have any design professionals worked on this space: No
Describe your space:
After a cross-country move from ON to BC and a couple of stints in furnished rentals, I moved into this studio ready to have fun with design. Starting fresh, I dubbed this bright, south-facing apartment "The Ladyplace." It's like the pink sparkly heart emoji in a house! I've injected as much character into this new build as I could without totally losing hope on retrieving my damage deposit. I added brick wallpaper, peachy-colored contact paper on the cupboards, and hung lights from the ceiling. It's the smallest, coolest, perfect layout for an independent lady like me.
Did you DIY anything in your space? And, if so, what's your favorite DIY?
The AC units going into new builds are a new kind of eyesore, so when I found an oak fireplace on Marketplace that seemed to be just the right size to disguise the beige monstrosity, I went for it. Painting it the same cloud white as my walls and stapling a metal grid to the insert really brought in some much-needed architectural delight, too! We all know lighting is a game-changer in a space, so I pretty quickly created my own hanging pendants in the hallway and kitchen, also wiring a globe sconce to plug in just above my vanity area. Although it's no Smeg, my photo fridge is the cutest.
How do you make your small space work for you and feel bigger than it really is?
Removing the cupboard doors above the oven and kitchen sink opened up my space and created areas of interest in an otherwise plain-Jane setup. Taking advantage of the tall ceilings, I hung a shelf above the hallway entrance and used the top of the kitchen cupboard as part of the new ledge for books and a pair of pink suede heels. Without a window in the bathroom, I realized I wasn't making the most of my bright mornings, so I created a vanity setup with an old desk in my main living area. It might seem weird, but it really maximizes my happiness in the mornings.
How does your home reflect you?
If I see it and love it, I want it and make it. Inspired by little cafes, I sewed a little scalloped awning out of pink striped linen for the open cupboard above my kitchen sink. Ask me about my pink elf door. I love the little details that remind me of other places I love to be, like coffee shops. My home is constantly evolving; I move things around and switch items out like it's my JOB because I love to look at everything with a fresh eye. While this won't be my Ladyplace for much longer — I just bought my first home with my boyfriend! — I've been good to her, and she's been so good to me.