Vicari is a senior designer for a public policy firm with an affinity for fitness, bold color, and a good gin fizz. She firmly believes in carbohydrates, horoscopes, and the power of love. Jordan is a state contract monitor, CrossFit coach, and bookworm. He enjoys binge-watching a series on Netflix, comic books, and snuggling his calico, Harley. Their small studio apartment in downtown Lansing, Michigan is a reflection of both their colorful personalities.

“We unexpectedly stumbled upon the listing for our 600-square-foot studio apartment in the heart of downtown. We’d never considered sharing such a small space until we toured the model — it was incredible. The unconventional bedroom space and the use of sliding doors allows for privacy, and the floor-to-ceiling windows make the apartment feel spacious. With the updated appliances, thoughtful storage, and (most impressively) the view, we were sold.”

They both had to pare down their things (significantly) but donating a lot of what they owned before moving in allowed them to really focus on what to keep. The smaller space has also made them “committed to a more minimal lifestyle.”

Our Style: Minimalist with nerdy flair and pops of color.

Inspiration: Local artists, the outdoors, minimalism, and superheroes.

Favorite Element: The view. We never close the blinds. In the morning, the sunrise reflects off the buildings across the river. In the evening, we see some pretty lovely sunsets. Between the river activity and community events, there’s always something interesting happening outside our windows.

Biggest Challenge: Keeping it cool. Late afternoon sun paired with floor-to-ceiling windows can make for a tiny oven.

What Friends Say: “You’re brave for sharing a studio.”

Biggest Embarrassment: Ugh, the hall closet. Its current purpose is housing all of things we had no place for after we moved in.

Proudest DIY: Our living room console table. Finding a piece of furniture that fit the space felt impossible, so we built one using (shockingly) plywood, two sets of stainless steel legs by IKEA, Minwax light grey wood stain, and a few mistakes.

Biggest Indulgence: The apartment itself! We love all of our furnishings, but living, working, and playing downtown is such an indulgence. Hooray for commuting by foot!

Best Advice: Purge! Shedding excess things can reduce so much stress!

ENTRY
Kallax Bookcase – IKEA

LIVING ROOM
Grey sofa – Ashley Furniture
Strandmon Wing Chair (yellow) – IKEA
Vittsjö Shelf Unit – IKEA

DINING ROOM
Console Table — DIY

KITCHEN
Crane Cast Iron Teapot (pink) – World Market
“2011: Cat Doughnut Odyssey” Illustration – Jonathan J. Griffin
Pink Chindi Rug – World Market

BEDROOM
Velvet Throw Pillows – Pottery Barn
“Surly Sea” painting – Vicari Vollmar
Moon Print – Have Company
Vintage Mirror — Gifted

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