People laughed a little when Emily Ogden would say she wanted to live in German Village. A pricey part of Columbus, it was a long shot that Emily might be able to find a place she could afford. But the area was her dream. “The quaint brick streets, historical homes, coffee shops, restaurants, a great park, all within walking distance. A fairly safe neighborhood for a single female moving to a new city. Neighborhoods where I felt safe walking after dark,” she writes.

It only took about a week for Emily to find this small, just-over 350 square foot studio, upstairs above a venue on the edge of the area she dreamed of living in.

Though the discovery meant she’d be moving from a “fairly roomy, one bedroom in Dayton, Ohio, to a very cozy, upstairs studio,” this studio space is undeniably cute, and as someone who loves to cook, the big kitchen didn’t hurt. Though downsizing is always a bit of a challenge, Emily made it work (and beautifully). She writes:

“I pared down on furniture and decor — giving things away or lending out pieces that just would not fit, or that I didn’t truly love. My large credenza I found at a thrift store was the focal point in my living room and I accessorized with lots of candles and plants to add color and scent to the small space. I’m a big fan of Mid-Century Modern decor, but I also like to have things cozy and colorful.

In the end, I decided to not attempt to create walls. To leave it open and airy. After all, it was just me living there! I didn’t mind that my bed was in my living room and vice versa.”

My Style: Mid-century modern with a twist of bohemian vintage

Inspiration: My inspiration comes from vintage and bohemian textures and color, and I have always loved mid-century modern furniture. Music and travel also heavily influence wherever I am living. I’m an interior designer and although I strive for well-designed spaces, I want to have my home feel and look lived-in, cozy and welcoming.

Favorite Element: The three pieces of mid-century modern furniture I’ve collected over the years. The dresser that belonged to my uncle when he was younger, the credenza I picked up for a song at a thrift store and the little nightstand I thrifted over two years ago. Also, my hat collection.

Biggest Challenge: Definitely space/storage. I’ve always lived in at least a one bedroom apartment, and am a recovered pack rat — this studio has ZERO storage and I learned to keep what I love and need only.

What Friends Say: “I don’t know how you put it all together — but it works!” I’m eclectic and I love to pair colors that wouldn’t normally seem as though they go together.

Biggest Embarrassment: That I’m an artist/photographer but I rarely print or frame my work to hang on my walls!

Biggest Indulgence: Choosing to live in German Village in such a tiny space — it’s pricey, but totally worth it — such a beautiful area, with so many restaurants, bars and coffee shops within walking distance. Sometimes I feel like I’m living in a Meg Ryan movie!

Best Advice: Surround yourself with things that you love and will use/appreciate every day. Use that fancy china, sit in your furniture, and make your bedroom a place you dream of spending time. Have people over and let your home be a welcoming environment — that’s its purpose!

PAINT & COLORS
Sherwin Williams – Summer White

ENTRY
Small bookshelf – Hand-me-down
Tall shelf – IKEA
Globe – Thrifted
Kerosene lamp turned electric – Wedding present parents received in the 70’s
Mirror – Vintage shop in Boone, NC
Faux fiddle leaf fig plant – IKEA
Runner rug – IKEA
Shake It Off banner – Small boutique in Columbus

LIVING SPACE
Sofa- IKEA
Large area rug – IKEA
Throw pillows – IKEA, Target and gifts
Credenza – Thrifted
End table – Vintage hand-me-down
Clock above mantle – Vintage/thrifted
Turntable – Vintage (the one I grew up with at home!)
Silver lamp on credenza – Thrifted
Blue velvet chair – Vintage (gift from my best friend)
Frame with necklaces – Vintage frame DIY
Vintage cameras all over the space – thrifted/collected from family members
Lace curtains throughout – IKEA
Ottoman – Vintage
Wood tray – gift

KITCHEN
White table – IKEA
Bistro chairs – Arhaus
Antiqued gold candle holder on table – Target
Work cart – IKEA
AWESOME canvas – Target
Glassware/mug collection – IKEA, vintage, and items from travels
Honey cut-out – Vintage (spray painted gold)
Crate shelf – DIY
Printed India rug in front of sink – World Market
Copper colander – World Market

BEDROOM
Bed – IKEA
Bedspread – Target
Pillows – IKEA, Target, gifts
Nightstand – Vintage/thrifted
Gray area rug – IKEA
Bedside table lamp – Target
Dresser – Vintage hand me down
Round mirror – Walmart
Small, pedestal mirror on dresser – Thrifted/vintage
Porcelain feathers above bed – Arhaus
Large floor length mirror – Handmade by my dad
Large faux plant by the fireplace – Thrifted

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