Every Inch of This 550-Square-Foot Studio Is Well Designed
Every Inch of This 550-Square-Foot Studio Is Well Designed
Name: Kaitlin Grunder and Dilbert the Dachshund
Location: Lower Highlands — Denver, Colorado
Size: 550 square feet
Years lived in: 1.5 years, renting

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Kaitlin is a graphic designer in Denver, Colorado; so it came as no surprise to discover her space to be so sufficiently streamlined, while also looking so good. Her studio is fun and functional, from her decorative use of her IKEA shelving to her DIY faux fireplace. Every inch of her 550-square-foot studio is thoughtfully utilized.
“I also love how bright and airy my space is—having my Juliet balcony open during the fall with freshly-potted mums is my favorite!” remarks Kaitlin. You notice that brightness and airiness as soon as you enter her space and see the Denver sun reflect from the mirrored tiles of her DIY fireplace. The light fills the room and accentuates her sleek kitchen space, featuring a gallery of carefully curated black and white portraits. Kaitlin’s smaller space really opens up with such careful organization and creative design.
Apartment Therapy Survey:
My Style: Scandinavian eclectic meets Moroccan chic.
Inspiration: Pretty much anything and everything I can find inspiration in. I guess it all roots back to my obsession of travel and dreams of visiting far-away places—from a sleek apartment found in Stockholm to the bustling and bright markets of Marrakesh!
Favorite Element: Honestly my favorite thing about my apartment is its location—I love my dog-friendly LoHi neighborhood and all of our community amenities… from our rooftop terrace to being just steps away from dozens of my favorite restaurants, you can’t beat it! I also love how bright and airy my space is—having my Juliet balcony open during the fall with freshly-potted mums is my favorite!
Biggest Challenge: Between Dilly’s black fur and my long blonde hair, I’d say the biggest challenge is keeping the floors clean!
What Friends Say: “So, when are you going to come over and decorate my apartment?!”
Biggest Embarrassment: The fact that I’ve had to repaint the legs of all my furniture from when Dilbert was in his teething stage and did quite the number gnawing on them!
Proudest DIY: I would say the fireplace is my proudest DIY. My dad had found it when cleaning out a relative’s basement… it was disgusting and headed straight for the garbage! (Clearly, I had other plans for it!) And so I headed to Lowe’s with my dad and we (he) got to work… after building a wooden base and topper, a lot of paint and adhering my mirrored tiles, it was better than new!
Biggest Indulgence: My diploma, which quite literally costs more than the sum of everything else I own.
Best Advice: Don’t force anything and be on the lookout for everything! Sometimes the best finds are things you weren’t looking for, but rather jump out at you!
Dream Sources: One day when I win the lottery or Publisher’s Clearing House, you can find me blowing some serious dough at Z Gallerie, Arhaus, and Restoration Hardware!
Resources:
ENTRY
Distressed White Floor-length Mirror — HomeGoods/DIY
Black Distressed Dresser with Mercury Glass Knobs — DIY/Anthropologie
Jute Entry Rug — HomeGoods
LIVING ROOM
Cypress Sofa — Wayfair
Pillows, Various — HomeGoods or Target
Coffee Table — IKEA/DIY
Terrarium — World Market
Tray — World Market (no longer available)
Celestial Coasters — Anthropologie
Candles, Various — HomeGoods
Picture Frames, Various — HomeGoods or Z Gallerie
Rug — HomeGoods
Natural Wood Beaded Lantern — World Market
Pouf — HomeGoods
Fireplace — DIY
Fireplace Tchotchkes — HomeGoods
Shelf — IKEA
Artwork/Prints — The Glass Passage, Misc.
Flower Pendant Lamp — Ikea
Santa Maria Accent Slipper Chair — Overstock
Turquoise Accent Chair — HomeGoods
Gold Side Table — HomeGoods
Lamp — HomeGoods
Hanging Planter — DIY
DINING ROOM
Eat-in Pub Table — Houzz
Black Saddle Barstools — Target
Natural Chargers — Pottery Barn
Stacking Dinner Plates — Crate & Barrel
Ikat Napkins — World Market
Old Havana Side Plate — Anthropologie
KITCHEN
“Love & Lemons” Cookbook — Anthropologie
Wrought Iron Cookbook Holder — HomeGoods
Butcherblock — HomeGoods
Glass Canisters — HomeGoods
Glass Soap Dispenser — World Market
Gold Utensil Holder — Target (no longer available)
Wine Rack — Target (no longer available)
Gold Fruit Basket — Target (no longer available)
Gallery Frames — Hobby Lobby
BEDROOM
Face Planter – Lulu’s Furniture
Shelf and Jewelry Hanger – DIY
Picture Frame – HomeGoods
Large White Kallax Shelving Unit – IKEA
Black Baskets — IKEA
Headboard — Joss & Main
Wall Art + Hooks — HomeGoods
Curtain Wire — IKEA
Curtains — Tuesday Morning
Thanks, Kaitlin!
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