Small spaces, big dreams
I first toured the apartment summer of 2018. It was the only one I viewed. I knew that I could make minimal changes to the space and make it my home for the coming years. I did not know that it would take me 4 years to make those changes! What I learned along the way was invaluable, like take the time to do prep work! We’re still not finished but satisfied with the progress and can say we feel comfortable in our home. Isn’t that what matters!
Every room of the apartment was cardboard brown, sealed in darkness with plastic blinds. They were the first to go. I hired a painter to paint the living and bedrooms Benjamin Moore Simply White. I fired him mid-job because he tried to color match with cheaper paint and insisted it was the same color. I have eyes and I know what I asked for. So, I set about doing the job myself! It was my first time painting walls. My floors are still stained with paint splatters because I didn’t take the time to tape and tarp.
My initial idea was always to embrace my vintage sofa’s pattern but I quickly grew tired of working around it. By 2020, I had thrown out the shag rug - stained by my own foot traffic even though I told myself I’d always take off my shoes - and given my mom my flea market Parson’s chairs.
I was determined to make the apartment more reflective of my personal style and began my design. Then I met Jason and together we implemented my vision!
We started again at square one with paint color. The Simply White was too cold and not the warm white I actually was hoping for (perhaps I should have tested White Dove, OC-17). We chose Behr Clean Canvas, HDC-AC-11. I do love how the tree’s shadows outside dance across the room in the late afternoon. It’s a great shade for warmth and works well with the creams, stones, and woods we have in the living room.
I am still sourcing fabric to reupholster the chevron sofa but we have found a slip cover solution until then. The West Elm rug grounds the space and the soft furnishings remind me I am a vibrant, stylish, creative woman who will achieve her dreams.
Anthropologie Clio terrazzo side table / Vintage Michael Taylor lamp / West Elm area rug
Anthropologie Gilmour chair / Vintage woman bust / Artworks by Ashley Pottenger and Buckley
Desert sky photograph by Jason Martin / Vintage Alsy squiggle floor lamp / Blu Dot Shelving and Coffee Table / Hay Pendant light
When I think about the memories made here they will be cocktails shaken and cheese platters served, summers in an inflatable pool out on the side walk, collecting beautiful dresses with balloon sleeves so large I might float away, tending to my garden, planning vacations, serious discussions of religion, philosophy, and politics, Chloe zooming, making love, and light filled days of happiness, dance, laughter, and peace.
