Making the Most of a Small Space
12 Oct 2011 4 Comments
in Inside My Home, My Projects
When we moved to San Francisco, I knew I’d have to take our furniture and make it work in a city apartment. It was a challenge, but I had a plan:
1-Position two white arm chairs in front of the window to create a cozy seating area (Marshall’s idea – thanks babe!) 2-Repurpose the file cabinets from our old office into end tables so our files don’t have to be reorganized 3-Hang sheer linen drapes from our old living room windows against the beautiful arched window 4-Keep the beloved factory cart coffee table and position two rattan floor cushions nearby for extra seating 5-Use the natural fiber rug from our old master bedroom to anchor the space
One of the biggest dilemmas was figuring out where to keep all of our clothes since the closet was now the bedroom. My husband took on the challenge and found this great wardrobe from IKEA. It really is the perfect solution to our storage issues. How we managed to go from having his and hers walk-in closets to this, I’ll never know!
Another piece that was important to incorporate was the bureau from our old bedroom. It took a long time to paint and distress, and I couldn’t give it up! It provides extra storage for everything from blankets to books.
I tried to keep a lot of the accent pieces we had in our home, like this gorgeous vase filled with dried wheat which kind of reminds me of growing up in Kansas.
I also wanted to keep the nautical feel especially since we’re living so close to the water.
Finally, one of my favorite aspects of this apartment is the eat-in kitchen. With plenty of wall space for our pizza trays and cutting board, plus enough room for our kitchen table. It’s a cozy space, but perfect for two.
It’s hard to believe we only moved in just over a week ago! It’s my husband’s birthday today, so I’ve got a cheesecake in the oven and a brand new lasagna recipe to try, and I’m just glad we have such a lovely space to celebrate in!
Walk-in Closet+Imagination=Bedroom?
07 Oct 2011 1 Comment
in Before & After, Inside My Home, My Projects Tags: master bedroom
So I never thought my master bedroom would be the size of a closet…or an actual closet for that matter. But now it is both. Here is how I took a walk-in closet in our studio apartment and made it into our master bedroom.
First, I tried to envision the space as more than a closet (and had my husband take down the clothing rod).
Next I took some of my favorite pieces and used them to fill the white space. The rustic ladder for example. I wasn’t sure why I was bringing it to San Francisco when it was collecting dust in my garage in Florida, but it turned out to be a great way to punch up a white wall and add some soft candlelight.
Then I filled an empty corner with a beat up old table, one of my favorite flea market finds. I added an antique styled fan on the corner table which drowns out the city noise at night. Even though it’s an awkward angle, this photo gives a bit of perspective on how everything comes together in the space.
I added my beloved horse painting above the bed, a pair of white drapes that were once the shower curtains in my master bath, and a floor lamp beside the bed, perfect for reading at night.
Because of the angle of the door to the ‘closet’, it’s hard to capture the warmth of the space. It’s definitely cozy, but I think I’ve slept better here over the last few nights than I have in months!
Found: A San Francisco Apartment
06 Oct 2011 3 Comments
in Inside My Home Tags: San Francisco, studio
After weeks of hunting for an apartment, we finally found a little place to call our own. And when I say little, I do mean little. It’s a studio space with about 600 square feet. But it does have plenty of San Francisco charm, like this gorgeous arched window
Plus an eat in kitchen complete with built in shelves to display wine glasses or tea light candles or a collection of porcelain cats (kidding, only kidding)
The kitchen has granite counter tops, stainless steel appliances and just enough storage space
The bath has a classic tile floor and a pedestal sink, plus an actual bath tub perfect for chilly San Francisco nights. Not sure how I feel about the blacked out window. Can’t wait to find a window treatment that conceals the dark glass.
Last but not least is the walk in closet, in the process of becoming our ‘master’ bedroom. I know it looks small but it can actually fit a queen bed with a little room to spare. I have big plans for this small space!
Over the next few days I’ll post some decorating ideas I’ve used to make this space feel like home. If you have any ideas or suggestions, I’d love to hear them!
XOXO, Andy
A Seattle Design Perspective
29 Sep 2011 Leave a Comment
in Architecture, Travel Tags: modern, Seattle, sustainable
Whenever I visit Seattle, I am inspired by towering trees, snow capped mountains, and a naturalistic approach to interior design. Like this eco-friendly home by Finn Architects. The space brings the beauty of the surroundings in with a row of sky lights and nearly floor to ceiling windows.
The modern perspective and minimalist ideals in this home by Nikos Koukourakis keep sustainability in mind.
Ever heard the term ‘cargotecture’? Me either until I came upon this fascinating piece of interior imagination. Cargotecture is any structure built partially or entirely from recycled cargo containers like this one by HyBrid Architecture, a Seattle based firm.
Whether you embrace a modern aesthetic or simply admire it from afar, it has a strong place in the world of interior design. Not every sustainable home has to be straight lines and floor to ceiling windows, but eco-inspired living can provide an example as we build the homes of tomorrow.
All Natural Cleaning Products
26 Sep 2011 Leave a Comment
in Uncategorized Tags: oatmeal, rice, rubbing alcohol
I am always on the hunt for more natural cleaning products, and I stumbled upon this great article at Real Simple about some unexpected natural cleaners most of us already have in the pantry, like rice! If you have a grimy vase you can’t seem to get clean, fill it with warm water and add a tablespoon of rice. Stir vigorously.
Another great item on the shelf is oatmeal. Use it to scrub your hands or make a facial mask by adding it to warm water. Apply to skin for 10-15 minutes. With all the recent information coming out about parabens, which are commonly used in cosmetics and skin care products and have been linked to infertility, cancer, and neurological issues, using all natural products not just for the home but for yourself is an ideal way to go.
If you have a tough to treat stain like magic marker on a solid surface counter top or your finished wood floors, dab a little rubbing alcohol on a cotton ball and rub gently.
Unless your one of those cleaning freaks like my Grandma Rose who loves scrubbing bathtubs and mopping the kitchen floor, cleaning is a task most of us try to avoid. Hopefully these products will make a cleaning a little easier!
Apartment Hunting San Francisco Style
20 Sep 2011 3 Comments
in Architecture, Travel
What is it like searching for an apartment in San Francisco late in 2011? Madness, pure madness. On the spot bidding wars. Ten to twelve applications on one place. Outdated one bedroom apartments listed for $2200-$3000. Like this gem (?) on a very busy street for $2395.00…not exactly a dream kitchen…
What about the bath and that window you see? It’s actually a mirror over a fake window. And don’t let the cute tile floor deceive you – most of it is so chipped I’d be afraid to go in there without shoes!
At least the living room and bedroom have hardwood floors and get some great natural light, but for close to $2500 bucks I was expecting a little more space and a little less street noise.
What about a rental studio with no walls or separate living space? You can get one for the low, low price of $1900 a month complete with 1980′s style carpet!
When we first arrived I had grandiose ideas about where we would live. The best neighborhood within walking distance of Whole Foods and great shopping – Ha! Now I’m thinking we’ll be lucky to get an apartment at the corner of Cracktown and Homelessville.
At least San Francisco has so much to offer and incredible walkability so you can easily get from one area to another. I am loving being back in such a dynamic city, but I’m literally shocked at the cost of living out here. Recession? What recession?
Small Towns of California
06 Sep 2011 1 Comment
in Inspiration, Travel Tags: California, Carmel-by-the-sea, Los Olivos, Napa
When I think of California, I can’t help but think of the tiny towns that dot the coastline and meander through the hillsides. Take Los Olivos. It’s barely a town, hardly more than an intersection, but beautifully nestled in the Santa Yzez mountains amid rolling vineyards and understated wineries.
Wine Country Home is a shop I wouldn’t miss. My favorite thing about it? It doesn’t even have a website!
In the mood for something sweet? Enjoy Cupcakes might be just the place. If you’re planning an informal wedding or an outdoor affair, they can come right to your front door!
If you’re going to visit only one small town in California, Carmel-by-the-sea is the one I suggest. Just minutes from Pebble Beach, this coastal gem is filled with shopping and dining.
Toffee colored beaches wind along a rocky coast
And story book homes spring to life
The last place on my list is Napa Valley. Well known as a wine filled honeymoon destination, it has plenty to offer in addition to endless tasting rooms and Michelin rated restaurants.
Like hot air balloon rides complete with champagne brunch
And spa treatments among towering trees at Calistoga Ranch
Napa is tops on my list for a weekend getaway with my husband. It is where we planned to spend our honeymoon before real estate woes got in the way, but now we’ll be so close it’s a trip we won’t miss!
The Victorian Homes of San Francisco
02 Sep 2011 2 Comments
in Art, Inspiration Tags: Gothic Revival, Italianate, Queen Anne, San Francisco, Stick, Victorian
San Francisco is lined with Victorian houses built on narrow plots of land creating tall, thin homes distinctive in style, the most iconic of which are the row of ginger bread gems set against the expansive skyline of this one of a kind city.
There are four distinct styles of Victorian homes beginning with Gothic Revival which was predominant in San Francisco from 1850 to 1880. Homes of this style are easily identifiable with pointed arches over windows and doors, gabled roofs, and porches that extend the entire length of the home.
Italianate homes are best recognized through one distinctive feature, a tall cornice. A cornice is defined as: the molded and projecting horizontal member that crowns an architectural composition, which you can see in the example below.
Stick style homes (yes, you heard it right) came onto the San Francisco scene around 1860 and may be the most prevalent type of Victorian homes in the city. Decorative gables, wide bands of trim, and vertical lines are key features of stick style architecture.
Finally, Queen Anne architecture refers to homes combining elements from various styles of architecture, rather than homes from a particular time period as the name suggests. Marked by towers and rounded window frames, this type of home has intricate details that make it one of a kind.
Many Victorian homes blend features of more than one style of architecture to create beautiful facades and opulent interiors. When I look in the windows, I can almost see gentlemen in crisp black overcoats and ladies in extravagant gowns moving through the shadows of a different place and time.
Hunting for a Headboard
31 Aug 2011 Leave a Comment
in Shopping Tags: Etsy, headboard, overstock
I am in the market for a new headboard. A fabric one. After years of leaning against a hard wall or an even harder wooden headboard while trying to read in bed, I need something soft. Pottery barn is always a good place to start for a little inspiration.
But the problem with Pottery Barn is the prices don’t seem too bad at first, but once you add in the processing fees, shipping charges, and sales taxes, all of a sudden a $600 headboard is over a thousand bucks.
Etsy is always a great place to find handmade or vintage items like this beautifully covered headboard from Rogersbrothers in Florence, South Carolina.
You can even provide your own fabric so you can get exactly the look you want. Totally brill!
But I just can’t make a decision on any big purchase without checking Overstock, and wouldn’t you know I found this great neutral headboard with copper grommets for less than $300
With virtually no shipping fees, it’s a hard bargain to pass up. Now I just need to get an address in San Francisco, so I have somewhere to send it!
California Dreamin’
25 Aug 2011 Leave a Comment
in Inspiration Tags: California, design, wood
Even though I’m not living in California quite yet, I’m already thinking about California style and how different it will be from quiet, cottage-y neighborhood where we live in Central Florida. Like this stylish Napa Valley home by Turnbull Griffin Haesloop Architects
With laid back white slip covered furniture that pops against the gorgeous wood and crisp white walls
Paired with simple details like a metal light fixture and nearly naked picnic table
In a design focused on bringing the outside in
And blending the architecture of the home with the surrounding hillside. Whether this type of design is up your alley or not, it is an interesting perspective on blending nature and indoor/outdoor living. (And yes, it’s definitely up my alley!)
