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4 DECORATING IDEAS FOR MY NEW STUDIO

I hope you had a lovely weekend! I spent mine with a rotating crew of family and friends helping me move into my new apartment (seriously, what would I do without them?). One thing I'm learning about furnishing a 375 square foot studio is that every purchase has to be completely deliberate. There's no "let's buy it and find a spot for it" because there simply is no extra space. So far that means using an oversized bookshelf as a room divider (which you can sort of see here), a deep windowsill as a bedside table, and a dining table that will double as a work surface for packing boxes for my boutique. I'm surprised at just how much I've been loving the challenge! Here are a few spaces that are inspiring me at the moment...
My space is even tinier than Elizabeth Bauer's gorgeous studio but I love that she divided a small space into two distinct rooms. I adore the glass divider but we used a bookshelf for much-needed storage!
I'm totally hung up on finding the perfect white bedding! Monogrammed pillows would be the perfect finishing touch, don't you think? 
My studio only has two windows but thankfully they're quite big and let in a good deal of natural light. I'm excited to build pelmet boxes (using this tutorial) with my mom and love the idea of adding bright white trim.
I keep coming back to this picture as an example of perfectly styled bookshelves. The mix of books, storage, and personal touches makes you totally forget it's from Ikea! 

There you have it: a vague idea of where I'm headed with this ;) I can't tell you how much fun I'm having with it! What decorating projects are next on your to do list? 

*Photos 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5

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34 comments:

Becky {The Pumpkin Spot} said...

I am totally in love with that bookshelf. We have a similar one in our place, but sadly enough use too much of it for storage (so bad). Good luck with moving + enjoy! Its such a fun and amazing time living in your first place in the big city.
-Becky
The Pumpkin Spot

Julie Leah said...

I am so freakin' excited about seeing your apt. come together, my love! Let me know when it's ready for visitors ;)

xo

Hadley Court said...

I love Elizabeth Bauer's studio. Brilliant use of space. Happy studio warming!
HadleyCourt.com

Kristin said...

I love the bookshelf and all the bright white - it does so much to lighten up a small space! Enjoy the city and all its delights :D

KC Saling
ahappyeverafter.com

Naomi@DesignManifest said...

so excited for you in your new space! Great ideas so far. Love the pelmet and those expedits can go anywhere.

Tiffany Leigh said...

Ahhh the Docksta table is one of my absolute faves! Can't wait to see what chairs you choose for it! I love your place so far!

Anonymous said...

I am so obsessed with the idea of a white monogrammed duvet + shams, but my calico cat would never allow it! ;)

very excited to watch you transform your space!

xx,
Eleanor

Amy Breckenridge said...

i live in a studio apartment in boston and it can be tough decorating! i've found that having multi-functional pieces really help maximize the space...ie a TV you can turn towards your bed or couch, an ottoman with hidden storage or a dining table that doubles as a desk! :) love the first photo here!
xoamy
www.cupcakesncouture.com

Anonymous said...

merediths apartment was one of my favorites. i really love the pelmet box tutorial. i may need to try that!

Shanelé said...

Ahh how exciting! What area will you be living in the city?? Me, you & Kat should all meet up! Best of luck with the move! My first studio in the east village for 2 years was 280 sq ft and now it's about 400 in the west village. Needless to say I specialize in making the most of each and every square inch if you need help! Good luck!!

Xo

http://shanelesheek.blogspot.com

Leslie said...

Congratulations! I love the last image too. It's very lovely!

Lili said...

cant wait to see how everything looks ~ so excited!

Anonymous said...

Have you checked out ApartmentTherapy for small space ideas? http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/categories/small_spaces

They have a lot of great ideas and also a yearly readers' Small Cool contest on the best small spaces in different size categories. So much fun to see how creative people get in making the space work for them. http://community.apartmenttherapy.com/contests/smallcool/2012

Kimberly Lewis said...

I have the exact same shelf as a divider and that table! Great minds think alike! Good luck on decorating! I'm actually redecorating at the moment, we should compare notes! :)

Bethany said...

woohoo for Meredith's styled bookshelf and Gwyneth- pic 5!

Applewood Road said...

You're so right about that bookshelf! And I love the bursts of color in all of these, such happy spaces :)
- Kelsey @ Time Stand Still

Taylor said...

i've been wanting to get that ikea bookshelf for so long - its time I finally do it, they look so great once they are styled! cant wait to see the new place

http://itsthelittlethingsblog.blogspot.com

Shoegal Out In The World said...

I do live in a small space & I understand your dilemmas... Unfortunately, in my case I had to move in my current flat from a bigger one so my furniture are kind of big for the space however I have managed to fit everything in...

Good luck with your apartment!!!

xo, Violeta

http://www.shoegaloutintheworld.com/

emily fitzgerald {once in a blue room} said...

as a fellow studio-dweller, i'll say this: if you can make a tiny apartment look good, you can make ANY home look good. enjoy your new space!!

Hannah said...

That bookshelf is so perfect for what you need! Can't wait to see it all put together!

Champagne Lifestyle on a Beer Budget

Dianachristina7 said...

I have to say, one of the best purchases for my studio was this:

http://www.target.com/p/fieldcrest-etagere-white/-/A-10939653#prodSlot=medium_1_5

Good luck!

Anonymous said...

Cannot wait to see pictures of the final place!
Good luck...I Have a feeling its going to be amazing!
Emily

smash said...

I LOVE the ELizabeth Bauer room. She makes a studio look effortless. I'm sure you will do a wonderful job too. (And DEFINITELY go for the monogrammed pillows...LOVE!)
xo

Marie said...

You have fantastic taste. Cannot wait to see the finished place!!

Elisa of Fancy Free Me said...

I would definitely be inspired by that first pic! Simply stunning. I'm working on painting and painting and some more painting. But the good news is the trim is complete!

kayce hughes said...

Love your inspiration! Can't wait to see when you are done.

Aja Lake said...

elizabeth bauer's studio is brilliant. congrats on the new place. cannot wait to see your finished product. xx

the gold hat.

Crissy @ House of Marlowe said...

I'm sure your space is going to be "darling"..... love your inspirational photos.

jackie jade said...

what a good challenge!! i can't wait to see!
-- jackiejade.blogspot.com

Allie Emme said...

That bookshelf and the organization is amazing. Love the monogrammed pillows too.
xx Allie
A Song to Pass the Time

Day Old News said...

That photo with the green curtains has been in my favorite designs file for awhile now. I just love the look. I'm so excited for you! Hope to see you in LA sometime or when I get back to NYC again.

Katherine said...

I love those monogrammed pillows. That bedroom is adorable!

Julie Richard - Shelter said...

Good Luck to you!! How exciting your first place. Your ideas sound and look great.

xx,
Julie

Joyce Novacek said...

I love the green - I'd like to see more green ideas bc it's my favorite :) hope the move goes well!