The lease is signed, the chef uniform is embroidered, and the college books have arrived! I am so excited and so very nervous to start my new journey at the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY. Slowly but surely, I have been preparing Levi and the kids for my departure, making sure all loose ends are tied and making the best of this extra rainy summer. It’s getting very real as my leave date is closing in, and I’ve been staying busy (and positive) by carefully designing my new space.
This new chapter is very exciting but super nerve-wracking, so I want this space to be very inviting, relaxing, clean, and crisp. Here are some thoughts: The space will be light, airy, and functional. I wanted to invest in furniture pieces that I will be able to incorporate into my Florida home once I finish school in New York. Timeless pieces and neutral tones and patterns are a must.
The small apartment
Since it’s just me, I opted for a very small 1 bedroom 479 sq ft apartment. It’s a newly renovated (I’ll be the first tenant in it!) open-concept space with a large floor-to-ceiling window that makes the apartment feel super light and airy. The bathroom is very large and has floor to ceiling tile, which I love! The bedroom is small with a little closet that will probably hold all my winter gear (I get cold so easily!).
Designing a small apartment
I am not a professional designer, but I sure do love to design a space that is not only functional and minimalistic but is timeless and beautiful. I started to design the small apartment starting with the entry and working my way to each room. The focus was on on one room at a time while creating a design board and start with large pieces of furniture first. Next, I pick the small decor pieces and be sure to incorporate colors and patterns that I naturally gravitate to, which are blues, pinks, and greens. Lastly, I make sure I can carry over the style from room to room since it’s a small space and I want it to be cohesive but interesting.
The kitchen
- La Cuisine sign– This cute sign by Anthropology adds a touch of gold to break up the white and black palate.
- Drinking glasses– West elm makes the cutest fluted drinking glasses that will make even water sipping feel fancy.
Runner– Natural fabrics and fibers add such an organic vibe. This NuLoom runner is the perfect neutral that will work wellin any space. - Turkish had towels– I bough Olive and Linen towels for my new master bathroom and absolutely love their durability and how beautiful they are! They add the perfect touch.
- Essential oil diffuser– I ditched candles years ago due to the toxic fumes that damage lungs and overall health. I love this diffuser because it supports a small business and it’s a simple and timeless piece.
- Cutting boards– I love cutting baords that can be used in the kitchen and also as decor.
- Marble fruit bowl– A little touch of marble makes any kitchen feel glamourous.
- Bust pot– This beautiful bust pot is a classy, timeless planter that always gets tons of compliments.
Living room
- Couch– This couch from World Market is so cute , reasonably priced, and has gret reviews.
- Rug– These rugs are printed, so they do now have fibers that will eventually look dingey and beat down. I have one in my living room currently and love how durible and low maitenence it is.
- Lava rock coffee table– This coffee table is a stunning staple piece that will help bvreak up all the harsh straight lines in the space.
- Console table– This console table offers a sleek design and extra storage, perfect for a small space.
- Arched mirror– This budget friendly mirror is a great dupe for Urban Outfitters arched mirror.
- Ottoman– This ottoman adds organic textures like wood and leather and also introduces a new pattern and color while maintaining a comforting neutral look.
- Mud cloth pillow covers– These pillow covers are the perfect texture and pattern that adds a pop of color.
- Throw blanket– I love how luxorious this blanket looks and it’s super budget friendly!
Bedroom
My bedroom is super small so I have to make sure that the furniture is functional and provides extra storage. Since New York has four seasons (hello, lots and lots of winter gear), I will use under-bed storage and lots of baskets.
- Four poster bed– Since this room can only fit a twin or rull bed, this small four psoter bed makes a big statement!
- Dresser– A classic white dresser will make the room feel more spacious.
- Rug– This rug is a great neutral color and it has a super cute pattern.
- Laundry basket– A woven laundry basket gives the room some organic material that will feel super luxe.
- Duvet cover– I love Casa Luna’s linen blend duvet set, it’s very soft and adds a beautiful texture to the space.
- Side table– Since we have a metal four poster bed and a white dresser, a touch of wood will help mesh the styles together.
- Lamp– This cermaic lamp is textured and gives a very classic, timeless look.
Bathroom
- Stool– I have this stool in my master bathroom currently and it’s so cute!
- Towel ladder– This wooden towel ladder compliments the rattan stool so well.
- Bath mat– I love over sized bath mats, this one is very fluffy and dried quickly.
- Art– I love printable art because you can switch it out when you feel like you need a new look!
- Soap dispenser– Amber glass soap dispensers add a chic look and are refillable.
- Wastebasket– This woven wastebasket with a lid also doubles as decor. Super cute.
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