My new client, Rachel saw my room in Apartment Therapy’s Big Book of Small Spaces and contacted me about helping her with her home, a fantastic West Village 1 bedroom that she’s lived in for about 10 years. We share an obsession with design blogs, so naturally she had a lot of great ideas for her space, but never managed to pull the look together.
There are so many decisions to make when undergoing an overhaul, from organizing and purging, to space planning, to paint and furniture selection. On top of all that, New York is one huge logistical nightmare, so even getting a table from point A to point B is stressful and intimidating. It’s tricky achieving a look that is fresh and exciting yet functional and timeless. It’s usually not as easy as it looks on TV. Not to worry. I can help :)
The best thing about Rachel’s home is that she has a lot of good looking stuff that she’s accumulated over the years. When it comes time to style the space, I’m confident it will look fantastic and will really reflect her taste. I met with her recently to talk about her wish list, then presented her with some idea boards. I’m really looking forward to diving into the project.
THE FLOOR PLAN
You enter into the kitchen on the left, the living room is in the middle, and the bedroom is on the right.
THE KITCHEN
ADVANTAGES
– It’s relatively large for a NY kitchen.
– The cabinets and appliances are plain white. Could be way worse.
DISADVANTAGES
– The lighting is H O R R I B L E. There is a fluorescent ring bulb fixture that casts the most dreadful light over the entire space.
– It’s the first room you see when you walk in, so there’s no hiding it when it’s looking disheveled.
– The kitchen also serves as the entry, and there is no designated spot to hang coats, umbrellas, bags, etc.
– There isn’t a proper table for eating or working. (Paying bills, checking emails, etc)
KITCHEN SOLUTIONS
– Replace the light with and incandescent feature
– Paint one wall with black chalkboard paint as a high contrast focal wall
– Turn the wall opposite the stove into a well organized “control center” for the home with a desk, shelves, and hooks for coats and bags.
– Replace folding cafe table and chairs with something more permanent
THE LIVING ROOM
ADVANTAGES
– Hmm…let me think about that :)
DISADVANTAGES
– The tan color doesn’t allow Rachel’s vibrant accessories to pop
– The media cabinet is H U G E and completely dominates the space
– The small window with the A/C unit is an eyesore
– Too many accessories competing, so nothing really stands out
LIVING ROOM SOLUTIONS
– Paint the walls a dark moody color for contrast so her art and accessories pop
– Get a new media storage unit that is shallower and more proportionate to the space
– Edit accessories and frame and hang art and prints
THE BEDROOM
ADVANTAGES
– There are 2 windows with nice light.
– There is an beautiful fireplace
– Most of the furniture in here is neutral and versatile enough to be cleaned up and re-used
– Her existing bedding is nice and can be re-used
DISADVANTAGES
– Gross, old, blinds are the only window coverings
– Way too much clutter
– Paint is getting old and dingy
– Needs more closed storage for her clothes, accessories, and makeup
BEDROOM SOLUTIONS
– Paint the room a soothing shade of grayish aqua
– Make a headboard
– Add a new light fixture as a focal point
– New area rug
…WHEW! The planning process is well underway. I will be blogging regular updates, so stay tuned!
