December 5th, 2012
Image from: IKEA Hackers
I am currently in the middle of a loft makeover and one of the key features I plan to incorporate is a media/storage/workstation wall! I plan to use IKEA pieces as the foundation.
I have quite a few traditional pieces in my loft so I’m hoping this style will help add the minimal clean-lined design to balance out my more unique pieces. I will be starting with the bones and adding to it monthly probably in order to not break my budget.
Here’s my idea at the moment…
I love this idea of a media wall as it is a great way to save space and provides a consistant, flowing look along a long, open wall. I will have a spot for use as a workstation and a section for my television. I plan to also incorporate the upper shelving as an additional cat perch and art display. I am very excited to see how it turns out! 
Posted in design, furniture, small space | 2 Comments »
November 4th, 2012
Images from: House Tweaking
Came across this neat little DIY project on my favorite site, Apartment Therapy. Dana at House Tweaking painted a cheap rug from IKEA and made it look similar in style to the rugs that currently cost upwards of 100-200 bucks! Check out her blog for more images and the how-to. I’ve been looking for a new rug and may go this route and come up with a neat graphic. Never would have thought of actually painting a rug!
Posted in do it yourself | No Comments »
April 4th, 2012
Image from: Refreshed Designs
Rast hacks are always fun because they start out with an inexpensive blank canvas. Check out this makeover from Refreshed Designs. I am a fan of the industrial look but real industrial files and drawers are rare and expensive. So here’s a great little idea that can give ya the look on the cheap! Love the pulls and I’m sure you can use them on quite a bit of other things as well to achieve this look.
Posted in do it yourself | 4 Comments »
April 1st, 2012
Images from: Apartment Therapy
Well, sorry for the month long sabbatical folks, March was quite the busy and stressful month for me. I took the practicum section of the NCIDQ exam this past Saturday and am praying that I pass! I feel pretty good about it and will very confused if I don’t so hopefully that’s a good sign. Unfortunately the wait period for results is like 13 stinkin’ weeks. Augh! But now I am back to showing you guys some pretty awesome little spaces.
This week’s space is… you guessed it… vintage and lovely as is my preference. It’s a 500 SF apartment in New York and is a very unique space designed by Christina Love. It actually has alot of the same components and ideas that I used in my own loft including curtain system for hiding the bed, awesome vintage drafting stools, and refinished dressers. The coffee table may be my favorite part. Love the idea of using books as legs! So creative.
Hope you guys are doing well and I’m looking forward to catching up this month!
Posted in small space | 5 Comments »
February 28th, 2012
Image from: Industry West
As you may know I love vintage furniture used in collaboration with the contemporary minimalist design movement… I recently came across this manufacturer/vendor of reproductions of industrial furniture that I think is awesome! It’s not exactly budget friendly, but at the same time it’s not ungodly overpriced either, in my opinion. Check it out at Industry West. Could be used as functional art/accents that give you minimalist room some character besides the over-used mid-century modern look.
Posted in furniture | 2 Comments »
February 19th, 2012
Images from: Freshome
This lovely little apartment is only 370 sq ft and as usual, I am loving the white and vintage style. It has one room, kitchen, bathroom, and hallway and the decor incorporates traditional pieces such as the beautiful bed and dressers. I just recently found an antique bed frame that looks just like this one and I am excited to fix it up and use it in my loft. In the kitchen I love the white subway tile accent wall (thanks Emma!) and the strong contrast of the dining table chairs with all the white in the space. Lots of character in this tiny home!
Posted in small space | 6 Comments »
February 9th, 2012
Life has been pretty busy for me lately and the move caused some struggles with my minimalist budget last month so trying to get everything back on track. Lots of new things are happening in my life and effectively managing stress is an important idea of minimalism that I have yet to achieve. I have joined a crossfit gym and am loving it! It is a great stress relief and will help me get healthier physically and mentally. It does take quite a toll on my budget, but in order to accommodate somewhat, I have dropped my cable and don’t miss it at all! Work is going well but I am working to keep a balance between my work life and my free time. It is important to have things in your life that make you happy and can distract you from the stress and monotony of the daily grind. Not all of us are blessed enough to simply quit our jobs and live on a beach somewhere reflecting on simple matters, some of us have obligations (i.e. student loans, families) that require us to continue in the traditional workforce as it is a more stable means of income.
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Posted in minimalist life | 4 Comments »
January 29th, 2012
Images from: Shoot Factory
This week’s space is my favorite so far in terms of finish out. It’s not necessarily small, but it is beautifully minimalist. I love the white and rustic interior. I think this home is a great example of combining unique, traditional pieces and accents with the contemporary idea of minimalism. More images can be found at design to inspire!
Posted in small space | 2 Comments »
January 25th, 2012
Images and idea found at: Take the Side Street
I found this neat, inexpensive DIY project done by Anna at Take the Side Street. It’s simply the IKEA RAST dresser with molding details added and then painted! It looks amazing and considering that the dresser base is only $35, it’s a great little hack if you are needing a short dresser for a child or nightstand! Head on over there and see how Anna did it!
Posted in do it yourself | 3 Comments »
January 22nd, 2012
Found this neat article called the “30 best quotes on living small” by Jessica Marati at EcoSalon. It is a cool little reminder of how our design and lifestyle choices have an impact on our own lives and others! Here’s a few of my favorites, check out the article to read them all!
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Posted in minimalist life | 2 Comments »
