Small Cool 2011

Your home is so charming!

LOVE the wallpaper in the kitchen! Source please???!!

I like the style but the couches in the living look too big for the space, like they're going to bulge out.

What is under that mirror? Looks like a giant pile of VHS tapes...?

Very nice and it doesn't look cookie cutter. Great job!

Adorable place -- must tidy up the tapes as DipDipDive says to bring the living room all the way up to the level of style you've got going (baskets?) -- I like your sofa -- might add some more pillows. Still, overall, think you did a great job -- wouldn't mind having it myself!

I was going to comment that I LOVE the little random stack of books/tapes/whatever they are under the mirror... I find them so sweet and they bring a personal feeling to an otherwise very reserved space... don't change a thing!
I do agree with the poster who suggested toss cushions for the sofa... that piece has pretty precise/hard edges (even though I've sat on that model before and it is comfy) - nice to soften it up a bit like you've done with the chair.

I love this space, including the untidy stacks, which are like a little artwork that contrasts with the sleekness of the rest.

Aww, puppy! (Sorry, had to.)

I really like your place! Love the colour palette, and just about everything about it! This is one of my favourites so far. Good luck! :D

DipDipDive/citipearl - The stacks are actually overflow books from my bookshelf (not pictured). Unfortunately, the console is only about 6 inches deep so baskets aren’t really an option. Hopefully a new bookshelf is in my near future. That or I need to practice some book buying restraint!

teresadelizo – I got the wallpaper from The Wallpaper Co., but they do sell it online through Home Depot. It comes in a lot of great color combos! Here is the link..

http://www.homedepot.com/Decor-Wallpaper-Wallpaper/The-Wallpaper-Company/h_d1/N-5yc1vZbnn4Z3qnZ1z1348l/R-100630096/h_d2/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053

crayfish – The sofa is Ikea’s Manstad.

Thank you for all of the comments!!

did you mod the ikea bookshelf your tv is on? I've been thinking of doing the same but i'm afraid if i take out one piece the rest will follow!

Cute! I live in a cookie cutter apt in CenPho, so I know how you feel in trying to give your place some character. I think you did a great job!

Wow, I love the colors you chose. The small table holding the orchids is lovely too- where is it from?

I live in a cookie-cutter, white box apartment in Tempe, too! Thanks for the inspiration. I love your color palette and crisp style.

jennaanne - I did modify the Expedit.. I basically flipped one of the longer vertical pieces and made it go horizontal in the middle section, got rid of one of the smaller pieces, and hammered the little wooden dowels all the way in so they wouldn’t peek out. (if that makes sense?!) I’ve had it like this for about 3 years now and no sign of collapsing!

Chic Technique – I got the stool/side table at Urban Outfitters, but unfortunately it was about 5 years ago. I have seen some very similar ones with small thin cutouts in the legs, but I can’t for the life of me remember who the maker was. I will keep my eyes peeled.

cozy and stylish!!

I like de black-and-white combo!, but it look a little dark.

Like nereik, I love your color palette and crisp style too. Your home does look both cozy and stylish, as ellerden15 said, and tranquil and calm. I wish my untidy stacks looked as artistic as yours do!

I really like this entry. Even though it's simple and 'cookie cutter', it's incredibly charming. I love all your little touches, especially your book pile under the mirror! There's something about your bedroom too, that just appeals to me.

I have to admit, I am probably biased. I have a lot of similar elements in my apartment! The bobble stemmed lamp, sectional gray sofa, cube style bookshelf under the TV. Oh, and the lamp overload..... LOVE!

Love your kitchen, it looks so functional and has beautiful wall paper! I'm no expert, but have a couple of tips tip that may improve the overall layout of your living room: round coffee table instead of rectangular, a couple of pops of color on your couch with pillows or a throw. A vase with faux flowers or some kind of flowering plant to add to your remote tray, otherwise it kind of looks like your remotes are on display. Great apt., thanks for sharing!

love the colour scheme!

Raaina - I totally agree with your comment on a round coffee table! I’ve thought about it as well and think it would probably be more fitting in the space. I have held onto my rectangle one mainly because it is one of the only elements (in terms of finish) in my home that tie the kitchen to the rest of the space. I felt like the space had a sort of disconnect when I tried other options. I am, however, always on the hunt for a piece that would tie the spaces together and be more aesthetically pleasing!

I am about to move from an amazing character apt to a total cookie-cutter; this gives me hope! I agree about a bit more color and different shapes for the living room, but really, very well done.

Also I love how many coffee making devices there are in the kitchen. :)

Looks like a great place to read a book and have a cup of tea!

Nice pooch!

Is that a washing machine in your kitchen!?!? I would give my left arm to have a washing machine in my cookie-cutter apartment.

Hi Jenna, I'm your auntie Laurie's cousin from Hawaii! I have been following small cool every day and remember your entry, had no idea!

I love your grey couch...it's not too big. I always do as big a couch as I can in whatever space I'm in because I spend so much time on it. Also love your headboard, sheepskin on your chair and of course the cute furbaby. Well done....

Tres chic! Very elegant, clean lines and lots of personality. I think the stack of books under the mirror is charming, like you are really reading them! And I adore the wallpaper. If we were friends, I'd beg you to come help me hang some at my house. Great job!

Lovely job. It's not easy to make a cookie cutter place-with wall to wall carpeting!-look so chic.