Small Cool 2011

I love everything about this space. Perfection!!

Very nice, not sure about the candles above the bed though.

I like the contrast of the red wall on the home office. Which by the way is fantastically organised.

Your duvet cover is very nice, where did you get it from?

Also, your bathroom seems to be rather large, you're lucky if that's the case :)

THANK YOU! @applebomb and @hotpaprika...

The duvet cover is from Pottery Barn. It is all linen and was on sale for $80 for a queen. I found it in their stores a few months ago. I hope that helps!

And yes, the bathroom is bigger than my home office. I can't complain.

Thanks again!

I love the dramatic color and contrast... gorgeous space!

Your space is so ... sexy!
It's great, and I adore that you left the cabinet doors open in your "office" to break up the space and give it the feel of isolation from the rest of your home!
BRAVO!

Your wall colors really contribute to the feeling of elegance! I'm dying not only to see more pictures, like of the balcony and how you organize your closet, but also to hear more about the process of downsizing your possessions! Congratulations on a beautiful home.

One thing I would so love is if society would stop thinking everything has to be made into a contest. From the time children are really little, they're taught their creativity is "better" or, in most cases, "worse" than others'. I see little value and much harm in that habit.

That said, still, this is one of the small,cool's that I've enjoyed the most!

Beautiful! I'm really jealous of your bathroom; very sexy. Very good planning for the space throughout; impressive. Very nice!

Great space. Amazing that it's small and with some darker colored walls and yet it feels luxurious and not cramped. I don't know if it's always like that or just for the contest but the lack of clutter of stuff is refreshing. Love the bathroom!!!

Wow! Beautifully put together. I love the dramatic wall color.

Fantastice

what a wonderful space! I missed out on being able to decorate my studio when I had the chance.. I bow down madame

Fantastic colour choice!
Absolutely gorgeous!

OOOO! Please tell where you got the office modules and what the name of the bathroom paint is.

amazing! Where did you get the slip cover for your sofa?

the office is so smart....and i love your color choisces....especially in the bathroom....nice work

THANK YOU for spreading the love, you are all too kind and I really appreciate your comments and good energy!

@ Annie-O...I totally agree. Brilliant comment. Design is personal. It's about doing what makes your own heart sing, and there are no right or wrong answers. That being said, I entered the contest to (hopefully) inspire someone to love the space they have right now. And that more stuff doesn't equal more happiness. If I've done that, I've won.

@lenzai...it really is like this all the time. I don't own anything anymore that isn't really useful or really beautiful. It's amazing what we can happily live without!

@missmae11411...it's never too late. "Do what you can, with what you have, where you are" my favorite quote from T. Roosevelt. I hope you are loving your new space too.

@kelleyk...the office came from "Closet Works" in Chicago. I didn't know the closet companies now do home offices too, but I was pleasantly surprised!

The bathroom paint is: Benjamin Moore Chelsea Gray HC-168 One of my favorites too!

@usagi- the sofa I have had for 10 years and the brand is Mitchell Gold. I called the company gave them the model #, ordered it and it looks brand new for next to nothing! Slipcover are the best for changing a look cheaply!

With gratitude,
Heidi

I adore the dark walls with the white pops of your furniture. Beautiful and dreamy. Good luck.

Your place makes me smile! :) You've done an amazing job and I thank you for giving us such great inspiration! Please share what 3 paint colors you used in your living area..

great space!!!

What an amazing use of space! Genius!

OMG! OMG! OMG! Love your space so so much. You have managed the not so easy task of using every available space along your perimeter but still maintaining a very spacious, uncluttered feel. You have a much more spacious bathroom, living room and office space than I do at 800 sq ft (of course, mine includes a gigantic kitchen island but I digress).

I could live there and be quite happy.

I too am living in a much smaller space after my divorce (went from a 2 story 2000+ house to an <800 addition to my family's house) and am much more content with big living in a small space.

I love the layout. I wish more condos had the long, thin open kitchen.

The office space is absolutely darling.

Fabulous all over. Thumbs up.

just gorgeous! i would love dramatic wall color to set my white furniture against, but since i'm planning to put my place on the market one of these days, white it is...

This is my favorite entry so far! Every space feels sophisticated and just enough.

Yay, red! Love the stark contrast the white creates; it also ties the rooms together nicely.

Oh my goodness. Totally gorgeous! And frankly I love your narrative as much as your decor. Proclaiming that you want for nothing and are free and happy in your new life earns you my vote! Good luck to you!

I totally agree with kellykat0: not only do I love the actual apartment itself, but also, your philosophical orientation toward life itself. Kudos to you for seeing what matters most in life as and for creating a living space that nurtures that feeling! Your apartment is what mine wants to be when it grows up! :)

Heidi,
Thank you for sharing with us your elegant and breathtakingly beautiful home. Love your eye for color, simplicity and truly amazing sense of style.
I haven't had time to see many of the other entries this year yet, but based on viewing experience from past years, I believe you've already won.
You mentioned you feel as if you live in a luxury hotel. Which hotel features inspired you the most?

I literally signed up to vote for you! I don't think I have ever seen something as small/cool as this on AT.

One of the rare cases where I think it looks good AND would probably feel comfortable actually living in it. It is usually one or the other.

Another plus for being from Chicago! :)

Great job and hope you win!

I like the combination of reds, whites and chocolates, without being tied to particular shades. It creates a very glam form of feminine.

Wish there was a better image of your view!

I've gotta think that a space like this wouldn't come together so well without the bright, airy cityscape behind it.

I love your place! I have saved down pictures for decorating as I am moving to a small apartment soon. One question - you TV is mounted on the wall, where did you put the cable box / DVD player?

this is very nice. did you hang the televison yourself?

This is a wonderful place. I love the contrast of dark and light--it really does give the place a luxury feel. This place is just beautiful. You've done a wonderful job!

Oh. My. God. LOVE!

I'm intrigued by the walls in this apartment - I'm really curious about the flow in person. In the photo the living room seems a little crammed, but with the balcony there (and the bedroom open around the corner) I'm thinking it might not actually feel that way. There's a kind of "TV set" feel, from what I can discern, which the gorgeous set-like decor plays up.

I thought the toilet paper holder was rad! Where do I get one of those?

I think yours is my favorite so far! Gorgeous

Really luxurious looking space. Very brave with the dark colors and well put together!

IT'S HEIDI...and I am totally overwhelmed by all of your generosity. You have already made this a great experience, and I thank you!
@Xenia..your comment made me smile too.
Here are the paint colors:
Benjamin Moore- Bittersweet Chocolate 2214-10 (the dark brown)
Benjamin Moore- Smokey Taupe 983
Martha Stewart at Home Depot- Vermillion MSL054 (the red in the office nook)
Benjamin Moore- Chelsea Gray HC-168 (in the bathroom)
@mauishopgirl....I LOVE your comment "living big in a small space"...it's brilliant. This is my post-divorce space also, and Im so happy that you have found the same peace with less. It warms my heart- all the best for you.
@gekko Actually my inspiration was the childrens book "Eloise" (written in th 50's), it's about a mischiveous girl that lives at the Plaza in NYC. It was more of an emotional inspiration than a design one for me. I felt like it was time for me to experience more of what life was really all about, instead of working so hard just to acquire things. I LIVE more now than I did before. Times are so tough right now. People are losing their jobs and homes, getting divorced, etc... and feeling bad about what they "losing" or don't have. I just wanted to show what you are gaining by living well with less.

@j808- Wow. That is a lot of effort just to vote for me. That means alot to me! thanks.

@caseyNYC and @ sharp_jeremy. There is closet right behind the TV, so all the cables, etc.. are in that closet and I have an infrared remote control that goes through the wall. They limit us to 5 photos, but since there are so many questions, I will be posting photos of that closet, the balcony/view, etc...on my blog and I'll post link back here soon. I actually had my ex-husband hang the TV for me. We are great friends and he is handy, so he installed the electronics to help me out! Very sweet of him.

@ JuiceBox..omg love your username! The bath accessories are all from West Elm. They are wood and metal and kind of modern/masculine which I loved too.

@Shang, @robertspeg ,@GregPGH, @jennieyuhja, @RocketScientist @valentino1 , @knitsmcgee , @Klaus Sonnenleiter , @ccahillmn ,@kellykat0 , @naijagirl, @Blandwagon , @Jessica Jeanne , @akay , @jayhawk_luvDW , @Britomart , @LauraInCancun, @kcr...you all took time out of your own life to share your kind words with me, and I just wanted you to know that I appreciated it.

Heidi

I have been reading AT for months and have never registered...I don't usually for any site...but I was compelled to register and post to you because of how fantastic your place looks!

You had me at the first picture when I literally said "this is going to be good" and the rest of the pics did not disappoint.

Beautiful job! I wish I could take some sort of lessons from you!

Magnificent! This would be paradise for me if the chocolate walls were also red.
Love, love, love the office set-up. Thanks for sharing.

Wow! I didn't think I could like brown walls so much - but I do now! Gorgeous, sexy space.

I truly like your sense of gratitude. I sure wish I had your sense of organization! Yet that goes for the best of the small submissions, I suppose. Thanks for sharing.

Heidi,

Where do you dine? On the sofa and coffee table? I was wondering as I don't see an obvious place to do so.

I LOVE your home, and your enthusiasm and appreciation for all that you have is lovely to hear anytime, but especially in the current economic climate. Best of luck in the contest!

Wow! This place is amazing! When can I move in? :-P

I really liked how slick your bathroom looked. Do you really keep it like that all the time??

Love the bathroom

Rather than comment on this lovely apartment a second time, I want to comment on Heidi's positve attitude and responses to everyone on here. It really warms my heart that you took time to answer questions as well as acknowledge everyone who commented on your home.
I really hope you win as your home is great and you are such a lovely person!

Love it! Where did you get the mirror above the sofa from?

I love your comment about living in a luxury hotel - had my fair share, but nothing looked (or felt) as wonderful as your home.

I'm putting your pictures on my inspiration board (if you don't mind?), and hope that I'll be able to meet you in person someday.

WOW I love this.....

sorry if I missed this but where did you get the office modules from

I voted and logged in just to voite for this

Amazing! Love this, especially how great white goes with dark brown.

So streamlined... I love that! You must be OCD just like me. : )

This space is very compact, but you have certainly used every square inch available. Your taste in color are very similar to mine. I really love this space.

Rashon aka Mr. Goodwill Hunting

I love your place, but I especially love your comment: "I have less stuff and more life." Inspiring.

looks fab - but....where do you eat?

Very sophisticated - I'm particularly impressed with how sleek the bathroom is.

Thank you Heidi for kindly taking the time to tell me the paint colors - Truly appreciated. I hope to see you win!

ADORE the work space!!!

sophisticated and grown up without being stuffy. i also admire the spirit of living with less and loving it.

If this is living with less, it sure doesn't feel like it! With the colors and textures and sensuality and wonderful lighting (natural and otherwise), the effect is luxurious. Good for you for finding the positive in what can be an emotionally challenging time. Best wishes to you in your gorgeous digs.

GREAT space............truly beautiful!! Love everything here. Will keep checking back to see when you link your blog.

That's one sexy bathroom, me oh my. If you asked me to move in, I wouldn't say no lol. What I'm basically saying is that I love your place. Good luck in the contest!

wonderful use of space in a beautiful place! Hey, I made a rhyme.

I also love what you say in your description, "In the end, I have less stuff and more life...I am free and happy."

You do live in a luxury hotel! Well done!

While Paul's tiny unit is certainly an amazing space for it's size, your space is a place I could truly feel at home in. And, that's why you get my vote as favorite... love, love, love!

I really like the interesting mix of bold wall colors. It creates a new look for every space, all joined by a common theme.

It's such a warm, inviting space...you must be one classy dame lol...I am green with envy!

Hi Heidi--this is such a well-curated space. I find myself coming back to it again and again and noticing something new and interesting each time. Would you mind sharing where you found the striped rug in your living room, as well as your bedside table? Thanks!

Love the red office space! so perfect! What is the name of the color you used for your bathroom? I love it!

I can't step away from this. So beautiful, so elegant, bold and serene. I love it all!!

Ahhhhh, how very embracing - almost womb-like - this place is! And Eloise would almost certainly agree that this luscious little gem is a fitting refuge for a "precocious grown-up". Ya did good, Heidi. Can't wait to see the balcony & view shot.

Fantastic!!!

http://decorationapartment20.blogspot.com/

Beautiful, sexy, well put-together. You've done a fabulous job with your place! Best of luck to you in this new chapter of your life..

Omg! I love this. It looks so cozy an

I am sorry...iPad issues...as I was saying...your place is so classy and it looks cozy...I love it so much. Girl, you nailed it,

perfect!

i agree with "living in luxury hotel.." pity is.. I DONT. WANT. to live 'in a Luxury Hotel'. I want to live in 'lived in',restful,rested spaces.*awkward silence* wellz... I guess thats why people make up phrases "to each its own" for times like these yar. =/ *sheepish*

I really love your place Heidi! good luck, you have my vote! I love Red wall, and white frames on it! I have it in my own apartmant too (take a look at international entries) . I love white furniture in the living room, yet a bold color of the walls cause of the contrast. and the mirrors.. to cut a long story short -it is darling!

Gorgeous!

I trust you found the peace and joy you sought in this beautiful space. And...can I have your bathroom, it's HUGE!

I love everything about this apartment. The colors, the mood...the office...it's a fantastic use of space, and I'm so happy to see you are not afraid to use dark colors. When done appropriately it really opens the space up. The palette is exquisite and bold, the organization and space planning is comfortable while efficient. What a great place!

Beautiful! Would you mind sharing where the headboard is from?

ME LIKEY!

No one lives in a hotel, and it kind of feels as if no one lives here. It is a beautiful apartment, but beautiful like a show house or a catalog page.

Definitely my favorite of all, congratulations, amazing place

What a wonderful home. The colors (particularly the color of the bathroom) are fantastic.

I did notice that you did not paint the front door or the wall. Was that deliberate? Personally, I would have painted the door and its frame, along with the wall.

I loveeee your apartment!! It looks like it belongs on a magazine! I hope they do a house tour because its lovely!

I was wondering where is the coffee table and the mirror in the living room from?

Thank you ahead!!!

P.S: I was reading your blog!! Its Awesome!!! :)

One year later...still...STILL LOVE your house!!!!!