Small Spaces
Making the most of what you've got
It’s been a little over a year since I sold my first home, a 1929 Mediterranean in an historic neighborhood. Gosh, I loved that house. But for myriad reasons, such as needing better access to my mom’s team of doctors who are located at the beach, we decided to uproot. So, the house was sold and I purchased a condo at the beaches.
Condo life is actually amazing, in the sense that it is supremely low-maintenance (there’s no lawn to worry about and I can walk to a pool and a fitness center, for instance). But there are limitations: the size being the biggest.
So over the past year, I’ve worked hard to make my condo work for me. I hired a company to help me completely renovate the kitchen, ripping out everything and installing all new appliances, cabinets, tile and countertops. I swapped the American-sized fridge and dishwasher for European models. They are smaller but, because of that, the countertop space was nearly doubled — which was a miracle, in the sense that it actually allows me plenty of space to cook now.
I also had two closets re-done, with custom built-ins installed in each, and had new tile installed throughout the dining and living areas. All in all, the investments have truly paid off, in that the space feels so much more spacious and livable.
One of my focuses for the year 2023 is to ensure the condo really feels like a sanctuary. It’s a space that I hope will eventually function more as a vacation home, but it needs to feel comfortable and calming for the day-to-day. So I’ve been slowly collecting the odds and ends that truly add to the space, and I’ve rounded some of them up there. Because home is where the heart is, sure — but they also need a few bells and whistles, too.
I got this Blacksaw blanket for Christmas and it’s such a nice upgrade from the weird Home Goods faux fleece thing we previously had (and had owned for more than 10 years). It’s comfortable, but it also looks great draped over a chair when not in use.
The Sonos sound bar is great if you watch a lot of movies. The sound quality is excellent and (more important for me) it isn’t obtrusive. In fact, you hardly notice it at all.
I now own two Vitruvi diffusers but this one is arguably the best. That’s because it requires less water, still fills a room with aroma and best of all: it’s portable, so you can carry it from home office to bed with ease.
I love every single thing Dinosaur Designs makes. All of it. But I especially love this two-toned pink vase and this stunning bowl. I use bowls in my living room and bedrooms – to store keys, remotes, EarPods …. they are multi-purpose and help keep you organized. Might as well make them chic.
Good art is arguably the best way to make a space feel like you. I have a mix of vintage and modern art in my home and each and every piece is super special to me — including the ones I made myself, like this guy.
What I’m watching/reading/listening to and loving:
We finally watched Everything Everywhere All At Once this weekend and I adored every single second. I laughed (many times). I cried (three times). It is the most creative movie I’ve ever seen and is so brutally honest about love, in the many forms it takes.
Carrie and Aidan. Let’s discuss.
Research shows that even tiny amounts of alcohol can be detrimental to your health, making this a good month to try out going “dry” or “damp,” or whatever your preferred terminology is.
PS. We will be setting off on a road trip to Charlotte, North Carolina next week, as I’ll be making two appearances on the Fresh Ideas stage at the Greater Charlotte Home + Landscape Show. This is the first of a handful of the Home shows I’ll be doing this year and I’m so excited to share my love of vintage, some of my best tips for thrifting and to hopefully sign some books. A few weeks after Charlotte, I’ll be in Jacksonville, then Atlanta, then Greensboro. Won’t you join me, if you’re around?
And I’ll leave you with this…