Revisiting Natalie's Alcove Studio

Name: Natalie Moore
Location: Lower Nob Hill, San Francisco
Size: 285 square feet
Years lived in: 1
Natalie has managed to create a glamorous, put-together space, despite only having 285 square feet with which to work. This is why she was an Apartment Therapy favorite during our recent Small Cool contest. She has now given us a full tour, even though it's still fairly small, of her home. Take a look!

Natalie's ability to highlight the beautiful architectural details of her studio, enhancing the space with which she has to work, has aided in her ability to make this space uniquely her own. She has a clear sense of what she likes, and is able to add punches of color, pattern and texture where they really count, without overdoing it. She's absolutely made the most of the space, and managed to do it in a way that still gives off a grown-up and sophisticated vibe.

Apartment Therapy Survey:
My style: Hollywood Regency glamour with a dash of Mid-Century sensibility. I like to think of my style as being tailored, yet cozy at the same time.
Inspiration: I was inspired by the architecture and original elements of the studio and sought to draw attention to the beautiful alcove, mouldings, hardwood floors, radiator and claw foot tub. I wanted the furnishings and décor to flow seamlessly from the building’s character and charm while adding modern touches along the way.
Favorite Element: My bed alcove is my sanctuary. I am a pillow-holic and love that I can layer and display as many as I want in this alcove which makes it the coziest spot to hang out, work on the laptop, read a book, or of course, take a nap. I also love having the curtains at arm’s reach for when I want to pull them closed and snooze a couple more hours!
Biggest Challenge: The itty bitty size has been a challenge but has also forced me to be more creative. When you live in a place this small you realize what is necessary for a home to be comfortable and functional and everything else just takes up precious space. The biggest challenge I faced was finding small enough pieces that would trick the eye and shift the scale of the place.
What Friends Say: Friends say that the place fits my personality because it’s fun but laidback.
Biggest Embarrassment: My biggest embarrassment is my boyfriend’s pride and joy: his large flat screen television and surround sound system that takes up one of the walls. Don’t get me wrong, I love the full effect of TV and movie watching but the scale is all wrong for the space.
Proudest DIY: The rug! I had been ogling Moroccan tile rugs for a long time but could never find one that fit my teeny-tiny budget, so I decided to make one myself. My mom gave me an Erslev Ikea rug that she pulled out of her garage and since it was so cheap I didn’t mind attempting to paint it. I made a stencil out of a sheet of cardstock and just starting painting. I’m enamored with the results and the best part is that it’s completely machine washable!
Biggest Indulgence: The couch was the biggest purchase I made for the space but I got it on sale for $699 so I don’t even know if many would consider that an indulgence!
Best advice: Best advice received is from my mom “fresh fruit and fresh flowers go a long way.”
Dream source: Ross has the best prices anywhere for home décor and is full of hidden treasures. Most of my pillows, the ceramic white elephant, the octagon mirror, zebra rug and the curtains (which I “classed up” by making the black tie-backs) are all from Ross.


Resources:
Lamps: cb2
Coffee table: Urban Outfitters
Couch: Macy’s
Sunburst mirror and duvet: West Elm
White tray and chartreuse vase: Crate & Barrel
Telephone bench: reupholstered sidewalk find
Fu dogs: garage sale find
Side tables: craigslist

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