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Get To Know: Us

Hmmm. Just how do all the pieces fit together?  Our 650 square foot home, nestled on the second floor of a corner building, includes an open concept floor plan, a shotgun hallway, and two teeny bedrooms. We’ve been spillin’ the beans on all things home decor for the past 6+ months, including everything from ol’ Henry to what fills our glass to our obsession with a couch. You’ve read up on our travels, met one of my very best friends, and watched us turn a dusty old sideboard into a haven for office storage. Shwew.

So without further adieu, welcome.

Foyer / Living Room

Upon entering our front door (there on the right), you’ll come into what makes up the bulk of our living space. With a kitchen and living area that share the same open room, your life just got easier. While the hubs makes dinner, we can share a conversation while I’m plopped on the couch. Oh, the sweet life.

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Foyer / Living Room (opposite)

Here’s a better view of the front door, which leads to our hallway. We’ve sectioned off the larger living room wall with a splash of cheery green, and continued it onto the wall in our foyer. By doing so, we lend a bit of continuity to a room that could stand the extra square footage. And tucked under the console? An extra seat for overflow guests, or a place to prop those toes.

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Living Room

Ah, the coziest perch in our home. Grab a throw and rest your head on a pillow, and you’ll feel like Sunday every day. Flip on the tube and pop in your favorite movie, and I’d say you’ve got one heck of a cinema experience. And because this room is where we spend most of our time, we tossed up a handful of carefully placed shelves and added a gaggle of art that we’ve collected over time. Consider it our personal stamp on this space.

We chose a minty blue to coat the remaining two walls in this room, and we’ve never looked back. Although I never considered myself a cool-colored gal (I lean heavily towards the warmer shades of reds and oranges), I find this color to be refreshing, airy, and oh-so-light.

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Living Room (opposite)

And check it out from the other side, peeping into the kitchen. Our mini blue chair serves as a sort of room divider, while still allowing the flow from living to cooking. If we’re craving a bit more privacy (and if those dishes are piled just a bit too high), we also have the option of pulling our curtain dividers taught. Shoot, the dishes can wait ’til tomorrow. Out of sight, out of mind.

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Kitchen

Consider this a kitchen “before” shot. Scott and I have plans this year to revamp this space, which should be pretty easy since the bones are pretty solid to begin with (someone knock on wood – quick!). Even before we add a little magic, the honeydew walls match the value of our living room, providing an easy transition between the wide open space.

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Hallway

Our narrow, winding hallway lends itself to some treasured art, as well as a perfect hiding place for some storage. Our bedroom is on the left, and hidden around the bend is our office. The best part (and practically a selling point)? There’s even a door that leads to a stacked washer and dryer. No more counting quarters for these two.

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Bathroom

First stop on the hallway tour – bathroom. We all have one. Here’s ours. And although you can wash your hands, handle your business, and turn on the shower, all while standing in the same place and without moving an inch, it works.

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Bathroom (opposite)

Perhaps one of my favorite photo collections in our home resides in this room. There is just something about unexpected photos, art, and trinkets in a bathroom that makes me smile. Mismatched towel hooks and an assortment of photo strips lend a bit of personality to a place where you’d least expect it.

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Office

Our office has been through so many transitions, it’s impossible to even count. Originally housing a fold out futon, it was meant simply as a guest room and nothing else. Problem was that the futon was mini-sized (heck, it had to be in this 8’x12′ space) and the out-of-town friends and family just weren’t diggin’ the teeny bed. Out with the sorta-bed and in with the sideboard.

Truth is, we were catering our small space for the ocassional friend pop-in, and not for us. Call it what you will, but we ultimately rearranged the space to fit our needs, and our needs meant storage, desk space, and shelves for overflow. But fret not, our cushy air mattress nestles perfectly in the empty center space. The door is always open!

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Office (opposite)

This just-ten-tiny-bucks mirror was scooped up at the flea market. I call it fate. While the rest of our room relies on white accents against an almost navy wall, the gold frame provides an unexpected pop. And may I say, our money-hoggin’ snail looks quite happy holding down the fort.

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And hiding behind the office door? A perfect little niche. An extra seat for an overflowing amount of guests is tucked away, and the hubs has a tidy spot for grabbing his favorite caps on the go. We spiffed up the decorative hooks with a touch of gold paint, mimicking our flea find. Because this nook is concealed behind the door, no one’s the wiser, and yet we gain those much appreciated few extra inches for tucked-away goods. Sweet.

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Bedroom

Our bedroom has been through some changes of it’s own, including a sort of “lightening up,” and most recently, we added a relaxing stripe behind the headboard. Let me back up a moment by saying that orange is my absolute most favorite color in this world, and when Scott agreed to a tangerine room, I snatched up the paint before he could change his mind. But after a year-and-a-half, the intensity proved to be a bit much, and the layered not-quite-green-almost-white stripe came into play.

We’ve yet to purchase much needed blinds, and our days of waking up to the sun at 6 AM is starting to wear us thin. Until we pony up the cash, these black out curtains (mostly) do the trick, and the kitties and I have been reveling in the much needed shut-eye. Playing with the green window treatments, we’ve brought in punchy pillows and barely green bedsheets. And for extra protection, we’ve got a big ol’ grizzly bear up above to keep us safe.

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Patio

Last (but certainly not least) is our back patio. Every inch counts in a home of this size, and that patio ain’t chopped liver. During the warm weather months, that extra landing of 7’x10′ welcomes our closest pals with open arms. The sizzle of burgers on our little Weber and the sound of friendly chatter make it all the more enjoyable. Now that’s prime real estate, baby.

patio_web

There you have it. All 650 square feet of it. One open living room and kitchen, a bitty bathroom, one bedroom, and one office. More than enough space for this team (and a dog and two cats and a ridiculously huge fish tank). We love each and every colorful inch, and we think our furballs have got it pretty all right, too.

Mom was right when she said home is where the heart is, and we truly feel that when you love your home, it loves you back. It should be a space that reflects who you are, a zone that makes your heart beat a little faster, and a place to feel safe, warm, and…well, pretty darn happy. Alas, there will always be another project to start, others to finish off, and new curtains to hang, rugs to swap, and pillows to arrange. And we’re happy.

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  • Danielle1.8.10 - 8:48 AM

    I just love all the color you guys put into your cozy place! It all works and fits together!!ReplyCancel

  • Thanks for sharing this! I love your fun, colorful style… and I’m guessing there’s a chance I’ll be seeing it on Apartment Therapy sometime soon?

    Also, I’m glad I read what you said about the office (former guest room). I wanted to create one out of my cramped 9×10 second bedroom, but it would just be me trying to cater for others instead of myself. Thanks for the inspiration to make it a space for me instead :).ReplyCancel

  • Kim1.8.10 - 9:42 AM

    Kasey, I dreamed about apartment therapy last night. Creepy! And yes, I beg you, make the space for you. Your guests will visit to hang out with you, not a bed and a room to hang out in. It’s your home, so do what makes you happiest! Every inch is yours to create your masterpiece.ReplyCancel

  • Kim1.8.10 - 10:20 AM

    I’m diggin’ your bathroom! I have a picture in my bathroom of Kennedy in the tub but yours are displayed so much nicer! You inspire me…ReplyCancel

  • Hailey1.8.10 - 10:53 AM

    I’m blaming cully and having a roommate for the fact that I live in a glorified bachelor pad ;)ReplyCancel

  • Kate1.8.10 - 11:10 AM

    Oh my! Where did you get that bear?! It is awesome!ReplyCancel

  • Kim1.8.10 - 11:14 AM

    Kate, we got it at the Renegade Craft fair in Chicago this past summer. The saddest part is that I can’t read the signature, and we didn’t grab a business card, so I can’t credit the artist! We love it, and if you notice, the bear is talking to a little white bunny. LOVE.ReplyCancel

  • Susie Dapore1.8.10 - 11:32 AM

    Awesome digs!ReplyCancel

  • Kelly1.8.10 - 11:55 AM

    These pics definitely do your space justice!! They belong in a magazine :)ReplyCancel

  • micah1.8.10 - 12:20 PM

    I love your bright, cheerful home! I don’t know what you could possibly do to make it better. Thanks for sharing!ReplyCancel

  • Scott1.8.10 - 1:50 PM

    Don’t worry, Micah. Kim has a list that’s already half a page long! We’ll keep you posted…ReplyCancel

  • tim hovey1.8.10 - 7:34 PM

    ya’ll do good work. you make me wish i didn’t have 1,800 square feet to work with…. by the time i got done painting this place i was just sort of DONE.ReplyCancel

  • Scott1.9.10 - 8:12 AM

    Oh Tim, and you have rooftop access!! :) Thanks for the kind words.ReplyCancel

  • Jessica Joubert1.9.10 - 10:14 AM

    Love the photo strip pics in the bathroom!!! Totally stealing that idea from you!!!ReplyCancel

  • Tuesday1.10.10 - 1:55 PM

    I’m so glad I stumbled upon your blog!

    I too, have a small home that I’m continuously working on and loving. Small spaces beg for complete love, attention, and detail, don’t they.ReplyCancel

  • Kim1.10.10 - 2:54 PM

    Tuesday, don’t we know it!ReplyCancel

  • Lydia1.11.10 - 4:07 PM

    Loving the colors in your home and the great photography. It seems like every other blog I stumble onto is a fellow Chicagoan – must be something about the midwest!ReplyCancel

  • Meg1.12.10 - 2:52 PM

    Your home is to die for! I absolutely love your style and am wondering when I can move in. Kidding!

    But seriously, I am looking forward to following your blog. You have such great taste!ReplyCancel

  • Karrie1.18.10 - 10:37 PM

    What a cheerful and happy home you have! I love how colorful it is and also i love the way you photographed each room. It’s nice seeing the different perspectives.ReplyCancel

  • michelle2.21.10 - 5:59 PM

    i love your site, it is so awesome and this has got to be the best post i have ever read…ever. my husband and i share and 840-square foot condo and i know we are not using our space wisely. i look forward to reading through all your past posts and learning a few tips and tricks to liven up our little space (not little compared to your 650. also just a quick question: where do you keep your litter box (that is a struggle for us)?ReplyCancel

  • Kim2.21.10 - 7:30 PM

    Hi Michelle,

    Thank you; you’ve made our weekend with the nice words!

    As for our litter box. This is always an issue, and I can tell you that we’ve tried at least 3 spots until finding the “sweet” spot – believe it or not, it’s by our bed, next to the window.

    Even though that space seems small (and yes, it’s right next to my head at night!), we’ve turned the kitty entrance to face the wall, so very (VERY) little litter makes it out and onto the floor. On top of that, we have very prissy felines who do a good job of covering up, and the hubs swaps for fresh litter at least once a week.

    If that doesn’t sound too appetizing (I know, it seems a little funny), we’ve seen them in tiny nooks in offices, or even hidden in a chest. Imagine how regal the cats would feel knowing their potty breaks are in a secret chest! (The side of the chest was cut out, and the box was hidden inside. Also inside was a hidden food and water bowl!)

    Hope this helps,
    Kim (& Scott)ReplyCancel

  • Stairs! Done! | Bichona10.20.14 - 8:03 PM

    […] grays, shades of white, deep navy and bright red! Our love of color has always been a part of us (orange bedroom, anyone?), but it feels different this time around. This old house has been a learning experience […]ReplyCancel

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Kim and Scott

We’re Kim + Scott, Chicago based content creators behind the Home + Lifestyle brand Yellow Brick Home.

Join us as we renovate and nurture vintage homes across Chicago + SW Michigan!

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