After many tears, stressing, general freaking out and second guessing- we are moving. IN TWO WEEKS. Yep, two weeks. As stated in my previous confessional I am not so good with change. This is holding true for me this time around, which is no big surprise. We are leaving a spacious place outside the city for a smaller loft inside the city. Owning to renting. Change indeed. All I knew making this decision was that I needed to stop making decisions based on what I THINK is going to happen and what I think I’ll want in a few years. I barely even know what I want NOW so how can I possibly predict what I’ll want in the future or what will happen. What I do know is that living in the South End is on my list of things I want to do before I die, so the opportunity is here and I’m going to take it. We don’t know if we want to be there a long time or only a short time and then buy a house so renting makes the most sense for us right now. Its the first time in my life I’ve ever thought “this is what I want now and so I’m just going to do it without thinking too much”. It’s terrifying, but freeing at he same time.
There weren’t many options in the time frame we needed (i.e.”we need to move in, like, yesterday”) so instead of the dreamy brownstone of my fantasy we are moving into a more industrial space. It’s very cool and has all the fancy amenities one could want and is across from a kick ass dog park, so trust me, I’m not complaining. It’s just so…different. I’m trying to see it as an adventure and less of a serious, life changing event. It’s only for a year (that’s the plan at least) so I’m not going to put too much money into the space but I’m looking forward to a very different design challenge. 16′ ceilings leave LOTS of wall space to fill! I’m thinking that in an effort to soothe myself after all this uprooting I’m going to make it very serene- perhaps even all neutrals and textures this time around. I usually go crazy with color but I think I’ll take this opportunity to test out living in a light, bright, clean space with very little color. A very exciting partnership I’ll announce later is going to help me with that too! So here it is- the space I’ll be calling home shortly….
The main space for living and dining- gas fireplace a big plus!
Looking towards the entry/kitchen/guest room:
Entry (which I’m going to paint with horizontal wide tone on tone stripes) and the kitchen:
Kitchen (great appliances, including wine fridge- v.v. important.)
Master bedroom and bathroom:
Quite excited about the full body shower heads and Carrera marble- confused by why there are two showers in here and the tiniest vanity ever. Not what I would have done spatially)
Guest room/ guest bath
Long skinny patio- will fill with planters and container gardens. Andrew will kill me for posting this pic of him caught of guard though.
Some inspiration images for the space:
Wish me luck! I cant wait to share the design process with you guys!
I think it’s great that you are taking such a leap, selling your current place and moving somewhere you’ve always wanted to live. I did the same thing – sold half my stuff and moved to a tiny Beacon Hill apt. Some of the best two years of my life, and I now appreciate my home in the burbs even more because of that tiny apt. Good luck with the move (and the packing)!
Your new place is amaaaaazinG!!!!! I love the wood floors, the space, the “new-ness” of it all, and what a cute patio! Congrats! I can’t wait to see what you do with a space with so much potential. I’m sure you’ll do us proud ;)
Well congratulations on taking the plunge and the courage that you have shown, yes its scary but so what life is scary and lots of FUN
xx
Susie
Love the apartment!!! And the spouse is a cutie, lucky girl;) So exciting, redecorating your a new space is so fun. So I think I’ve read on your blog that you like Canadian House and Home. You should go back to their special interest issue from Spring 2009 Condos Loft and Apartments and the spread on the loft of the owners of DwellStudio. Loads of great ideas. Sometimes when you stop making plans the most amazing things can happen, enjoy!!!!
Sorry, forgot to add the DwellStudio spread is in the August 2009 issue.
Good luck and congrats
Congratulations on your big leap of faith and change!
I think you are absolutely doing the right thing Erin, and all will be just fine once you get yourselves into this new space.
What a great idea to take a whole new approach to the decor of this place. It goes hand in hand with all the other changes you are instigating right now.
The space looks great and I am sure you will work your magic hand and turn it into a cozy home.
All the best and good luck with the move. I can’t wait to see the next chapter in this great adventure!
xx Charlotta
Congrats on your new, beautiful place!
I just moved into a new loft myself so i totally understand the apprehension you must be going through! It looks wonderful and very spacious for a downtown apartment. Congratulations on your new home! I cannot wait to see (read?) what you do with the space.
Congrats!! What a fun place and I can’t wait to see what you do with it! =)
Good luck ! This new home looks divine , can’t wait to see what you will do with it.
Bonne chance
Good luck! Looking forward to learn more about your design process ;-)
OMG – your place is amazing! Any other apartments available in that building? ;)