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’m so pleased that you have found somewhere to live! The space looks lovely and to have the opportunity to try out a whole different colour scheme must be great.
Good luck with moving, and try to stay calm. It will come together in the end.
Looks like a great space! What was the motivation to go from owners to renters?
love the new place! Also, the inspiration pic on the top right is cool with the large prints above the sofa
I love that space, I think you’ll do wonders with it!! Can’t wait to see your process, congrats-such exciting times!
Congratulations and welcome to the neighborhood! I’ll feel star-struck when I meet you at Foodies and the Buttery :-). You are going to have so much fun decorating your new home.
Love your new space! What possibilities . . .
I think I may have the same kitchen counter top. Enjoy decorating. It’s always a challenge, but so fun and rewarding!
Did you watch nine by design on bravo? they moved with 6 kids and and a coming-any-day newborn to a two bedroom apt for two months, and STILL decorated it!! If you feel stressed, you should watch it…you will feel instant relief. it’s a riot! Your space is gorgeous…enjoy!
What an amazing space! It should help ease your fears over this big move just knowing you get to live in such a gorgeous apartment. I can’t wait to see what you do with it!
Erin, it’s beautiful!! That’s like a dream apartment/condo. I wouldn’t call it industrial at all. It’s charming! The ceiling in the living room and the traditional kitchen and bath. I cannot wait to see what you do with it! Love the inspirational images!
Alaina
I think this place is great. I am sure you will enjoy your year in this loft space.
I do understand having problems with change, even if it was my idea I still get anxious.
Such a great place! Change is always so hard, especially the older we get. I’m about to move to London in June and I’m so anxious about all of the change. It always ends up working out though, doesn’t it? Think adventure over change. It’ll be fun. Good luck!
Can’t wait to see how your design aesthetic grows with the more industrial home!! It will be awesome to take your current fab skills and mix them with a different style home…looking forward to seeing it all unfold.
I’ve always wanted to live in a loft. Impossible with two kids. YAY- now I get to live vicariously through you. Love the details of the loft (fireplace, ceilings, floors).
congratulations!! How exciting!!! Can’t wait to see what you do with it.
Congratulations! I am sure it will look amazing once you’re through with it!
I am right there with you lady, we are moving in a month. Our lease is up, but our home we have been building won’t be finished. We have 6 weeks in limbo. FML. I seriously fear change. And moving. But your change is going to be very exciting and freeing. It is an adventure and I can’t wait to see what your new lifestyle brings out in your blog, which I love, and in your design, which I greatly admire! Just wanted you to know you have inspired me to take on some super stressful/exciting life changes, and so I blame you a little bit for my hair currently falling out. But mostly I just thank you and want to encourage you! You can do it, and it will be GREAT when it’s all done!
Congrats! Looks like a great space. Can’t wait to see what you do with it.
I totally identify with you about the worrying and the planning fifty-five years in advance. I do it all the time and my husband is the exact opposite. He’s all like, “We’ll worry about a problem when we have one, not before.” I’m really trying to be more go-with-the-flow but it is HARD.
Congrats! The place looks fantastic and I’m sure you’ll be able to make beautiful once you move in. I just moved in December and the anticipation was by far the worst part. Honestly, once the movers start loading up the boxes, you’ll feel better.
Erin,
this is a fantastic space! Congrats! And welcome to the neighborhood–you will love LOVE living in the South End!
Erin, it is gonna be awesome! My husband and I just did the EXACT same thing 2 weeks ago… moved back into a rental after being homeowners. We can’t find a house right now that makes us swoon (not in our price range anyway!) so we got a great townhouse in a great location with ridiculously low rent and we’re gonna stay put there for now. We’ll pocket some cash money in the meantime and stop worrying about “but what would happen if…”
Congratulations on making the decision… that was the hardest part for me, too, so I KNOW you deserve a nice glass of wine and a private yoga session for that one! :)
Now go pack up those boxes, girl!
It’s beautiful!! I know it’s going to look incredible after you get your hands on it.
Score! I adore your new digs…and will be waiting with baited breath to see the fabulosity that you will surely bestow up this place!
It is beautiful and I am thrilled at the opportunity to see what you will do to it. As for your stress, when I was at my wits end in my first job (I hated) newly married feeling college was a waste of time fearing everything, my childhood priest told me 80% of what we worry about/fear never happens. Its a waste of joy. 15 years later I am constantly reminded of that – and realize what time I wasted worrying stressing fearing. Life is what happens when we are making plans – the South End is on your list! You will be able to say you did it – that you loved it hated it ran or found where you were meant to be. Let your adventure begin and thanks for sharingit. I love everything about the space and am so jealous of your opportunity. This is good change!!!!
wow. I love it. such great bones and I’m sure you will make it even more fabulous!
You’ll totally rock this space, Erin! I can’t wait to see what you do with it. :) You’ll totally get to the Brownstone in no time…this will be a fun interim space for you to do what you want with! Have fun and congrats! (oh, and good luck with the move…blech! It’ll be over soon!!) :)
The new digs look great! Very chic space and lots of classy plans you got for it. Good luck with the move!
Love the bathroom’s fixtures — though it is odd to have a free-standing shower when you’ve got a tub/shower combo right next to it. Would probably prefer just the extra vanity space (esp. if that came with an extra sink).
The space looks amazing! Can’t wait to see more!
I love the space. Those bathrooms are divine! I am so excited to see what you will do with this space.
looks gorgeous. congrats. can’t wait to see what you do with it.
Congrats Erin! South End living is great. Not sure if this is close to you or not, but I can highly recommend a dry cleaner/tailor/shoe repair guy: The Fig Leaf on Clarendon St. Nicest owner ever, and very handy for all the heels you will inevitably damage when walking the brick sidewalks! Honestly, that dry cleaner is one of the things I miss most about the neighborhood. A year after we moved I happened to walk by while on my way to MASA, and he recognized me and waved!
oh yes yes yes yes!!!!!! love the place! can’t wait to see what you do there!!! I love the long patio I can see it already finished ;) embrace change!! xoxox
Girl, if anyone can make that place fabulous, YOU CAN! I read your blog daily and really enjoy the fact that you are so honest and transparent with what you are going through. You have great style and will survive the change with grace. Best wishes!
Erin, LOVE your new space. The high ceilings give you so many more options, and it is a wonderful blank canvas that I know you will enjoy decorating. enjoy your year in your new home!
Erin- Your new space looks so exciting and will be a totally different decorating experience. I can’t wait to see what you come up with!
Congratulations! the new place looks awesome! I can’t wait to see what you do with it.
Erin, I would move into a studio apartment (and certainly a gorgeous loft like this! :) for a chance to live next to our dog park. IT’S THIRTY MINUTES AWAY! That’s what we get for living in Avon, CT. JEALOUS!!!
Good luck, Erin! I’m sure you’ll do that space look like a real home! By the way, I also hate moving! It’s just too stressful for me, xo
Congrats! Way more traditional looking than I expected when you first mentioned industrial loft, which is nice. Have always loved the first inspiration image… and your space is perfect for it. 16′ ceilings… LUCKY!!! Can’t wait to see what you do.
Erin, PLEASE tell me where you found that first inspiration picture (“Elegant Neutral Living Room”). I need to see more of that place!
The hardwoods are absolutely beautiful. And I think you’re exactly right to do a muted pallet. Congrats! Can’t wait to see how it turns out.
Looks fab, and know you’ll make it that way fo sho!
Your space is lovely. I ‘ve lived in a loft in Northern California for the last 15 years . It is different but I think you will enjoy it. I know change is hard, but it is what living is about. I’ve learned that the more I embrace change the easier it is. Also, it might turn out to be one of the best experiences of your life.
You are going to do very well. I am really looking forward to what you are going to do with your new space. I am sure you will inspire me as well as others.
Congrats! I love the marble in the bath. I can’t wait to see what you do with it! I hope everything goes perfectly!
It all sounds very exciting. I can’t wait to see how you make it yours.
Erin,
Moving is always a challenge & an adventure.! I prefer to think of it as the later. We have moved many times in an effort to further my husband’s career & to live somewhere desirable. So I guess you could say I was kind of an “expert at moving”. I always noticed that it was the ” new sounds” of the new place that always seemed so different and not like the sounds I left behind. Those comfortable sounds of home. Your new home is beautiful with lots of great finishes, gorgeous hard wood floors, and loaded with potential. My personal perscription for making your new space seen like home is to use loads of textiles -lots of pillows, thick, textured rugs, heavy drapes, dense upholstery and lots of mirrors and large plants. These will absorb those “new sounds “of all those beautiful ,slick, hard finishes and high ceilings that you love and the plants will bring in the outdoors. You’ll start feeling right at home before you know it. Enjoy this time and the experience!
I’m mad for the floors!!!!!!!!!! Not to mention the kitchen is a petite gem but better than many I’ve seen in rentals.
Just think of all the fun you’re about to jump into & I can’t wait to tag along on your journey.
your tear sheets totally lend themselves to the space – can’t wait to see hwo it turns out!
your new home looks wonderful. nice light! i am all about the light. south end is a wonderful place to live. i was a beacon hill gal and miss it so much – enjoy your boston adventure.
Oh how I love a clean slate. Your slate is just wonderful! Good luck and have fun!
Lisa