What We Found: Living Small in Style

I am signing a lease today for a new apartment in downtown Minneapolis. Although I won't be moving until July, I have already started thinking about how I’ll switch up my décor.

I have a very schizophrenic design personality, which I haven’t yet completely honed in on. I am still trying to figure out the difference between styles I like in theory (American federal, English shabby chic, French country) and the style I want to live in (much more clean, calm, and reserved). I like things that look old but are actually new (lacquered neo-Rocco scroll work), mid-century style seating, art deco accents, and anything that looks a little unfinished and natural. I guess if I had to describe what my ideal place would look like, it would be a sort of glammed up, modern farm house—lots of natural, rough wood pieces; clean-lined furnishings; and flea market accents, with a few art deco flourishes to round it out.

Because I need to use most all of my furniture in my new apartment (Ikea Karlstad sofa, aspen wood coffee table, chrome side chairs, and countless lamps, accents, and mirrors), I’ve been scouring the Internet as of late trying to find some great pieces at reasonable prices to freshen up what I already have. Here are a few items that caught my eyes, some of which I hope to purchase in the next few months, some of which will stay on my wish list until I win the lottery.

 

	I’ve learned that I easily tire of color. The pattern of this rug gives it depth and texture, even in simple black and white. Morocco bikaner wool rug, five feet by eight feet (on sale for $249), from CB2

 

	If I could afford one thing right now, it would be a huge, worn-in leather chair in which I could curl up get lost in with a good book. The buttery soft bourbon leather and mahogany finish is brawny without being overly masculine. Cotswold Chair ($1,998) from Anthropologie, 4999 France Ave. S., Mpls., 612-285-9164; The Shoppes at Arbor Lakes, Maple Grove, 763-416-1447

 

	This 1960’s-style sofa is clean-lined and sparse, but the tufting and button cushions give it character. Petrie Sofa, ($1,499) from Crate & Barrel, Galleria, 952-920-2300

 

	I’ve long admired the wire design of the Bertoia chair, but I enjoy this one for its more organic feel (and lower price tag). I can see this pulled up to my wooden desk. De La Tour Chair ($160) from Urban Outfitters, 3006 Hennepin Ave., Mpls., 612-823-1000; Mall of America, 952-854-8448

 

	I love the graphic pattern on this rug, but I’d probably opt for it in its other color scheme, brown and ivory. I do get a little nervous about buying something such as a rug on the Internet, so I will probably wait until the West Elm store opens in Edina later this year. Yellow and ivory petal rug, five feet by eight feet ($199), West Elm

 

	I am in pretty desperate need for a bed frame. I’ve been sleeping like a college student with my box spring and mattress on the ground for way too long. I like that this is a very streamlined version of a canopy. Classic with no frill. Petite silhouette canopy bed in white ($499–$599), Brocade Home

 

	I have too many small bookcases. Before I move, I plan on taking them all to Goodwill and investing in one or two wall-length styles to store all of my books, magazines, and more. Expedit bookcase ($149) from Ikea, 8000 Ikea Way, Bloomington, 952-858-8088

 

	I have an Anthropologie shower curtain right now, but if I was in the market for the new one, a watercolor rendering of flowers would certainly cheer up my morning ritual on even the gloomiest of days. Sundew Shower Curtain ($88) from Anthropologie, 4999 France Ave. S. , Mpls., 612-285-9164; The Shoppes at Arbor Lakes, Maple Grove, 763-416-1447

 

	I love anything with a little bit of wink. The daguerreotype photographs  framed in cameo-like scrolling could make for an understated accent piece. Cameo chair ($680) from Anthropologie, 4999 France Ave. S., Mpls., 612-285-9164; The Shoppes at Arbor Lakes, Maple Grove, 763-416-1447

Again with the wink. I can’t stand a space that is overly precious, and a funky owl lamp is certain to add a bit of humor to my living room. Hoot lamp base ($36) from Urban Outfitters, 3006 Hennepin Ave., Mpls., 612-823-1000; Mall of America, 952-854-8448

Comments

[Elizabeth]

Melissa, love your picks! I always forget about Ikea - but who needs custom built-ins with that book shelf?!

[jho]

My friend bought that same IKEA shelf system and uses it in her laundry room. As she folds she sorts by family member and clothing type and organizes in each of the cubbies.