We Started from the Bottom, Now We're Here

I've recently divulged that to combat my impending seasonal depression that will inevitably descend as soon as day light savings commences and the temperatures make outdoor dining less appealing, I've been focusing on small updates to my tiny studio apartment. My transformation is nearly complete and I'd love to share some of my new finds (and the finished product) if you'd be so inclined? It feels so satisfying to finally focus on projects I've had on my to-do list for over three years and to watch my microscopic space transform into more polished and mature living quarters. 

There are several truths one comes to accept when leaving in Manhattan; you will never be able to find a cab in the rain or on New Years Eve, brokers fees are all much inevitable, candied pecans from food carts always smell better than they taste, and you will never have enough storage space in your apartment. I've always received the final fact as a bit of a challenge; it encourages me to discard excess clothing frequently, I only keep trinkets I use, and what remains is only what I love. But one morning in early August, while enjoying my homemade iced latte, I scanned my charmingly tiny abode and it felt incredibly cluttered. I vowed in that moment to find solutions. 

I first did some minor rearranging, to maximize unused space. I then began my quest for an addition bookshelf. I ultimately settled on this Safavieh piece for a few reasons. One, I am committed to white furniture in my apartment because I feel it gives the optical illusion of a bigger space, and two, the openness of the shelf meant that it wouldn't close in the area I had recently cleared. What resulted was a piece that was both decoratively appealing and practical. 

When then turning my attention back to my rickety old Ikea bookshelf, I purchased these wicker baskets to contain and categorize smaller items. I also sought out an upgrade for my side table in my reading nook. I fell in love with the modern minimalist look of this Helen tray table but just couldn't justify the price tag. But after a quick search of the World Wide Web, I found a Lumisource end table that nearly identical for one third the cost!