When I was younger, I thought a studio apartment meant you slept next to your bathtub and cooked on a hot plate. Now I know better…And in this studio, as opposed to my studio in SF, I have been able to divide the space into my bed area, a family room type of area (which I am showing you today), an office space (which you saw a bit of yesterday and will see more of in the coming weeks), and then there is a separate kitchen and separate bathroom. This is place is a palace compared to where I lived in SF.
So here is my “family room” which I am very proud of because this couch cost $200 with tax. And is super comfortable. $200! Did you hear me? It’s perfect. I am so thankful for it (more on that later). (You can see the apartment before here.)
There is a story with these poofs too. It is crazy but they are perfect for when I have a friend over and when we are watching Gilmore Girls or before they took it away, Dawson’s Creek.
I am actually taking this photo from my bed. (That’s a screensaver from AppleTV rolling across the screen.) Also I love Apple TV. Also, I am extremely thankful for my aunt giving me a TV she wasn’t using because I did not have a TV while in SF so having one is crazy and I am thankful for it! 
Storage. So necessary when living in a studio and it is hard to hide anything. When people come over, they can see my bed. There isn’t anyway to close my bedroom door so storage is key. I need to do a blog post on small spaces, don’t I? Maybe even putting together Ikea furniture like a boss (aka my mom is a boss and I am just okay). 
I’m not decorating much for Thanksgiving because I feel as if I only just got settled but I have so much gratitude for this space after so much moving. 
So here is my little family room space (you can find the tutorial for the shelves here). One of the things I am so thankful for this year is this apartment. I would say that is materialistic but it’s not. It’s a place I can call my own. It’s home. It makes me smile whenever I come in the door. Soon, I’ll be decorating for Christmas and it will be my first Christmas on my own in Chicago. I am thankful for this city and the thrill that runs through me when I walk through it while I snuggle my face into my scarf away from the brisk air. I am thankful that I am close to family and that I am now a grown up in my family unit. It’s nice. This is a nice season–sometimes weird, sometimes hard, but also nice. And so I’m thankful. It’s cold outside but it’s warm in here and I am reminded that life is hard but we have a living hope. And how wonderful is that?
Linking up with Lisa, Katie, Annie, and Cait.
How do you like to decorate? What makes your house a home? And what are you thankful for? Talk to me.
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That’s so cute! I love how open and bright it is. Also, all. the. books. Love it!
Thank you! I always have to have all my babies with me! They are also all stacked under the bed too. lol
I’m super impressed with the way you’ve maximized your space…I need to take some notes for my little studio!
I’ll have to do a post on how to maximize space after three years of studio apartments. 🙂
Ok, Ikea is seriously the best! And those poufs do work perfectly. I am always watching out for something like that to work in our space.
I’m glad to hear from someone with a mutual love for Gilmore Girls. I own all the seasons, but may have still played them on repeat on Netflix and drove my husband absolutely nuts.
Thank you! And yes, love GG!
This space is perfect… You’ve got a ton of nice natural light too!! Everything is completely put together and styled, but still totally welcoming at the same time – love it!
Thank you, Lisa. That means a lot coming from you, queen of style!
I love those poofs!! your family room looks awesome! I can’t wait to come see it!
I can’t wait for you to come and for us to laugh like looney tunes!
Looove what you’ve done with your place! The poofs, tell me where you got those babies. I need one (or four) in my life. And your ghost chair is fabulous!
I have to email you about the poufs because I need to warn people before they buy them…And also how I came by them is…Just email me. Haha
I want that entire space. It’s so cozy and chic. You have my taste in furniture and decor. LOVE the poofs too, I’ve debated buying one for awhile I.just.can’t.
The poufs…I will tell you that story over email as to protect the innocent. And yes we do have the same taste because I loved your bed and beddinG!
You have a ghost chair!! Love it!
I actually have two. My desk chair is one two but it has a fur throw over it now. 🙂
Those poufs are great, I love them. There is nothing more pretty then Christmas in Chicago with all the beautiful lights downtown and the snow falling, enjoy!
You are so right, Aimee!
I love it! It looks so comfy and inviting. I love the poufs too. Can’t wait to see how it all looks decorated for Christmas. It’s exciting having a place of your own and being able to make it your won isn’t it? Wishing you many happy memories there!
Thank you, Anne. You are so sweet.
LOVE it! When can I pop around for a brew? 🙂
Anytime you hop across the pond. xx
You have made the most out of your space for sure, it looks perfect & cozy. And look at all of those books!
There are more under my bed. LOL
It is so perfect! Can I hire you? Seriously though…
No but seriously please hire me. 🙂
I love it!! It is so cute and cozy and inviting 🙂
That’s exactly what I wanted it to be! Thank you.
I LOVE what you’ve done with this space! It looks so cozy and I love those poufs! We lived in a studio in DC and I totally know how it is trying to find storage space, those bookshelves are a lifesaver!
You feel my pain! Also there are a ton of books under my bed! 😉
Great job! Love the space. It’s so cozy and I love the shelves.
Thanks so much!
I just love your space. It looks so inviting and stylish! And it makes me want to read!! Look at all those books.
Wait until you see “the study” part of my one room apartment. That’s where all the books are! haha Also under my bed because I don’t have enough shelves.
It looks so cozy!
It feels cozy now that I finally put the heat on 😉
Love, love, LOVE! It’s so pretty, and have great taste. I’ve always wanted to live in a studio apartment in a fun city. Seems like so much fun. My mother-in-law (before kids) moved from Portland, OR to NY and lived in a studio. She has so many great stories of living on her own in a fun city.
It definitely has it’s pros but at the same time, there are hard things too. Like when people come over, I can’t put stuff in one room and close the door. The WHOLE thing has to be spotless! lol Thank you and I am glad you like it!
Love this!!! I want to come see you so I can see it because I have a one bedroom apartment and feel like I have NO space!! Teach me yoda! Lol! Love the couch and the pillows and the Apple TV! I want one! Lol!
I am no yoda. Also, Apple TV is not the actual TV is it this little box you attach to the TV and it is amazing!
Your space is SO cute and now I want to visit more now than ever so I can look at each and every thing! 🙂
I want you to visit!
It looks great! I love the Ikea Kallax/Expedit and those poofs are cute!
Thank you! I like it!
Ow ow NinaB! Your apartment is a stunner!
You inspired me and helped me with mine in SF, and now I get to see your Chicago version. LOVE IT.
So proud of you. 44 comments on this post alone. 🙂 Great work!
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