since living in paris, i have a whole new appreciation for what it means to live in small spaces. when i first saw the images from diva’s berkeley bungalow, i had no idea that it was small at all until i looked at the floor plan (last image in the post). i think she does an amazing job using the space and takes advantage of the great natural light and tops it off with great furniture selection. it’s definitely an inspired space, and no wonder diva creates such wonderful designs in her stationery and linen line, linea carta. click here for many more images of diva’s bungalow, and here for all our sneak peeks! {thanks, diva!} -anne
{majority of images by marc virata with contributions from bronwyn hughes.}
I use this flat file (also a flea market find) to store bigger stuff like paintings and art paper. On top is a Japanese ‘zacca’ or craft magazine – I’m so crazy about them. When I want to treat myself one of my favorite afternoons is to go to Japan Town in San Francisco, have lunch at the best ramen place ever, then to the bookstore and stationery store where I’ll buy a few pens (my fave is the pilot hi-tec-c) and a new magazine from Kinokuniya Bookstore. On the wall behind is one of my paintings: Polar Bears Kissing, Ice Crystals Forming (It reads “I LOVE YOU SO MUCH”). I like using the semi-transparent mylar (used for architectural plans) for paintings because it lets in the light from the wall and sort of becomes part of the wall like a fresco. You can also see a glimpse of the hallway in this picture – I have strings of tiny clothespins hanging that I use to dry screen-printing projects like my key chains and pencil bags.
At the entry I have 2 hooks that read H and N for Henry and Nico, my two cutest-dogs-ever. The chair pictured here is an Alameda antique market find by a friend – I just love the shape (it reads “Heritage Henredon” for anyone who knows about this stuff).
My bedding is from Erica Tanov, John Robshaw and yours truly (some Linea Carta throw pillows).. I used to work for Erica and developed a great appreciation for lovely bedding and beautiful textiles. I recently re-painted a fresh coat of bright white on all the walls and I love the clean and empty wall here above the bed.
CLICK HERE for the rest of Diva’s sneak peek after the jump!
The coolest thing about the bathroom are the tiny green and white checkered tiles on the floor. Also that there’s a bathtub (another favorite past-time of mine!).
A small kitchen. But with all of the essentials. I don’t know much about the chairs and table – got them from family (the chairs read “Thonet New York”). I put in the shelves (from Ikea) above the table when I moved in – they are that shiny foil finish and they really brighten up the space. Oh and the dish towels are part of my new collection of linens. The back door is usually open for the dogs to sunbathe and the pretty trees and plants are all thanks to my garden designer neighbor Elizabeth.
With a passion for design I love to collect cool stuff and though my desk is clear here I’m usually working on multiple projects and boy does it fill up fast! So with such a small space I try to have a place for most things. I put inspiration and samples I’m working on up on the 4’x3’ cork board above my desk. Cork boards are so great the way they neatly frame an ever changing chaos of pieces and scraps. Under and to the side of my desk is where I keep files organized (also flea market finds).
My absolute favorite organizing tool is also the most expensive: the Utensilo wall organizer. It’s a replica of a 1960’s piece and even after 5 years I love it and use it every day. Ah, to always know where the scissors are – an artists dream!
I live in a pretty teeny tri-plex that I rent here in Berkeley, California. It is a 1920’s bungalow that has long since been renovated into smaller units. There are 3 rooms (including kitchen and bathroom) separated by a hallway. There’s also a back yard that I share with my neighbors. Here is a floor plan.
