Six & a half months ago I moved into an apartment entirely on my own. It's a 450 square foot box that I've lovingly referred to throughout this blog as The Studio. I know I've shown you little corners of it.. but I think it's high time I invited you inside :D Welcome to my cheerful little world!
This is The Studio. My studio. This is where I write to you guys almost every single night & where I binge watch Netflix like it's nobody's business. This is where I'm learning to cook & budget & figure out who I am & how to succeed. This little ole box is what inspired the rebranding of the blog to Ida Street. I love this little studio.
They say everyone should try to live alone for a little while they are young. I think it just encourages dangerous habits. (Who else ate half a pint of ice cream for dinner tonight? Nobody even knew! Until I just told all of you....).
I'm kidding (not about the ice cream). Living alone is a really big rite of passage. You learn how to survive when the electricity goes out every week for a month. You find out that 55 degrees is a pretty acceptable temperature to live in -- mostly because its the one you can afford. & cooking actually isn't so scary. & crock pots are a girl's best friend.
But mostly, when you live alone, you learn about yourself. & that's some pretty good company. Anyway!! Sorry to get all sentimental on you guys! I just really love this studio. Want a quick tour?
Remember way back when I told you about Building the Corner Coffee Bar? It's still here. & I still love it. This is where I sit when I'm working from home. A perfect little place to work & look up to people watch the inhabitants of Mt. Adams.
With less space in the studio I had to get creative about surfaces. Purses went on the wall. Hats went onto hooks. & pictures went onto the fridge. (Here's that post on Instagram Fridge Magnets.... that was one of the first things I did here!) & don't worry guys -- my drafting table did fit. I made sure of it.
One thing I didn't realize until I lived alone is how your space unconsciously becomes... well you.
It's where your life unfolds & where you can be you. The un-make-upped, unassuming, un guarded self. I love that. It's how a 450 square foot box can become your home.
Photography: Mintwood Photo Co.
P.S. I've had this post in the works for a long time. Since July. While my slightly messy morning routine definitely delayed the process (it's not true that a small space is easier to keep clean!!), the real push to publish came from Urban Compass. They're a real estate platform focused on connecting individuals with the neighborhoods, apartments & homes that best fit their personality. Thank you for asking me to share my Starter Story & finally invite you all inside the studio. I'd love to hear about your first homes in the comments :D
