My new hood

We officially get the keys next week to our new apartment in San Francisco and I can't be more excited.  We ended up in a mid size complex instead of a row house like we were hoping for, but its got a heated pool and this is my view from the living room window.  Its directly across from the pink one, so at least I get to see them.  Not to mention the fact that this place is right across the street from Golden Gate Park and within blocks (blocks!) of 5 or 6 vegan restaurants!  I can't wait to see how the paint colors come out, its the first place that has really let us do what ever we want as far as decorating.  Can't wait to get in there and pretty the place up.  I will try my darnedest to snap shots here and there of the place, as I'm pretty sure I'll need an opinion or two about the decor.  Besides, who doesn't like peeking into others homes right!?

The view from the street level.  One day, I will concur a giant hill on a bike, just got to work my way up, those city hills are seriously deceiving. 

The living room.  We opted for carpet and no balcony since the dog hates hardwood and heights freak me out.  But everything else is the same.  I think our unit has a much better view too!  Its surprisingly big considering the others we saw when searching.  We drove almost an hour to see a 2 bedroom 1 bath that turned out to be a 1 bedroom with the optional 2nd bedroom OR a living room.  Really?

These are the colors we went with, although I swear they all look different in person.  The grey seems pink, but its really a grey/brown, the blue is grayer too and as for the pink living room, well, its actually a yellow tone.  I think the online paint picker is way off.  Just another reason why when ever you paint your home always always always get the actual paint chip and don't rely on a computer monitor.  Photos to come!

Now that's tiny

While browsing through Apartment therapy's small, cool 2010 home contest, I came across Beth's Sausalito CA home and winner of the teeny tiny division.  And oh is it tiny.  At a large 365 square feet (standard 2 car garages are usually bigger!), Beth has a space that looks so inviting and charming, I would move in in a heart beat.  With amazing natural light, a flair for fun and colorful artwork and a knack for space saving ideas,  its easy to see why this home won.  A few ways she made her space feel even bigger: the red ottoman is used both as a small tabletop and extra seating.  The television is small enough to fit into her shelving system hiding it when not in use as well as the mirrored backdrop in her bar unit.  Mirrors are always your friend.  You can see the entire collection of Beth's winning space here.

photos via apartment therapy