Happy Monday, dear friends! As this post goes live, I’ll be soaring through the skies, making my descent into the vibrant heart of New York City. The energy here is truly intoxicating, and I’m beyond thrilled to immerse myself in the sights, sounds, and endless inspiration that only NYC can offer. I’ll be here until Wednesday, and I can’t wait to share every memorable moment with you all, so make sure you’re following along on Instagram for real-time updates and behind-the-scenes peeks in my stories.
But before I fully dive into my urban adventure, I wanted to kick off our week here on the blog with another captivating installment of our “Small Home Big Style” series. This feature is dedicated to showcasing incredible individuals who demonstrate that living large isn’t about square footage, but about ingenious design, thoughtful curation, and a whole lot of heart. Today, we’re incredibly fortunate to step inside the charming Los Angeles apartment of Sara, a true master of creating a soulful, stylish sanctuary within a compact footprint.
My journey to discovering Sara’s exceptional design talent began, as many great discoveries do these days, on Instagram. Her feed, brimming with images of her cozy boho abode, immediately captivated me. The way she layers textures, incorporates natural elements, and infuses personality into every corner is nothing short of inspiring. From Instagram, I hopped over to her blog, Black and Blooms, where the magic continued. It became instantly clear that Sara possesses an innate sense of style, transforming her small space into a visual delight. I knew right away that I had to invite her to share her story, her challenges, and her invaluable insights into living and loving in a small home.
A Deep Dive into Small Home Living: An Interview with Sara of Black and Blooms
Join us as Sara opens up about her daily life, her design philosophy, and the creative solutions she employs to maximize every inch of her 700-square-foot Los Angeles apartment. Her journey is a testament to the fact that with vision and resourcefulness, any space, no matter its size, can be transformed into a dream home.
Where Do You Call Home?
Los Angeles, CA
Who Shares Your Cozy Space?
I share my home with my wonderful boyfriend, Eddie Dumphy.
Are You a Homeowner or a Renter?
We are currently renting our apartment.
What’s the Size of Your Haven?
Our apartment measures a cozy 700 square feet.
What’s Your Favorite Aspect of Living in a Small Home?
Without a doubt, what I love most about living in a small space is the incredible sense of coziness it provides. There’s something inherently comforting about a compact home that invites you to snuggle up, relax, and truly feel at peace. It encourages a more intimate and connected living experience, fostering warmth and a feeling of being truly enveloped by your surroundings. Every corner feels intentional, and the entire apartment just feels like a big, warm hug. This coziness isn’t just about the physical dimensions; it’s about the atmosphere you can cultivate when everything is within reach and thoughtfully arranged.
What Design Challenges Have You Encountered and How Did You Overcome Them?
Living in a rental often comes with its unique set of challenges, and our apartment was no exception. One of the biggest hurdles we faced initially was our kitchen, which came equipped with realllly ugly cabinets. I mean, seriously, they were bad! For a long time, they were an eyesore, but I eventually reached a point where I just couldn’t stand looking at them anymore. In a moment of inspired desperation, I convinced Eddie to help me take all the cabinet doors off. It was a bold move, but honestly, it was amazing how much of a difference that one simple, free change made. It was truly a night and day transformation! Suddenly, instead of closed, dated cabinets, I had open shelving, which instantly opened up the space and provided a fantastic opportunity for me to style with pretty dishes, plants, and decorative items. It turned a functional but unappealing space into something much more aesthetically pleasing and personal.
Another challenge that many renters can relate to is dealing with less-than-ideal flooring. Our apartment features some rather unsightly carpeting throughout, which definitely isn’t my preferred aesthetic. To combat this, I’ve embraced the power of layering. I’ve strategically placed several beautiful, textured rugs on top of the carpet, effectively covering the most visible areas and creating a much softer, more inviting look. This not only conceals the original carpet but also adds depth, warmth, and a touch of bohemian flair that aligns perfectly with our personal style. It’s a great rental-friendly solution to a common flooring dilemma.
Do You Employ Any Unique Storage Solutions in Your Small Home?
While perhaps not entirely unique, our most effective storage solution utilizes the often-overlooked space beneath our king-size bed. That entire area is prime real estate for stowing away seasonal clothing, extra bedding, and various other items that aren’t needed on a daily basis. The beauty of this solution is that everything remains neatly out of sight, helping to maintain a clutter-free and serene environment. It’s a simple yet incredibly efficient way to maximize storage in a small bedroom without sacrificing precious floor space or aesthetic appeal. In small homes, thinking vertically and utilizing hidden spaces like this is absolutely crucial for maintaining order and functionality.
Which is Your Favorite Room and Why?
Our living room is undoubtedly my favorite space in our home. It’s truly the heart of our apartment, and the cozy fireplace serves as its focal point, radiating warmth and creating an inviting atmosphere that we both cherish. This room is incredibly versatile and functions as our main hub for almost everything. It’s where Eddie and I unwind after a long day, catching up on our favorite shows. It’s also where we enjoy most of our meals together, transforming a simple dining experience into a relaxed affair. And, of course, it’s the primary space where we entertain guests, making it a place filled with laughter, conversation, and cherished memories. The blend of comfort, functionality, and its central role in our daily lives makes it feel exceptionally special and loved.
Which Space Has Been the Most Challenging to Design and Work With?
Ironically, the living room, despite being my favorite, has also been the biggest headache! It’s gone through so many little changes and rearrangements over the years as we’ve tried to perfect its functionality and flow. The most significant challenge was figuring out how to seamlessly integrate my workspace into the room without it feeling intrusive or cluttered. In a 700-square-foot apartment, dedicated office space is a luxury we don’t have, so I had to get creative.
I spent a considerable amount of time searching for a solution that would be both practical and aesthetically pleasing. Luckily, I stumbled upon a wall-mounted shelf desk that happened to have the exact dimensions needed to fit into the only available wall space in the room. This was a stroke of luck, as finding furniture that perfectly fits a specific, limited area can be incredibly difficult. The wall-mounted design was key, as it keeps the floor clear and maintains the open feel of the living room, ensuring that my workspace blends in rather than dominates the area. It’s a constant dance of balancing personal needs with spatial constraints in small apartment living.
Do You Ever Wish You Had More Space?
Yes, quite often actually. The thought of having a little more breathing room, perhaps a dedicated guest bedroom or a larger kitchen, does cross my mind from time to time. However, when those thoughts surface, I make a conscious effort to remind myself how incredibly lucky Eddie and I are to live in a space we genuinely love, regardless of its size. Our home is a sanctuary, a place where we feel comfortable and happy, and that’s something to be profoundly grateful for. I also find perspective in knowing that to some people, especially those living in incredibly compact urban environments of 500 square feet or less, our 700-square-foot apartment might even seem quite spacious, haha! It’s all about perspective and appreciating what you have.
If You Could Do It All Over Again, Would You Still Choose to Live Small?
In the particular area of Los Angeles where we reside, living in a small space isn’t always entirely a choice; it’s often more of an economic necessity. The real estate market here is incredibly competitive, and small-space living is generally what’s truly affordable for us. However, despite it being a practical consideration, I firmly believe that the advantages of living small far outweigh any perceived negatives in my mind. There’s a certain freedom that comes with less to maintain, lower utility bills, and a more curated existence. I’m just incredibly thankful that Eddie and I have found a home of our own together, in a city that I absolutely adore. It’s about making the most of what you have and finding joy and functionality within those parameters.
What’s Your Best Piece of Small Space Living Advice?
My absolute best piece of advice for anyone living in a small space, or considering it, is this: there is simply no room for furniture or décor that you aren’t absolutely, unequivocally in love with. Every item in your home should serve a purpose, bring you joy, or ideally, both. This philosophy necessitates a conscious approach to what you bring into your home. You need to be ruthless about purging what you don’t need, don’t use, or don’t genuinely adore. It’s an ongoing process of decluttering and editing.
Once you’ve cleared out the excess, the goal is to only bring things into your home that you’re truly crazy about and that you know will actually get a lot of use. This might sound simple, but it’s incredibly challenging to practice consistently! It means resisting impulse buys, carefully considering each potential addition, and making sure it aligns with your aesthetic and lifestyle. I have to remind myself of my own advice all the time, especially when I see something beautiful! But by adhering to this principle, you ensure that every item in your small home is a cherished piece, contributing to a curated, functional, and deeply personal sanctuary.
Embracing Style in Compact Spaces: My Takeaways from Sara’s Inspiring Home
You guys, I mean… I. Just. Can’t. I am utterly smitten with Sara’s home! Her ability to transform a 700-square-foot rental into such a personal, cozy, and utterly lovely abode is nothing short of extraordinary. The thing I love most is how she hasn’t allowed the fact that it’s a rental to limit her creativity or stop her from making it truly her own. This mindset is a powerful reminder that beautiful design isn’t exclusive to homeowners; renters, too, can craft spaces that reflect their unique style and personality.
I’m completely obsessed with all the cozy layers and rich textures she’s incorporated throughout her apartment. From the thoughtfully placed rugs that soften the existing carpeting to the abundance of natural materials and bohemian accents, every element contributes to an inviting and lived-in feel. It’s a masterclass in creating warmth and depth, making a compact space feel expansive in character, if not in square footage.
And what a genius move it was for her to simply remove those ugly cabinet doors in the kitchen! This is a prime example of how a simple, cost-free solution can completely transform the look and feel of a space. It instantly opened up the kitchen, creating an airy, stylish display area that looks modern and intentional. This kind of innovative thinking, turning a challenge into an opportunity, is a hallmark of successful small-space design.
I also deeply resonate with her crucial advice about purging and only bringing in things you’re truly crazy about. It’s sooooooo hard, guys! Especially when you’re crazy about all the beautiful things you see, literally. But her point is incredibly vital for small-space living: every item must earn its place. This philosophy not only keeps clutter at bay but also ensures that your home is filled only with items that resonate deeply with you, contributing to a sense of peace and personal expression.
Connect with Sara & Black and Blooms for More Inspiration!
Sara, THANK YOU so much for generously sharing your stunning space with us and for giving us the absolute BEST start to a new week. Your insights and design prowess are truly inspiring, and your home is a beautiful testament to the power of thoughtful, intentional living.
To all my wonderful readers, please make sure you’re following Sara on Instagram to continue soaking up her daily dose of cozy bohemian inspiration. Her feed is a treasure trove of design ideas and beautiful moments. And don’t forget to take some time to dive into her blog. It’s genuinely good, y’all, packed with even more insights into her style and life. I hope everyone is off to a fantastic and inspired week. Until next time, friends…
