My Biggest Design Challenge Yet!

Number One Son moved in to a San Francisco studio apartment in the heart of the Mission District. He asked me to help him "decorate" his new space. It is my biggest design challenge yet! This is the kitchen, which is actually kind of cute.

The budget? A Big Fat Zero! So, we shopped my garage for cast-offs!

This is the 10 x 14 foot living space. What I put in this room had to multi-task.

I like that there is a half wall dividing the living area from the kitchen. It makes everything feel so much larger. There is a decent size closet, but a very tiny bathroom.

This is the breezeway that leads to the apartment. I felt good that a locked iron gate keeps everyone out except the tenants who share this little hidden area.

At the end of the breezeway is a private courtyard which is shared by all 4 tenants. My son already has plans to plant an herb garden for his culinary pursuits.

So here are the "after" pictures. The rug was a cast-off of mine, but perfect for him as it isn't floral! A twin bed does double duty as a sofa when guests visit. There are three large square cushions to lean against the wall.

The oak dresser was a splurge. $125 at a local thrift store. It will multi-task as a lamp table and a buffet if he entertains. The ottoman can be called to duty as extra seating. The small bookshelf will eventually hold his collection of books.

Next to the half wall is this small table with two chairs. Perfect for dining or working at the computer.

The kitchen has a nice built-in bookshelf for his many cookbooks and jars of spices. He is very excited to cook in his new kitchen, although the oven doesn't work and the refrigerator has an ice box that is full of ice!

It is hard to believe that this little studio apartment costs $1150/month! Actually, for San Francisco, it is a bargain.

I feel good that I was able to come up with just the right amount of furniture to not only serve a purpose, but look good too. There are plans to paint the walls in the living area and hang some art, but for now Number One Son is settled in and loving his new apartment!

I'm joining Susan at Between Naps on the Porch for Metamorphosis Monday. Be sure to visit the other participants for more before and after photos.