Honestly, I cannot get enough of these Small Space Squad home tours! Not only does it scratch my voyeurism itch (does anyone else love seeing how other people live??), but it’s provided so much inspiration for our own home. Case in point, the super-stylish 1 bedroom apartment of Crystal Ann Interiors. Also, if you’re looking for some Murphy bed inspiration, this home tour is perfect for you!
Home Tour: Inside Eclectic, Kid-Friendly Apartment of Crystal Ann Interiors
Who: Crystal Nielsen of Crystal Ann Interiors
Where: Manhattan
Number of years living small: We started our marriage off in a 6 bed house and now we are in a 1 bedroom apt! We have lived in our apt for 2 years now.
To start, tell me your story about how you ultimately ended up choosing a small space?
We really wanted to be in a good area by good schools for our kids. We could either do a crappy two bedroom or a decent one bedroom, so we chose the decent (big) one bedroom!
What is your biggest challenge in your small space?
The kitchen. We spend a lot of time in our kitchen, especially since my husband loves to cook, so sometimes it is hard for us to cook together.
What is your favorite part about living small?
Favorite thing about living small is how mindful it makes us be of everything we choose to bring in our home. If we don’t love it, we don’t keep it. That simple!
What is your number one hack for living small?
Be organized. And if you have a hard time with that, then simplify what you have and be tidy! It helps make a small space breathe! The beautiful thing about living in a small space is it is quicker to clean!
Do you ever feel pressure to be “minimalistic” or feel guilty about buying things you don’t “need” for your home?
I don’t feel pressure because I naturally enjoy being minimalistic, but I do find myself feeling guilty buying things I don’t need. Although if it helps add to the space and not clutter it, then I feel a lot better about it.
What have you learned about yourself by living small?
I have learned that having a huge nice home won’t bring you happiness. Taking care of what you have will. Even if it is only 700 sqft.
What’s your number one storage hack?
Baskets! We don’t have a dresser for the kids room and we have shelves and baskets/bins to store all their toys and clothing. It’s pretty storage!
Who is your biggest small space inspiration?
What do your friends and family say about your choice to live small?
They admire how we have maximized a small, plain apt into a functional, pretty, living space!
Thank you so much to Crystal Nielsen for sharing about your life with us! Be sure to look at Crystal’s Instagram feed for more of her home and style.
You can find even more Small Space Squad Home Tours here:
- Jess Ann Kirby
- Reserve Home
- The Mayes Team
- The Grit & Polish
- The Grand Apartment
- Anne Sage
- Arrows & Bow
- Katrina Blair
