Small Home, Big Style: Sunshine and Beauty in Miami

Hi Everyone!

Happy Friday loves! OK so before we get into today's post, I have some amazing news to share: yesterday we got a call from our realtor that the bank accepted our offer!!  We got the house!!!  We are so incredibly excited. We are projected to close at the end of June which couldn't be more ideal. Next step is to make it through inspections.  I have some concerns since the house is a bit rough around the edges, so hopefully nothing major pops up and we can sail on to the next step.  I know that in real estate nothin is guaranteed until keys are in hand, and sharing news as it occurs may be considered premature,  but I'm all about celebrating small victories along the way, and getting an acceptance from the bank on a short sale in less than 2 weeks is one big ass victory! Plus I'm a firm believer in what is meant to be will be and I don't believe in jinxes so I'm happy to share news as I get it without fear that I'm gonna elicit bad luck. Besides, this is a real journey and if things happen along the way, I figure we'll all share in the emotions together. Ill keep you posted...

I'm so excited to be back at it today with another gorgeous Small Home Big Style feature.  I'm pleased to have the honor of sharing Gloribell's gorgeous Miami home with you all.  Gloribell is seriously the sweetest, most gentle soul you'll ever come across. She's so genuine and nice, and she has an amazing sense of style.  Her eye for photography is top notch and her blog just oozes beauty at every click and scroll.  Oh and she's a fellow Taurus to boot!

Gloribell blogs over at I Don't Know How She Does It where her bright, elegant style shines through. Here's how she lives and loves in her small spaces:

 

 

 

Where/What city do you live in?
Currently I'm living in sunny Miami, Florida. I'm originally from San Juan, Puerto Rico (another sunny and bright place) but I moved  here around 3 years now.

 

Who do you share your home with?

We are all princesses here (3 girls) but we share this castle with the King, daddy! 

 

Do you own or rent?

At the time we are renting, but looking forward to own a home pretty soon.

 

How many sq ft is your home?

1337 sq ft

 

What do you love most about small space living?  

Besides the easy cleaning part, small spaces are great when decorating. For example, one of my walls take less effort to look good with simple art compare to the big murals some houses have.

 

What challenges have you faced?

Living with 3 girls (ages 9,3,1) can be a little daunting at times because they like to entertain themselves with toys. The "not-so-fun" part comes when mommy has to do the pick up. Finding ways to keep the toys at reach but out of sight has been one of my great challenges living in a small space. 

 

Any unique storage solutions?

Baskets, baskets and more baskets. I can't get tired of them because they help me out with the organization while at the same time they decorate a space. 

 

What's your favorite room in your home?

My favorite room is my living room. The natural light that comes from the big sliding door makes this area a very bright one. I love natural light and if I ever move to a house, this is one important element I'll take into consideration.

 

Do you every wish you had more space?

I wish I had a patio... not necessarily a bigger space (well, 300 sq ft more wouldn't hurt!!!) but a place I can plant and rejoice with nature is one of my biggest dreams. 

 

Best piece of small space living advice?

Take advantage of natural illumination. Sometimes small spaces can feel at times a bit crowded, but with natural light and a selection of bright wall color paints the feeling of the room will change dramatically. Open the curtains or use airy fabric on windows for a fresh and clearer look.

I couldn't agree more about the baskets!  I was a basket hoarder before, but since being the in apartment there's a whole new level of basket craziness happening around here.  They've been a major lifesaver though.  Id definitely say they are a small space essential.  

 

For even more small space awesomeness from Gloribell, be sure to check out her Patio Style Challenge Space. Talk about making a big impact with little room!  It was one of my favs from this season. Thank you so much for being here today Gloribell and for sharing your beautiful home with us. 

Oh, I almost forgot....yesterday I had the most amazing time touring the San Francisco Designer Showhouse.  The spaces were spectacular and incredibly inspiring.  I'm really bummed I can't share them with you, though. They cut me off at the knees at the door with the "no photography" rule.  Damn them.
 

Have a happy weekend my friends. While your enjoying the festivities of this long weekend, please take a moment to remember what this Memorial Day holiday is truly about. I'm so very thankful for all my fellow service members past, present, and future.  Until next time.....

 

Xo- Shavonda

*all photos provided by Gloribell of I Don't Know How She Does It