Tiny Spaces: A Minimalist + Family-Functional Brooklyn Apartment

Yes, you CAN live small with little kiddos. Case in point: Jacqueline’s minimalist and uber functional Brooklyn apartment. Tour her family’s home to see how beautifully curated decor, transforming furniture and lots (and lots) of canvas storage bins.
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[@humminbirrrd]

Their space is beautiful... What I don't like about the minimalist movement is that it always seems to devolve into a contest or nitpicking in the comments. I've seen a ton of comments about how 675 sq ft for four people isn't small because there are other apartments out there that are only 450 sq ft or whatever. 😒 Or because a couple can afford more expensive furniture and whatnot, suddenly they're not doing minimalism right. No one person can define minimalism. This family has found what works for them.

[@boricuababyhuey7576]

AGREED!

[@CalmVibesVee]

Christina Yes dear one. But what if we just ignored the negative comments and celebrated the positive. 🤔🦋☀️💕

[@nntflow7058]

But they have 4 people living in that space. Compared to the typical singleton or couple who lived in 450 sqft apartment.

[@TheOrganizedSoprano]

THIS 👏🏽

[@kageyamatobio1181]

@@nntflow7058 right

[@hs1athome]

This is minimalism on a champagne budget. Literally all of these pieces are high end. One of those 10" plates are $55 each. Absolutely a beautiful home but for us regular folks this also can be closely accomplished with thrifted/used pieces or having to be more creative.

[@TheMattmatic]

Man, that oxygen rush I get when I walk into a room with plants. The room feels HUGE immediately.

[@annaalm18]

haha😂

[@kathrynbertley2401]

i really want to be a minimalist when i move out because my family's house is very cluttered

[@yveszusje5023]

Good luck this is so unrealistic especially with kids🙄

[@gleamyy4452]

Kathryn Bertley exactly! i share rooms with my sister and it's quite annoying because her side is always messy and cluttered.

[@sakuragreentea7773]

same here, i have a lot of stuff but i keep it all hidden in a corner of boxes. i hate having clutter visable. my mom on the other hand is old fashioned and loves having a bunch of pointless decorations and things we dont even need...sometimes i really want to move out bc i want and need a tidy environment

[@Edith.G.G.]

Oj same here... Me and my all family are acumulators, I'm working my best for declutter all the things I have except the truly​ necessary stuff before I move my own place in a couple months. The hoarding is something horrible that have caused me lot of bad things and the major of it is anxiety.

[@soufianesalhi8802]

Just like me

[@J.0.E.]

I love it, No guys minimalism isn't about being cheap. It' s about having a limited number of things that you actually use and enjoy. It's about not having a lot of stuff to clutter up. It's about having just enough.

[@ritalynb7070]

Sadly, I see alot of negativity in the comments. I live in a small, 1 bedroom house that I have owned for 12 years. There are 2 of us living in the space and it is incredibly comfortable. Somehow in N America we have been brainwashed to believe we need big homes to be comfortable. A smaller home means a smaller mortgage, less time spent cleaning, less furniture is needed to make the space comfortable and inviting. We are surrounded by the things we love (books & music) and we don't have the financial strain of a large mortgage.

[@hashmo101]

you go girl.

[@nntflow7058]

Also, less electricity bill.

[@jo-annel.wright2975]

@ ritalyn b I agree. I live in a three bedroom house that was built in the 1980's when interest rates on housing loans was 18+% so it's size is comparable to a family home from the 1950's. It is more than big enough for two...and has housed ten for weeks when my guests were flooded in. I thought I was decluttering since my children left home 18 years ago but in reality I was just playing tetris with my stuff. I am now intentionally aiming for a simple, uncluttered, slow life and it was only last decade that I realised organising is not decluttering or even 'rightsizing'...so it was back to the drawing board. Every January I complete Peter Walsh's 31Days2GetOrganised and I know that there is light at the end of the tunnel...and I binge watch decluttering, small & simple living and organisation videos when I need a wedge between me and my complacency. As well as rightsizing in preparation for retirement I have commenced my Swedish Death Cleaning now that I am past 60 so that I can live surrounded by things that, as Marie Kondo said, Spark Joy. Re: the negative commenters...what they say reveals more about them than they'd care to realise...

[@SK-my1lj]

ritalyn b I am an immigrant to America. Space is a luxury and I would not undermine the need to have space. I would to have a big home (not a mansion), just so that I can have my own sanctuary to come back to and relax. Small is comfortable, but it can get pretty cramped . Just my opinion

[@JerryRSun]

You can't practice instruments in a small apartment that has people on the other side of the wall.

[@IamNoonie]

This couple was featured on a documentary called Minimalism: A Documentary. It's on Netflix and actually very good!

[@itzCreamStew]

Seen them in Tiny House Hunting when they first searching for a place to live. She was still pregnant at that time. Then they renovate the place, now it became their house (this house that being featured).

[@Heretical_Theology]

I see a lot of jealous people on here belittling them and even calling them privileged... I for one am happy for them. Make good decisions. Value what makes you happy. Cut the crap and clutter from you life that doesn't bring you value. This family has their values in order and I can assure everyone the negative opinions the people have here in this thread, even if they did read them, would not affect them in the slightest because they know their worth and have exactly everything they need and very little they do not. That is minimalism. If it's not for you, then have a great day, but one feels the need the belittle them, then that person is exactly why they are minimalist as their happiness has nothing to do with others opinions. I suggest we find what we truly value and stick to those things.

[@SteveStearns]

People like to judge others online that they don't know anything about and make assumptions. I have met them, and have communicated with David quite a bit. I can tell you that he is very down-to-earth, extremely helpful, and a good person. I would NOT describe him as "privileged" at all.

[@drclairejones]

Its even more commendable and necessary for a family with a lot of means to really think about how they consume

[@debbiepotter6413]

Here we go with the jealous comment. Lol. Yes I am sure that’s what they are. And 12 years old

[@starrix4712]

Debbie Potter Bitter for sure, Debs. That dissatisfaction only comes from one place. We can just read you all better than you know yourselves. Clearly you’re getting that comment a lot, if it’s always about you search deep within and realise why. Internet people never understand that; most assholes don’t to be fair.

[@anitavirginillo]

Her place has a sense of calm because there is no visual clutter. A great environment for those kids to grow up in.

[@hashmo101]

What an inspiring, intelligent and elegant approach to life. The couple look healthy and happy. I bet they have a blast exploring NY and have time and money because of their intentional way of living. Maybe if we all lived like this the world might be a better place.

[@renysimone3312]

Bet they have great jobs, come from money, have never had to live on a budget, do this because its "cute" and "hip" right now...typical white people who are privileged, but feel guilty about it! Yawn...

[@Heretical_Theology]

wow...

[@jazzlover1723]

It has nothing to do with income. It should be easier for people with less money because to keep your home simple and uncluttered stop buying so much stuff you don't need. What does this have to do with privilege or skin color? It's a lifestyle choice anyone can make.

[@hashmo101]

In all fairness to Reny, I think sometimes you have to have 'made it' in order to then realise that you never needed those excess possessions in the first place. So sometimes it does require money. Other times it requires a period of reflection and learning - often things that the poor do not get time to do because they're so busy trying to make ends meet. Until that point though you're trapped in that mindset that more/richer = better. Advertisers/capitalism loves it, it keeps the masses spending money on useless things in the pursuit of feeling loved/validated/worthy/relevant/secure. It's such a shame. Imam Ali said "no wealth is a greater remover of destitution than being satisfied by mere sustenance". Minimalism is so awesome, I think it can save our environment and societies from crumbling away.

[@anitafrieda]

Jazzlover: murphy beds are costly. Nice dinnerware is costly. But in the long run you save money.

[@ouvickie]

I love the minimalist movement. My parents and grandparents were minimalist out of necessity, growing up. Meaning they didn't have the money to buy toys very often, so anytime they received one it lasted them a long time and they took good care of what little they had. Consumerism became a way of life during the Boomer generation, of which I'm part of, however, I realized "things" don't make me happy, people make me happy. I have a few treasured items, mostly photographs and some keepsakes that belonged to my parents and grandparents. Those mean the most to me, now that they're all gone, but I've told my family not to buy me anymore "stuff" during holidays. I appreciate consumables, if they want to buy me something, but more clutter is not my ideal lifestyle.

[@MyMusicSosa]

Lady, this is not what minimalism means

[@SoniaVerardoBeautyBlog]

I love how you decorated your apparment it looks beautiful! I live in a one bedroom appartment with my hubby, our dog and a baby on its way and even when there were just the two of us, I felt we needed more space! It' s comforting to know you have two kids and managed to organize your living space so well! This video inspires me and helps me be more creative in organising my space and making the most out of what I have! xo from Italy, Sonia Verardo

[@LovedHappy]

Love the bit about round tables :) I definitely appreciate not bumping into sharp corners. Great bits of advice :)

[@johnvarjohn2549]

This is just pure, great taste. Well done. Just white, wood and some greenery. What a result.

[@PaolaEnergya]

Fab video! I've been living in a studio flat for 16 years and never looked back. Minimalism is the perfect lifestyle because it teaches you to appreciate what you have and not hoard unnecessary stuff

[@adriluda]

I love what you said about the open shelving, I never really thought about them in that way

[@lightningminded]

Thanks for sharing! I like how she points out value within the reasons for doing things. More helpful than just showing us furniture. The "whys" in many small space videos are glazed over in favor of surface aesthetics.

[@clercqert]

This is such a nice apartment! It really lets you focus on the important stuff in life:) I'm happy for them! Also, the material use in the kitchen is amazing:)

[@VanessaKanbi]

thanks for sharing - LOVE THE FOLDING BEDS!! xxx

[@TheFLOPY3032]

Love it ! So clean , peaceful and cozy .

[@aryayudistira]

thanks for your inspiration.

[@JamieKateAdoc]

Their space is airy! I love it!

[@kathleen6288]

I absolutely love your space. I am older and have collected a lot of beautiful things. I do let some things go & I no longer stock pile, so I do some minimalism. But let me tell you, if anything ever happened to my belongings, I would embrace this lifestyle in a heartbeat and I wouldn't look back. This is wonderful! Thank you.

[@heeranie]

I love how this is not a stressful minimalism, becoz other minimalist just seemed really stress and wants to be in control of her surrounding type, and they actually just wants u to buy more

[@mabarker72]

I live in about 70m2 house with my husband and 1 son. Before watching alot of minimalist style houses I tended to think about moving to a bigger house. Now I change my mind. The most important think for me now is how to make inside my house to be well organized, artsy and functional.

[@pameladenise1452]

Love what she's has done with this space !

[@dottiebowles2658]

What a beautiful space!

[@TheOrganizedSoprano]

This is a lovely space! Mine is different but I can appreciate their aesthetic. I LOVE transforming furniture! Some of the mean comments on video make me kinda sad though :(

[@patriciaking7892]

Awesome apartment and family! The video feels relaxing.

[@drclairejones]

I had a little look on line and Jacqueline is an interior designer or furniture designer so it makes perfect sense that her own home reflects her talent and passion. I really admire her style and choices and would love my home to look like this some day. It is a privilege to be able to choose and pay for expensive but beautiful and functions furniture however it is saving money in the long-term.

[@dianer8881]

Store stackable kitchenware beneath a kitchen sink. Place plumbing against a wall and add sliding trays. Additional cupboards may not be needed. Store utensils in a tall container in the corner of the counter top.

[@andraREBECA]

Omg i love your house! I am so jealous 😍 compliments for being so smart minimalist !

[@SimpleFull]

beautiful!!! I love transforming furniture!!!💞👌

[@nizziewong]

Thank you for sharing this. It's very inspirational.

[@Xanduur]

We're stuck in a mortgage of an 1750 sq ft home. I really cannot stand all the extra space that is filled with (IMO) junk. I lived for two years in a 300 sq ft furnished apartment when I was in the Army and loved it. Just enough room. By the way, I love your home.

[@sunshineshann93]

what a beautiful home, so elegantly filmed too

[@paulrumohr]

I love this video. Thanks for making it.

[@GratefulDeb270]

Lovely!

[@vickyrodas8961]

Love it!

[@nicoletaiftimiu6903]

Wonderful!

[@tasha4183]

My mom is a hoarder. I can’t wait to move out so I can do this.

[@nntflow7058]

You reminded me of young Uma Thurman a little bit. Also, nice color combinations of the wood palate, it looks nice.

[@StoryoftheEye]

Beautiful!

[@michaelverner2084]

Wonderful piece!!!

[@panditadata2595]

Beautiful family and life style thanks

[@mariekielbasa3193]

Love this!

[@CalmVibesVee]

Good job! Be free ! I like the idea of a round table for space efficiency even tho I enjoy right angles. I think I might switch mine for round. Makes sense : )

[@ShyBuba]

inspirational!

[@OroSkullz78]

I just found your channel. Love it!

[@JanaeCrawford]

I loved this!

[@lucindawilson5510]

practical plus beautiful thanks

[@Klaproossje]

My home is very colourfull and for some a bit clutterd but I never feel bored in it, if I would live in a house like they have I would be bored all day 😅

[@anmnou]

This looks like a Portlandia skit. :\ "Round tables can be really wonderful because they don't have corners and edges..." Hahahha!

[@tammybrennan9506]

A G 😀

[@llewodcm20]

Her "up-talk" and vocal fry is grating, too. Imagine living somewhere you can't get away from her.

[@ChocolateJewels]

The point is that you don’t bump into the corners every time you walk by or around them. Been there, done that, now I have a round kitchen table.

[@mariacapparelli5081]

Jacqueline I really loved the minimal style & simplicity of your apartment. I would like to know where is the desk & chair from as well as the couch?

[@designanthology12]

Love the table

[@YouIxoxo]

I love it!!!

[@TaraWhiteTalks]

Wow, love it! Great style. I hope you have a full house tour somewhere, I'm off to look :) :)

[@saltycrotchwhiff3946]

Certainly not! Her aim is a so called minimalist life style, which means that the house will never be full.

[@fantiduck]

TaraWhiteTalks hello, I have found an article in a magazine about this apartment. There are more photos and a ground plan in the article. I can send it to you, if you want to read it. :)

[@eloisalunar3822]

tak def can I have it too?

[@sophia_26]

@@fantiduck I know it has been a while, but could you send me the article about this place as well? Thanks

[@tms0815g]

WONDERFUL!

[@arast11]

Inspired!!

[@cleosasha76]

Obviously it's working. 👏 But yeah I want to do this long term. 🥺I just got to figure out how and where to relocate and move

[@jayk1203]

Love this

[@sohinisarkarblogs]

Thank u for ur useful advice

[@aichaeicha8763]

Thank you

[@73cidalia]

My family and I (4 kids and 2 adults) live in a 600 sq foot home. Perfectly doable and easier to clean.

[@DSeanKirkland]

LOVED the video! Great tips.

[@lsamoa]

The main advantage of open shelving when living in a small space is that you save on the extra space that opening closet doors would require. Same thing with top-opening washing machines instead of front-opening.

[@sarah3796]

Beautiful 😍

[@Honorineoff]

Inspiration ❤️

[@mimakate]

Love!

[@albertchan5726]

Great work

[@saramachadodasilva6939]

In Brazil this is a normal size for an apartment, but I love it

[@angelasheppard7197]

Nice ideas

[@estradajustdoit8453]

Nicely said

[@amiraizruna]

Such a beautiful home, very inspirational!

[@SJ72BE]

Great video ! Where do the round table and chairs come from?

[@CraftyPrapty]

wow

[@peaceoglory]

So many artsy shots, so many closeups, yet I saw nothing of the apartment or it's layout. Worst house tour ever. It's as if I called a friend over to see my apartment and then put a plant in their face and not let them see the apartment. "Look at this bowl! Just look at it!" "Ok, ok, but can I see your rooms now?" "No! Look at this plant!" Shame, since from the tiny bit I could see it seemed like a nice place. Maybe this is a trailer for a house tour? I don't know, but it's the only thing I can think of to make sense.

[@Julia-rq7uj]

Sadly 90% of the apartment tours on KZbin are like this now

[@nofurtherwest3474]

they didn't want you see the the reality... which is like more clutter

[@peterbridan3485]

Watch minimalism the documentary you see more of their apartment in it

[@126missday]

I think because that’s really all there is to their space it seems a bit stoic for my taste but if they love it I like it for them I do however really like the table & chairs😌

[@normaplascencia7285]

I really like your apartment and also will like to know where can I buy those gorgeous cups and plates that really look like sculptures. They are beautiful. Thank you for sharing 😆

[@kiransushiljain9831]

You people are good. 👍👍👍

[@idontcarei]

love it ..kids r soo cute...but i must say ...anybody (well almost) can do it if they have money ....the real challange is to do it on tight budget ...(btw i m not one of them)..ive seen many destitute people who decorate their houses on a shoestring ..i think they deserve accolades

[@rasha4625]

I so agree keeping a clean and pretty snall home on a shoestring budget is what is a good capability is.

[@sarray4497]

minimalism is actually appealing to people who want to save money because it's the opposite of consumerism. you might like it, it's not a way of decorating (though people can decorate that way), it's a lifestyle. people either use what they already own for decorating, or if they buy new/used items theyre not spending a lot since theyre buying very little. after all, it's a way of living that reduces the amount of things we have. there are a few youtubers who explain what minimalism is, and how to do it. rachel aust has a series of videos on the topic, check it out if youre interested in finding ways to save money. it can even reduce rent cost since we could rent smaller spaces.

[@Julia-rq7uj]

Idk I find it easier to minimalist when Im on a tighter budget... Cuz then I just don't buy stuff i can't afford and that's the best type of minimalism ! When you live simple AND with minimal spenditure

[@hipatiadealejandria2452]

Love your house but I disagree about the shelves, at least in the kitchen. . It gives lots of work to keep the objects on them cleaned

[@Sunflowers9191]

Balcon Frances I agree. I prefer kitchen cabinets instead of shelves.

[@LindaPellinen]

but she probably uses them everyday and therefor cleans them everyday after use...

[@nofurtherwest3474]

it looks like she also had some cabinets. probably only puts the nice stuff on the open shelving. sometimes also open shelving is the only practical solution because the doors of cabinets can make it cumbersome to navigate a small space as you might bump into them.

[@purevjamtsbatburged5539]

That's cool

[@rachelkumar4758]

Beautiful home you have ! Where did you get your dining table and chairs from?

[@pamf9848]

I like this lady and her flat

[@statebriga4989]

The Sikrt is best😍

[@blackwomanminimalist]

Any chance you can share the link for the dinnerware you reference in your post?

[@qayyuumzaki8033]

Is Jacqueline have any blogs or any social media? her ideas inspired me alot

[@CapeWitchesSociety]

WOW those dishes are crazy expensive. I understand going for quality but I'm not sure I would have that much invested in dinnerware with little ones around.

[@anitafrieda]

We have "expensive" Dinnerware, too. As long as our children are small, we have some plastic dinnerware for them. It can be used for camping, too.

[@MrSteve-of2hj]

Hey, plants do give out oxygen during the day but but takes the same oxygen in during the night. Kinda research on that & see if there are effects of that or not. Nice place...

[@saladbattery]

Plants put out tons of oxygen throughout the day, and they take in carbon dioxide that we breath out. It’s called photosynthesis. Plants also breathe, or respirate a bit at night like animals do but they use significantly less air then we do. They make up the difference and far more with the oxygen they produce.

[@LiliWhiteWorld]

LOL - I just KNEW there would be at least one comment about vocal fry, but there were actually quite a few. Guess I'm not the only one who can't listen comfortably to those who use it. The same goes for people who use the word "like" as much as, say, the Kardashian's do. Drives me bananas.

[@SonshineLady7]

I would love to have a bed that folds up into the wall!!

[@azabujuban-hito8085]

She's really beautiful.

[@sethrintatu]

Does Jacqueline have a blog/instagram? I'd love some links to some of these gorgeous products - the canvas bags and bowls in the kitchen, etc. Thank you!

[@hakastan2716]

Thanks for Sharing Ha Sydney

[@XoxiasWorld]

Wow💓

[@logicdesign3758]

I am not fun of open shelving due to the domestic dust ( i'm also allergic). That's why I prefer simple/clean looking cabinets and leave exposed only 5 or 6 loved items such as an old camera, a wood souvenir animal or an old car miniature

[@user-sq1gk3fr4i]

Well in Europe people keep their houses very clean. We do not hide dust in closed spaces nor live with being surrounded by too many things.

[@dianer8881]

When living in the city, try some nature images on the walls.

[@cam7sgn]

What is the brand of the plates, bowls and cups that you have? Thank you

[@feyazamora8572]

Where do you get those beds.? I love that idea.

[@xavimusajulaili]

hello, may i know what is the brand of your plates? longing to have one... thanks!