Somehow we made it to the second half of August – and now it’s finally time to sign a lease on an apartment in NYC for a Sep 1 move in date. I made a trip up to New York on our way to Boston this weekend with my girls (Michael was busy finishing up his last projects at his current job). It was a long weekend, but the good news is I think we’re going to have a place to live next month! Relief.
We got back to Delaware last night, but we’re packing our bags right back up today and heading home to Arizona for a week.
These next couple of weeks will be a whirlwind of traveling, packing, cleaning, moving and settling. Thanks for your patience as I focus on family needs for a little bit. I’ll be here as often as possible, just probably not every day.
PS It’s been fun to talk with some of my girlfriends about how we live in our homes. Michael and I have been deciding between a big, open and pretty raw loft space and a nicer but smaller and more compartmentalized apartment. One of my friends says she could never get right with her kitchen being open to the living area. I actually like the idea of living/eating/cooking/working in one room. Different strokes though. How would you most like to live in the city?
I don't think many people plan to visit here during the LOVELY hot, humid month of August! Have fun on your trip and stay cool. :)
Have so much fun- wish we were gonna be in AZ. I can't wait to see what kind of place you found in NYC. I'm with you- I like open kitchen/ living areas. They are hard to come by over here where maids are abundant and therefor to be hidden away in the kitchen.
I feel like the kitchen always becomes the center of the home socially- so it might as well be combined with the living area.
Enjoy your break! I think you need to plan a little Jenny shops Globe this year (and I'll tag along/ provide accomodation etc)
First of all I wish you and your family happy days in NYC. And now for your question – I have tried both kind of the kitchens. I really thought that I like the open space more – and in my country,the Czech Republic,it is now very popular concept, but than (because I cook, bake and clean in my kitchen really often) I found that there is always so much interruption, that now I would prefer separate space for the kitchen and also for family rooms. So I think it really depends on your family lifestyle.
Have a great moving and comming fall in NYC.
Jana from Prague, Czech Republic
We have an open space plan. I love it, especially with small children. You always know what they may be up to! You don't feel excluded from what everyone else is doing in the house also. Living in NYC is a good lesson in minimizing and organization. Best of luck on your move! We'll be anxiously awaiting your return.
Both kitchens have benefits, but having a family with young children I feel an open kitchen is easier for all involved.
Hi Jenny,
I'm not sure if you have done this or not, but I was thinking (and hoping) that before you leave Boston, you could do a visitor's guide. I would love to see where you shop for vintage, fabrics, clothes, etc. and where you love to eat and of course your Boston must-sees.
I know you're swamped right now but I would LOVE it and I'm sure some of your other readers would as well.
I'm planning a trip to Boston soon and would love some advice!
Thanks for the consideration!!
Big open space is so much better – in RI we had a compartmentalized place, and in UT we're wide open and I'm so much happier with our Midway setup. I spend so much time in the kitchen, and it's imperative that I be able to keep tabs on the kidlets. I feel like I'm not abandoning them while I'm busy chore-ing it up!
Have a great trip home to AZ and good luck with packing and moving!!!
xo Jade
I'm all for the big open loft space! But I would still need a room to go and escape to. Congrats on your new place!
Wow those images were amazing! Can't wait to see the new place- whatever space you choose will look amazing once you get your hands on it! Regarding the compartmentalized apt. vs open loft space, while I love the idea of open living spaces, my only concern with a loft space would be privacy for me and my hubby. Our first place after we were married was a tiny no frills 1 BR condo in Arlington, VA. It was perfectly comfortable for the two of us, but we lived there until our first daughter was almost 2. She slept in a portacrib next to our bed which, how do I put this deicately, made having any private time rather challenging. Having a little baby in your bedroom is one thing, having a toddler in the room is another altogether. I can only imagine what having no privacy and 3 chidren would have been like. I think if I had the option of actual walls, at least around my bedroom, I'd be willing to sacrifice some space for the privacy.
Good luck to you! Exciting times ahead. I, too, would love to hear about Boston tips, when you have a minute. As for an open plan vs. separate rooms – we are too messy for an open plan ourselves. If I haven't had a chance to load the dishwasher or sort the laundry, I don't want even the UPS guy to see that when he rings the bell! Maybe you are much neater. I like the idea of each room having its own purpose. Whatever you do, I am sure your space will be lovely.
Hope all goes well with your move.
I'm a huge fan of loft/open space living. It makes for easier and fun entertaining when I don't have to be seperated from my guests in some closed off kitchen.
http://singaturestyle.blogspot.com/
Jennica,
Are your parents still in Snow Flake? Are you coming out this way. We would love to see you and Michael. Give Nate or I a call!
yay! i hope this apartment will be it! have a great vacation. on floor plans… i love the chaos of cooking/entertaining/children playing all within eyesight. all depends on the apartment though. xo
I have thought about that before, and I think it would be nice to have a loft space. Just the extra height in ceiling would make it seem bigger and less claustrophobic. Good luck on the new adventure, can't wait to see what unfolds!
Good luck with your move! We live just outside NYC and I'm excited to see what you do with your new place.
I told my husband if we were to ever live in the City, I'd want an open loft space. A BIG open loft space. Only wish we could afford it.
I ran into your blog- since everyone loves it!
We don't have an open kitchen… but if you are still looking for a place we are probably going to rent our apartment out. Good luck with the move!
Edna
Excited to see what you guys end up with!! I am partial to rooms – makes it easier to have separate conversations during a party and hide the disaster in the kitchen once dinner is ready to serve!
My tiny kitchen, "dining room" and "living room" (no really, the quotes are necessary) are all in the same space. I like it. It's cozy. Question though: How do you separate the spaces without disrupting the flow, design-wise??
So happy to have you moving to NYC! Can't wait to hear what your place will be like. Please check out my site and contact me if you ever want to talk about NYC resources for decorating!
living in a loft in NY is my dream! I live in the suburban south in a newish open floor plan home and would never trade it for the world. You get to interact with everyone. When I go back to New England and my parents traditional colonial I can't stand it, so closed off from everyone and the fun. I'm soooo envious and hope you have a successful move to NY!!!
I really dig lofts…but I have to say with small kids NOT.
HGTV used to have a show on Sunday nights devoted to lofts….LOVED that show !!! I can't remember the name, Lofty Spaces or something like that….
Good luck with your move…
Kathy :)
Ooooo I don't know! I think one big open loft would make me feel like my life/home was one giant strand of spaghetti! lol If one area is untidy I would feel like it spilled untidiness into everything else… so precarious… On the other hand, there is a certain rugged romance about a loft space! Best of luck in the big city, very exciting! =)
Best of luck I can't wait to see what you do with a big open space!
We have a kitchen that is closed off right now to our open dining and living space and we hope to actually open up the kitchen to these spaces someday.
It's nice to have a separate space for cooking and having a messing prepping area but you either end up lonely in the kitchen while the rest of your family/friends/guests have a good time in the other room or everyone tries squeezing into the kitchen which makes it very hard to get anything done – we've had both of these situations – so I certainly think you will be much happier with an open space where your whole family can enjoy the time with whoever is doing the cooking!
With young kids I think it's almost essential to have an open plan kitchen/dining/living area. Both for supervision and so I don't feel excluded from the fun!
Good luck with your move. I've just been through it myself and it was exhausting and exciting at the same time.
Both can work so there is not a right nor a wrong. I love the open plan with family and then I adore that old fashioned closed off kitchen but it seems a thing of the past since most people seem to live in the kitchen.
For the city, I would say open and lofty! Why not try something new~
Good luck and if you need anything, please do not hesitate to ask. I was secretly hoping you would move to my burb.
pve
congrats on the move. I can't imagine living anywhere but NYC. BTW if you need a housekeeper I have a great one.
NYChousekeeper.com
I don't know how you do it but I wish I had 1/10th of the energy you have. Good luck with the move.
Big open loft or smaller compartmentalized apartment…tough choice! I've always wanted to live in a west village townhouse so I must choose that. A nice big kitchen with glass doors to the back would be nice though! I wish you all the best with your move to NY!!! I just sold my apt there and moved back to Europe…. I miss the city every day!!! You're gonna Love it!! Ps..consider living in Brooklyn Heights… Great for kids and so beautiful..not to mention super close to Manhattan!
Kristina / http://www.kandco.se
HI, after living in a semi-open space space :) we have just moved into an old school separated quarters. I must say that it is a better set up for our family. There are nooks and crannies to hide in and explore. Many personalize and specialized spots. And less time dedicated to cleaning, as you just close a door and put things out of your mind (important with kids!). I find that we all must find a way to live comfortably, but our current set up (2 living rooms, formal dinning room, eat in kitchen and a huge outdoor living space) are working wonders for us.
Good luck with your move and new space.
Hey Jenny-Best of luck with your moving plans, I actually just moved and I know how much work goes into relocating, but it's all worth it in the end. These photos are amazing, really liked the open spaces, so I would recommend getting a combined/loft space for yourself. It's great to share with the whole family and friends!
Good luck with the move and I hope you get settled in the new place soon!
Lucky you! I would give anything to move out of AZ right now. I get to move next summer and i am thrilled to get out of the heat. What part of AZ are you from??
Jennifer
Go for the loft style flat it is more of a challenge to decorate. Greetings from Paris!
I am really missing your blog! It is one of the best ever!
as a young woman who's going on her 7th year in the city (4 of those were in college) i'd give an arm and a leg to live in an open loft space. the city is so compartmentalized as it is, having something that feels open and airy is a dream of min!! (plus, great for hosting parties).
As a mother of 4, living in NYC, I say go with whichever has cheaper rent:-) You can make either one work well for you. Cheaper rent will allow you to have more money in your pocket to do all the AMAZING things there are to do in the city:-)
mmm love an open space, esp when the kitchen is involved.
I'm starting to get Jenny withdrawls!..ahhh! Good luck with the move.
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As you move to the city, have you heard of, or considered The Geneva School of Manhattan for the kids?
As a former New Yorker, I think the ideal space in the city is an open living – kitchen combo with separate bedrooms. Apartments are small and you need the illusion of space which an open floor plan creates. That being said, you have three small children and do need some privacy so separate bedrooms are essential.
One of my favorite places in the city for a bargain is Jacks 99 Cent Store — tchotkes galore. I know you could make stuff from Jack's look fab. The Craig's List offerings in Manhattan are unbelievable. People move frequently and have great taste so the findings are great! Also FYI there are great outlets outside of the city. Riverhead (end of Long Island)has a Pottery Barn and Williams Sonoma outlet. You can buy a coupon book for $5. which has a 10% off coupon.
I love girl vacations but, when you've got an agenda, sometimes they become overwhelming! Glad you'll have a place to stay! Good luck on picking the right home. I We have an open floor plan and love it. My house seems so much larger than it probably really is!
xoxo
Lila Ferraro
Lover your fabric header on your site! I am especially fond of vintage prints as I use many myself! Jaima
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I love the ideas of both, but I would go with the loft space because you can easily rearrange furniture and partition with screens when you get bored. Plus the more modern loft space set against more tradition furnishings is so cool, I think. I love your site. I have been obsessively working back through all your achives when I can. Thanks for sharing so much information. I could go on and on about all my favorite posts. I just bought a cool pedestal table with the outdated cane back chairs and I think I may do something along the lines of the "family friendly" entry you posted with the ostrich seats and contrast fabric on the back. I ordered a sample card – made me feel so professional.
I miss reading your blog! : ) I hope all is well with you and your family! Ready for you to be back!
We miss you LGN!
Love an open lofty floor plan. Especiallly for apartment living in a big but congested city.
Especially for entertaining. And to keep the winter "close-ins" away.
Good luck!