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Whether you live in an apartment where every last nook and cranny is jammed to the hilt or in a larger space with ample square footage, the challenge of creating a snug and secure spot to bring home your little darling can be most daunting. While some choose the classic, traditional route of soft pastels and white nursery furniture, others aim to create a palette all their own with bold colors, clean lines, or rustic ambience. I’ve pulled a few of my favorites from each of these categories and welcome you to tell me about your own finds.

Boy, oh Boy

Image via The Land of Nod

Image via The Land of Nod

Enchanted Room for Two

Image via Art for Kids

Image via Art for Kids

Rustic Modern

Image via Nursery Notations

Image via Nursery Notations

Bright White

Image via ???

Image source unknown

Organic Nest

Image via Skimbaco Lifestyle

Image via Skimbaco Lifestyle

Vintage Revamp

Image via Vintage Farmhouse ME

Image via Vintage Farmhouse ME

DIY Mod

Image via ???

Image via A Lovely Lark

Classic Elegance

Image via Interior Holic

Image via Interior Holic

As a local resident and agent, I know how rare a find it is to see “working fireplace” in an apartment or even single-family brownstone anywhere near Jersey City or Hoboken. When one comes to market, you don’t just jump – you leap. In honor of Fall (or is this pre-Winter?) finally blessing us with its crisp, cool nights, let’s take a tour of some lovely, leave-us-all-green-with-envy, wood-burning fireplaces.

A Kitchen Hearth

Wood-burning fireplace meets wood-burning oven. This beauty could double as an extra place to cook.

Image via thekitchn.com

Wide Opening

Simply stunning showstopper.

Image via Houzz

Stone Beauty

Love the functional log storage and ample shelving for that fireside read.

Image via NuHome Designs

Rustic Centerpiece

Straight out of Pillars of the Earth, I love the medieval feel of this Telluride fixture.

Image via Houzz

Poolside Pergola

Can you think of a better way to warm up after an evening dip?

Image via Houzz

Outdoor Living

An outdoor fireplace fit for Ina. You bring the marshmallows, I’ll bring the wine.

Image via Houzz

Natural Wood

With all the painted wood, stone, and tile fireplaces out there, it’s nice to see wood in its more natural state.

Image via Houzz

A Craftsman’s Handy Work

Love the woodworking above the fireplace almost as much as the fireplace itself.

Image via Houzz

Classic Lodge

A welcome retreat after a day outdoors.

Image via Houzz

From showcasing your prized collection of rare, first-editions to the safe keeping of lovies and stuffed animals, built-ins offer the best of both worlds: pleasing design and practical storage.

Bathroom Storage

Maximize a bathroom built-in with pull-out drawers for housing dirty laundry, toiletries, linens, etc.

Image via Houzz

TV Cabinet

Many urban dwellers lack a separate living and TV room, but that shouldn’t mean compromising aesthetics for function. Let your fireplace remain the focal point by building the media cabinet around it. Added bonus: fold-flat doors hide the TV when not in use.

Image via Houzz

Cabinetry Conundrum

When designing a small kitchen, especially in an older home, the prospect of having to use custom cabinetry to accomodate awkward spaces can eat away at the best of budgets. Instead, consider selecting standard size cabinets and leaving an open space for items you might be more keen to display.

Image via Personal Library

Built-in Library

While I would opt to add a little texture or warmth to the built-in couches by selecting a different upholstery option, the idea behind their dual use as twin beds combined with those grand, floor-to-ceiling built-in bookshelves make this a room to remember.

Image via Houzz

Trash Can Hideaway

Keep unsightly garbage out of sight with pull-out trash and recycling bins built directly into the cabinetry.

Image via Houzz

Kid’s Cubby

If you lack closet space, turn your kid’s sleeping quarters into the ultimate monster storage cabinet.

Image via Houzz

Dog Bed Built for Two

Growing up with Newfoundlands, who always chose to park themselves in the middle of our kitchen floor, a built-in dog bed would have saved many hazardous steps around our 150-pound gentle giants.

Image via Houzz

If you’re in the market for custom-designed built-in cabinetry, I know a master craftsman who is the absolute best. He has designed and built many custom pieces for my family and friends over the years. Out of respect for his privacy, I haven’t included his information. But if you’re interested, please contact me and I’ll put you in touch.

After stumbling upon the 2008 article “Less is the New More: Making the Most of Small Spaces,” I got to thinking… nobody knows the pangs of seemingly wasted space better than urban dwellers. I’m inspired by how these homeowners made the best of what they were given and created some ingenious nooks out of tricky spaces.

Reading Nook

Create your ideal reading spot for those upcoming crisp, cool days and nights. Love the adjustable seat back, too.

Image via Sarah Cain Design

Wine Nook

Why hang a picture on that random wall when it has such potential to house your wine collection?

Image via Keeping up with the Joneses

Sleeping Nook

Great idea for creating a guest room where one didn’t exist before.

Image via DuJour Magazine

Dresser Nook

Roof eave got you down? Turn that awkward slant into a dresser.

Image via Apartment Therapy

Office Nook

Use wasted space under the stairs to create a home office.

Image via Houzz

Bathroom Nook

Small apartment bathrooms often mean absolutely zero storage. Create your own with a built-in cabinet.

Image via Houzz

Check back next week for more design tips on Inspiration Friday.