Youv'e got a wonderful start but it still needs work. The living room is kinda blah. Get some artwork!

Great bathroom. The living room wall is a little bare. I love to see people that put their own sweat into a place. You have a nice leg up because the unit's architecture is so cool.

Bathroom = hot.

Couch = not.

Wall = forgotten about.

I love the view into the kitchen. You have a lot of good things going on in that direction. Bathroom is the shizzle. I'd pop over here for a drink.

Artwork to follow. This place is basically virgin in the photos. Time crunch and all. Just finished about a week or so ago. So unfortunately you get to see the bare bones. The best part this was all done on a budget of less than $10,000. And I mean everything. Plus its tough being the first horse out of the gate.

Very nice layout. You can definitely tell this a guy's place (not that that is a bad thing, I'd be thrilled if most guy's homes looked this clean and pulled together!)

Am I the only one who thinks the "Rubbishola!" voting choice is a little rude? "Not my taste" or "Room for improvement" or "Could use some work" are one thing, but calling somebody's entry something akin to garbage when they made the effort to participate seems a bit off.

Jeldmann - you did a lovely job and it's amazing that you put in all the work yourself! What an accomplishment. Thank you for sharing.

Janet, i agree on the rubbishola thing, i can't possibly vote that way on anyones place, not matter how bad, it just seems rude.

Joe, I like to hear the background information that you just pulled this together. It is really tough being first out of the gate. Congrats on a nice space, I imagine in a year or so, this place will be awesome from head to toe.

I agree with Laura. The bones are good and the bathroom is fab, but there is still room for personality and detail.

Well as an architect in training I actually dont mind the criticism. I get it all day, its what drives for better and more thought out designs. Trust me I have friends that think I'm crazy for living in such small confinements, but its their opinion, and by god its not going to stop them from coming over and having drinks and spending the night on my nice big couch after they have had too many!

The bathroom is fabulous. It manages to look both warm & industrial at the same time. I wish the living room had more of that look. It lacks personality.

I try to keep in mind that what looks good for a photo is often NOT best in actual life. So I strongly disagree about the comments disparaging the blank wall. Living there, I think the focus would be on the light and windows and architectural shapes and industrial details. Wall art would distract from all of those.

Only thing I don't love about it (again, trying to imagine being there) is the layout of the living room furniture. The L-shaped couch creates a long corridor straight out of the entry way that I wouldn't feel good to me. (By the way, I haven't voted yet on this entry; still thinking about it.)

Oh, and Joe: it seems to me you've chosen a great profession for yourself. Your focus is clearly on architecture, rather than on 'decorating', which is a very very good thing! You seem really attuned to experimenting with the space. (But again, I'd like to see that extended more to the furniture layout - the repeating L-shapes aren't attractive to me. Maybe you could combine them into one T-shape?)

Thank Sea. To be honest the decorating has not even occured. everything in the images are strictly architectural elements. things like the couch were things that i came upon, not my first choice by any means or stretch of the imagination. By the time i got to furniture I ran out of money, I figure those to be items I'd add along the way when I find what i truely love. Again I'll admit the couch is a make-do item. And living there, the space is so small that more than one piece of art would be distracting in such a small space. The one thing that no one seems to point out that I think the space needs most; a plant, something to add life.

Janet & RobinEggz:

I completely agree with you. Rubbishola seems like such an unfair way to describe someone's home. I certainly prefer "Not to my Taste."

Joel:

I have to say that I think it is so cool that you've done so much of this work yourself. Very impressive, even if it is screaming for some art on the walls. I hope that we get to see some follow-up pictures when you've had some time to get beyond bare bones.

Is it ok to post a link to additional photos?

the bones are amazing, but i'm not loving the couch & that you put it right in front of the tv. great place though! it's pretty much my ideal bones for a place.

Would it be possible to reverse the layout of the living room? The TV on the opposite wall and a sofa against the wall where the TV is currently placed. It may seem a little uncomfortable with the front door opening so near to the sofa and the room would seem a lot more open. Even if the long end of the couch were placed in front of the window, the small section would come out to about where your TV is currently placed. This may allow you to put a small dining table somewhere.

I like your kitchen design and what look to be light panels on the sleeping loft. Did you use a commercial kitchen cabinet company for the kitchen? I would like to see more photos. Bathroom is a little busy for me but I can appreciate the warm look you achieved. How did you construct the vanity? The top appears to be concrete but what is the base?

The entry works for me, it's my place to hide shoes, my coat rack as well as provies me a place to store things like hats, gloves and the like. I'm a first floor unit with direct walk out and that door is my only entry point. I have an entry routine when i get off work, and it keeps with the "a place for everything and everything in its place" by also providing me that slight break, and moment of ahh. I need more pictures. Some places this small can capture everything in 3 photos. I need a couple hundred. I feel the design is in the details and not a one captures it.

Excellent light! I'm so jealous. And great bones- i'm impressed with your work.
That said, there's nothing on the walls. And the furnishings make it look like an Ikea showroom. Inject some personality & warmth and you'll have a beautiful place.

The bathroom vanity is a concrete top and leg. I floated a standard over the fridge glass and aluminum cabinet, that i had wrapped with a dark wood surround, using aluminum standoff legs.

I agree, we need more photos. Three is an unreasonably small number for this contest. Minimum number should be 5 photos.

I am confused....is there not one page we can click on to see all the entries? There is a link under some of the entries that says "click to see contest and all entries" but it is just a static page with the rules etc and none of the entries pictured...

Geat place. Love the use of concrete. The sofa isn't in the same class as everything else there though.

V-
this is the first entry! there will be a page for you to view all, when there are more to view.

I would love to see the loft sleeping area. Are those lamps as a loft divider?

well if i make it to finalist, i'll be more than happy to provide ample pictures. I would provide a link to additional pictures, but that seems against the intent of the contest. If no one has a problem with it i will be more than happy to provide one. Its hard because being first, these things are not discussed and no rules are made. unfortunately it will probably be too late for the first batch of submittals.

wow... was stunned by the first picture and how disappointing that second one then appeared. you should really reconsider that black leather chinese wall in the living room. it takes out al the natural spaciousness.

good luck with the contest.

:)

For a loft in Iowa, this loft looks pretty NY Chic (read: small yet, clean & stylish). Would, however, like to see more art on the walls,

MASSIVE Potential... needs some big simple canvases to add character, but not take away from the spaciousness and light.

I love this Joe!! It is so unique and the use of space is awesome!

GREAT WORK!!

Bravo on all your work. All your work looks pays off to make an cool space. I'd love to see more pictures of this place in another 6 months too.

BTW, I agree, Rubbishola is rude.

I think you did a excellent job Joe. I was very skeptical at first, but the loft turned out unbealiveable! All of your hard work really paid off. I do not think that you need to put up any art because the space is already small enough it would just look so crowded also it would take away from the architechture of the loft. You did an amazing job and I am so proud of you!

Derek beat me to it... to anyone who thinks urban (high) style is a monopoly of the two coasts, I say, "Meet Joe, in Iowa."

Nicely done.

I don't necessarily agree with those who say it feels unfinished.
But a DWR certificate could be put to BRILLIANT use here...

Good luck, thanks for sharing!

I really like the thought that went into this space. And to be honest, I don't hate the couch. Not even right in front of the TV. (Uh, where else would it go?!) It would be righteous if part of that DWR swag went to someone like you, who could do a lot with it I think.

Nice that so much was done by hand, and I think the layout is great, but I don't like the choices of finishes or the furniture, except for the coffee table and the stairway to the sleeping area.

Very nice. I love the color in the kitchen. I would like to see some in the living area.

Yeah Des Moines! Way to represent! Your place looks great and I was excited to see someone local with the first Midwest entry. I like that you kept the place so industrial--there are way too many "loftominiums" in this town. What building are you in? Whiteline? I'm over at Brown Camp.

Love the bathroom! Agree that the place could use some finishing touches like a plant, or art, and so on - but a DWR voucher would fix that.

Janet & RobinEggz: Bump! - I was going to enter the contest, but I don't think I could take criticism on my home which took me a year to renovate with blood, sweat and tears for someone I don't know to say - Rubbishola - this contest is meant to be fun!

Joe: - Great start on well done on the $10k budget. I did my place on £3k ($5k) with lots of favours! Love the Panel/Divide lights in the bedroom (above the kitchen)...Ikea?

Whiteline it is. I signed up about 3 years ago this past March and had been waiting patiently for the moment it would be complete, and its finally here. I just moved in a few weeks ago, after an extensive 4 month build. When i purchased back in october, I bought it as a vanilla box, some of you may know what that means. The 10k took it from that to what you see, minus the tv (I found out I had free cable and HBO i couldnt resist, this is my first tv set), crazy I know. The more I read these comments the more it gets me thinking. I am greatful for all the feedback and it will help me gear my decorating decisions in the future; as money becomes available. I realize that I am entering into a contest more based on decorating rather than the architecture, because simply thats all that my place is about, everything is a permanent fixture. I know the spaces downfalls and i'm so glad that people pick up on those things because they are the same things that rack my brain. I spent 3 years tweaking everything in the design, but left the decorating up to after i live in the space. I hate filling up space just because I can, for that you can call me a minimalist. I am meticulous in my decision making and will wait for the perfect piece to come along. Honestly thats why I entered, the DWR voucher would put it over the top. If i wasnt so new to the site i probably could have figured that out and geared my pictures and my entry accordingly.

Great job. I particularly love your lighting.

This is very well done! I like that the place has potential, because the prizes can go toward fulfilling that potential. When you finish renovating a place, you rarely have the cash right away to furnish and add the finishing touches.

I agree the couch isn't the greatest but I've seen worse. I had a funny conversation with a furniture saleswoman about how she is constantly trying to sway men from black leather. "How about brown? Just try it! Brown!"

to be honest, i wanted it to be brown, but found that one on clearance for $500, only one color and only one configuration.

I wish you'd had a little more time to decorate more but then again, who better to get a DWR gift certificate than someone who is still in the process? I don't mind the long couch-created-entryway, but if you could find or build something to go along the back of the couch, either a very long and narrow table or a bookcase, or something, that might make it look a little more intentional. Very impressed that you did all this yourself by hand.

I disagree strongly that the wall is too bare. There's amazing color and vibrance in the kitchen and the TV is on a red stand that brings that color into the LR. Photos are deceptive. I think when you're sitting on that soft leather sofa, watching TV, you don't need to look at any other art. Maybe yes, maybe no. Plus, the cabinet behind the sofa is red. Nicely done.

Joe did so much work and I like the lean, clean lines. What I'd like to see is the sleeping loft.

As in all entries, we are seeing personalities. Joe seems to have shown a very nice, masculine and architectural personality and I think his hard work paid off.

Oh, and those room divider lights on the loft level - very sexy.

Also, I agree with others that the Rubbishola category could be renamed. Anyone brave enough to enter doesn't deserve that.

Can't complain for $500.

I'm inclined to like this one -- the industrial sheen, that lovely front door, the loft space -- but, hm, it's not very inviting. Maybe cos it's more "industrial" than "warm." I do like it, though. I can see myself enjoying the space as a (frequent) visitor and bragging about it to other friends. Has potential.

The bathroom is absolutely gorgeous. The livingroom seems forgotten about. I have seen lofts with ceilings that high that still have some warmth to them. Color on the wall and some colorful accessories would be luscious in that space.

hey Joe
way to represent the DM I, very nice
I'm down in the Kirkwood, it's great to check out other places.
I love your setup... very classy
well done. Looking forward to seeing some more pics in the future.
-kh

Joe,
Great place with awesome potential! Out of curiosity, was the actual loft area custom built? I've been seeking out something like that for awhile for my condo. Also, how much space do you have from the floor of the loft to the ceiling? If it's lower than your body height, do you find it troublesome having to bend down going to bed every night?

CHILIU@gmail.com

I actually did, and trust me it wasnt easy to do. I had it designed to carry its load from the concrete columns and span the entire bay 16'x16'. the bathroom wall acts as a brace turning a single span (not feasible) into a double span allowing me to use only 1 1/2" metal deck. The floor to floor height is 14'-4" from floor to bottom of deck. It is about 6'-3" from floor to deck on the loft. Luckily enough i'm only 5'-10". you wont find me doing any jumping jacks up there. It allowed me to open up the floor plan and find ample space for a queen bed with side tables, double dresser, and ample storage space. I created a translucent wall of acrylic panels, like those on the bar wall the foot of the sleeping area to hide the ductwork, and inbetween each bay upstairs i have a hanger rod and closets with curtains to close it all off. the lamp dividers are ikea and they serve a few purposes; one to allow more privacy upstairs, two as a sourse of soft lighting, three it also adds an additional vertical element to the living room making it feel larger than it truely is.

Such a boy's apartment! Lots of great potential... Please turn that sectional though and open up the main space.

The bathroom is great, kitchen has nice elements, but the living room, for me...looks liek you just moved in and haven't gotten your furniture yet.

I admire your pride in detailing/designing the place on yoru own tho.

I really like this home! I think it's amazing. You've done so much work!

People are commenting that it looks like you've just moved in. You have haven't you?

I also think that a place can really work without having a lot of art on the walls etc.

This is true, im just getting the place set up and photographed for CORE magazine (its a midewest magazine). I'm confident that if I do make the finals i will be capable of knocking the socks of some poeple. There is so much to this place. Alot of small places you could give a tour in about a minute. but there is so much more to this place than meets the eye. far more than "decoration" that easy sets itself apart.

So I missed the vote... but I love the place! can't believe it's the same place I saw in October! And PS- I love Dwell!

I really love all the hand work. impressive.

as mentionned before, some tweaking left to do, but great work. i would not put "lots" of art, maybe just something to fillt he wall behind the tv.

great work once again

Now the votes are finished for me,

http://ratemyspace.hgtv.com/SNC/GroupSearch.aspx?pguid=6db6be3f-1720-4ba3-a081-999042c09b6b&user=90465

http://ratemyspace.hgtv.com/SNC/GroupSearch.aspx?pguid=6db6be3f-1720-4ba3-a081-999042c09b6b&username=jfeldmann

Hi Joe,

My name is Dawn Sagario and I'm a reporter with The Des Moines Register. A co-worker of mine told me about your loft on the Apartment Therapy Web site, and I thought this would make for a cool story in our Home and Garden Section. Would you be willing to talk to me? If so, please call me asap at (515) 284.8351 or e-mail at dsagario@dmreg.com. My story is due early next week so I'd like to chat with you as soon as possible. Thanks!

Hey Joe Great Job, I love the alternating loft stairs.. where did they come from? I need a set myself. Did you make them? Please email me at Stephanie@31islandview.com