Their email is everyone@frontdesign.se. This is a shout out that ID has a great article on their website right now about Front Design of Sweden: You Dainty Rat - The Swedish dadaists of Front embrace randomness and chance. That's why they partner with gravity, sunlight, and snakes.
If you are looking for inspiration in the design world, you can do no better than to check out this four woman collective that has created some truly arresting furniture in a very short time. Check it: a lamp that stands up when you approach it, a vase that is cast from a dog's footprint in the snow, and a table designed by the recorded scampering of beetles across its surface.
Recently they detonated dynamite buried under ice and used the resulting hole as the mold to create a chair. It's name? Design By Explosion.
From the land that brought us Ikea, a fresh wind blows.... MGR
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Comments (106)
Liz, I know what you mean about Lake Michigan. I'm from there too, and I miss it so much. I have expensive taste myself. I find that I splurge on a few good pieces once in a while, and I can see that you must have, also. Great clean space. You got my vote.
well, I think it looks chic!
Using the vertical storage at the living room in the way you did was nicely done, there's no clutter to be seen but it doesn't look staged.
j' adore the home office nook :)
love love love!
The low arms on the sofa are nice -is that a vintage piece? If not where is it from?
You did such a great job! So clean and organized. Congratulations on learning the way of Home Depot and DYI-ing - I'm on that journey myself.
Great use of space, you've really put a lot of thought and work into it. The closet with the desk and curtain are brilliant. Good luck!
Oh, this is gorgeous. I love when tiny spaces that seem huge!
i think the only thing that looks good on shelves is books.
beautiful
Big big thanks to my good friend Matt Gore for taking these photos. http://www.matthewgore.com/
Thanks for the positivity, guys!
@ Otilly - I completely agree. My motto is spend only on forever-pieces, or things you love. Make or find everything else :)
@rahskir - I've had so many people ask that same question. Unfortunately, not a vintage piece. It's West Elm, the Lormier. http://www.westelm.com/products/lorimer-sofa-g149/
I searched for the perfect sofa forever, but the elevators in my building are unusually small, so I had to send two back that didnt fit. This one worked and I love the deep, low arms. And I got it on major discount.
Very nice. I normally like super vibrant spaces, but this is really clean,bright and well thought out. I would definitely bring a bit more colour into the space, but the space planning and choice of furnishings is well done. Also you are a super DIY'er and that must be celebrated, it is far to easy to just go to a showroom and pick out a entire style of furniture and plop it into your space and call it your own. Good job!
This looks great. Did you put new doors on the cabinets, or were those existing?
Love the office nook! So sweet.
great DIYs!
@her_royal_gr8ness: thanks! i'm total color neutralist, but totally hear you on adding some more pops in there. i just bought a bunch of bright blue fabric to make pillows... baby steps :) the pictures dont capture it, but the windows overlook the bright green park and blue water, so it usually feels more colorful than i can personally take credit for.
@kyidmnmaiv: cabinets are ikea, a recent update!
I love it! You did an amazing job of decorating and maximizing the space.
Beautiful. So airy and fresh.
Lovely
Wonderful job! I love the pipe shelving!
Awesome place!
Very nice! It looks much bigger than it actually is. Love the calming colors and your office area. Your place is definitely one of my favorites!
Your home is absolutely charming. Your office space is brilliant! The shelving unit in the living room is awesome! I guess I love it all, great job!
Wow. Just.....wow.
Beautiful space! I love how you mix antique and modern, industrial and polished.
lovely. this could be the winner!
Great job in such a small space. Love the curtain hiding your office and storage. Love the black and white. Love the kitchen cabinets. Adding to my favorites. Good luck.
love it!
The gas pipe shelves are awesome and well done! I have a hard time putting together Ikea stuff.
Liz, your space is eclectic in the most elevated sense: An aesthetically pleasing blend of simpatico styles, which feels curated over time. As a fan of neutral, calm palettes for the home, your place seems sublime to me.
On a personal note, kudos for having few enough belongings that you have an overabundance of closet space! Well done on all counts!
It is SO you Liz. Just lovely
Bravo, excellent work!
I love this! It is such a charming space!
Really, really nicely done. So restrained and elegant.
Liz, you really have an eye about designing and decorating. I love what you did to your work area and closet. You were able to create a sense clean line in both areas. You definitely have my vote!
Thank you all so much!
I really appreciate the feedback. In such a small space, I try hard to keep things restrained -- it keeps me sane :) I often feel like life is so crazy and colorful that I rely on clean neutral spaces keeps me calm.
@dollface - Thanks! My minimal closet/belongings is definitely a constant work in progress, but my grandpa used to remind us that if you have fewer things, you can spend more on each one. I am constantly weeding through my closet to see what needs to go before bringing in anything new.
so chic and tasteful, you seem to have filled the small space just the right amount
This is lovely! Well done!
You have a really great eye--and skills as well! Love.
Really lovely, even though the colour palette is so pale and neutral, it feels warm and has a lot of personality, super nice!
The little desk/linen closet combo deal is so beautifully organized and adorable, why does it need a curtain... ?
Seeing places like this make me want to re-prioritize my weekend into a massive straightening and editing event. Don't think the fiancee is going to approve of that plan, but i can't let this inspiration go to waste. Great job!
It feels very zen. Everything is simple, calm, and placed in its most functional/appropriate place.
i hope you do well in the contest! like what i see :}
Very nice! Love it!
I absolutely love it. Makes me miss Chicago and Lake Michigan :)
@MyDogistheShihTzu: Thanks! and great question with the curtain. All the curtains are just sheets of canvas that I cut and attached by hooks to industrial hospital tracking. Since the tracking goes across that whole wall, I have that curtain up so when there are other people over, you can just pull the curtain across to close off the dressing/vanity/bath area - it adds some privacy. When its not used that way, I kind of like the softness of the fabric breaking up the hard lines of my desk space.
Thanks so much for all your great comments :)
If you're not a professional interior designer now - you should be! I love your photography collection too.
your vanity area is adorable!
Ditto, Liz...I too am plagued with expensive taste issues.
From one Liz to another, that's a nice place you've got there!
Liz, your apartment is so nice! I hope I get invited over for a cup of tea sometime soon :-) Good luck with this.
@eclectic-chick -- thank you! with the exception of two (my friend's dad- a super talented photographer- shot them), all of the photography are pics ive taken or old family photos, edited and restored. i've found that big frames and crisp white matting help distract from my lack of real skill.
@elizabethb -- must have something to do with the name :) thank you!
I want to live there!
Now this is goregous! Everything was well thought out. Well done! You are very talented.
Really well executed. I love it.
http://community.apartmenttherapy.com/contests/smallcool/2011/entries/967
Liz, I've never posted a comment on AT before, but loved your space so much I felt compelled to.
Personally, I love the pale, neutral color scheme. The wood floors and furniture give it plenty of warmth. I typically don't gravitate toward vintage furniture, but you have chosen your pieces so judiciously, they work brilliantly.
By far my favorite space---Bravo!
p.s. I like that you can do chin-ups over the vanity area. ;-)
Clean,beautiful space. Surrounded by special photos to give it character and warmth. Love it! The space looks twice the actual size. So impressive.
Im so appreciative of, and humbled by, all your kindness. Thank you!
@Paul - Thank you + glad to be a catalyst for your posting! And of course, my morning routine involves chinups over my calla lilies; upper body strength should not be overlooked.
@thorndale - I love what I do, but a stylist would be my dream job, so thank you :) I tried dividing with shelves and it made my already tiny space feel tight. I found that the straight back of the sofa provides a clear, unobtrusive division between spaces. Rug is from craigslist; I love how it looks but its semi-prickly on just-out-of-the-shower-feet. Ive been imagining replacing it with b&w striped FLOR tiles. Those old wooden chairs in the kitchen were one of my favorite finds - $25 from the dining room of Chicago's historic Pump Room.
Fab black-and-white combo. Lovely closet-work station convertion.
Very polished and pulled together. I love it! Great job.
Well done Liz! You got my vote. Love the great use of space it feels very nice and cozy...and is totally you.
can't find words to describe how much i love this space!
great job liz.... you never cease to amaze me.never thought much about living in Chi-town, but looking at your place and reading about the views from your 7th. floor apt. has me thinking. why not??!! good luck...
I'm so impressed with what you've done -- light, bright, total class ....just like you, Liz. You have inspired me to de-clutter and simplify my home...starting this weekend!
My favorite teeny-tiny! Very elegant and refined, but warm at the same time. The light is beautiful in the picture, I can only imagine in person. Love your greys with the black and white photos throughout. You handled the two closets brilliantly. And the drop leaf table could be multiuse? Pulled out for dinner company or when you need a bigger working area for a project? I love your in the closet desk, I can see that making one of AT's posts on converting your closet. Sadly, I would fill up those two closets and then some if I was in your space but I'm working on downsizing.
Love the gas pipe bookcase built in! L O V E!
One of my favorite entries thus far. Just gorgeous!
Love it Liz! I'm extremely impressed with the fact that you have extra closet space to make use of! :) The view sounds wonderful! Good luck!
Really nicely done.
one of the top three favorite entries for sure! what a great use of small space. love the vanity and the office. quite inspiring! good work!!
I love the comfort of your apartment. Very well laid out and all the colors, furnishings..all just well placed. And to top it all off, you even put the cozy touch in the closet area..how cool is that?...very creative. Love it all!
Love the converted closets and how airy and light it all feels!! :)
beautiful!
Thanks for the encouragement, everyone!
@mauishopgirl - Keen eye on the multi-use drop table. Its perfect for pulling out into the kitchen for bigger projects. And admittedly, sometimes while getting ready in the morning I just flip up that outer leaf, spread out my breakfast, makeup, computer, and pull up a chair so I can leisurely dry my hair and check email. When I got it, the top of the table had huge stains and scratches. I loved the color of the finish on the rest of the table as it was, so I covered the worn top with a sheet of matte midnight blue wrapping paper and placed the shiny glass over it. $6 later, it went from exhausted to elegant!
I want to live here! Not only do I love the apt, but I'm very jealous of your view. As a Chicagoan now living in NYC, no Manhattan view can top Lake Michigan.
I absolutely LOVE the media unit, the closet office and your use of greys and creams throughout the space. The home feels so light and beautiful, and because of all the light, it feels so large and welcoming! GREAT JOB!
Stunningly beautiful. Liz, you have lots of talents! I applaud to all your achievements.
Ms. Liz, you did a great job with your space. I love all the light you have. The table and mirror, I guess that's a part of your closet..love it...all the pictures!
I bet this is a total joy to come home to. Way to represent for Chicago!
here I am again :), yesterday I had no time to give a proper opinion :). everything you love about your home, I love it too.. I'm also big fan of pictures, and frames, (I'm in the contest as well - in international entries, and although our places are different, I find them quite similiar, cause of issues you had .. I had also to figure out how to maximize every inch I have)... your home is one of the first entries I just want to walk into... Good look! you have my vote!
I love this. I actually really adore how neutral it is. I don't think you need to add much colour, as the layers perform that function (at least to me.) I especially love the photographs, the work station, the kitchen chairs, and one question -- it seems you built your media stand yourself (correct me if I'm wrong.) How did you go about doing that? Are there instructions anywhere?
you all are so wonderful. thanks for the support and kindness and cheer! im glad you like it as much as i do :)
@doony - coming home is my favorite thing. the second i step in the door, everything that doesnt matter falls away. three cheers, fellow chicagoan :)
@gorica - just checked out your space, and i had already added it to my favorites. you did such a fantastic job of maximizing and utilizing your sq feet -- a far greater task with almost 100 less than i have! thanks + good luck to you!
@SarahBerneche- thanks! i did build the media stand/shelves myself. it was a one weekend project, done with just my two hands (which i say as encouragement - because there is something extra satisfying creating something solo, i think + no need to feel like you must wait for help to get started!), some tools, and a lot of patience and math.
i knew that i wanted steel and wood shelves. i saw the ones at the ace hotel and thought the concept was perfect: http://remodelista.com/posts/house-call-ace-hotel-swim-club-in-palm-springs
a continued search led me to the most amazing diy/design blog and instructions for building: http://www.the-brick-house.com/2009/09/shelving-unit.html (morgan is a god)
i just sketched out my space and the design i wanted and then modified his plan to suit my needs; altered the spacing between shelves, different wood stain, used some different pipe measurements etc. i also skipped painting the pipes black because the steel worked better with my steel window frames - theres a need for exactness in measurement, but great room for creative flexibility everywhere else.
they are a task, but SUCH fun to make. and the cool thing is that you can build them to any size. so you could start small, if you so choose - or go big! :)
Beautiful space, Liz! Love everything about it. You creatively used your space to its best!
What software did you use for your floor plan? I'm helping my sister design a new addition and would be perfect. Thanks and good luck! You've got my vote!
Thanks for the link to instructions and your explanation, Liz; it's much appreciated!
Favorited! I need to learn your restraint!
@oobladee: thank you! i use floorplanner.com i love it. have fun with your sisters addition!
@sarahberneche: you're welcome + hope to see pics if you decide to make one!
@capitaldigs: oh, im constantly learning and working on restraint. small spaces help cultivate it, i think. big thanks for the favorite
Beautiful apartment... I can also tell you have good taste in shoes :)
Not enough colour for my usual taste, but wonderfully done, I especially love the wardrobe/table/mirror nook.
this is wonderful and not overdone. your furniture is the right size and has the right details to tie it together. wonderful job!
Your office nook is so organized and attractive that you could probably lose the curtain there. Why hide such a charming show piece? Very well-done!
thanks everyone :)
@scholar2011: thank you! the curtains are just a sheet of canvas, hung by hospital tacks that run the entire length of that wall. i put that one up so that it can be pulled across to cover the dressing/closet/bathroom area - if needed, it adds some privacy when other people are here. but i also like that when pushed aside, it softens up the many hard lines of my desk space. plus, if it gets messy, its a great coverup :)
Closet FTW! I used the same canvas to hide my closet and desk, in much the same way. It's an excellent solution and very inexpensive.
Oh, cool, you live in the Constellation! Your apartment looks cozy and charming, yet light and elegant.
@dn - thank you! and yes, it is in the constellation! do you live there too?
would like to see a bit more color, but adding to favorites nonetheless. very classy and cute!
One word— BEAUTIFUL!.....good job!
Liz, I wish (well, not really, I love my place), but it's a cool building none the less. The architect also did 320 Oakdale and some cool buildings in Philly.
This is my favorite out of the whole contest! Wish I could add it to my favorites more than once!
Just beautiful, Liz! Looks like something I would see on a HGTV! Go you! Go you! xo
so amazing. best apartment ever.
Wow, this is perfect.
The place looks great, liz. Such a wonderful mix of new & classic, clean & crisp yet cosy, and practical. And i like the reminder not to run out of almond milk or cupcakes-- so crucial!
@Mello1, "all the rooms look great, except for the bedroom". You realize this is a studio...? You're not making any sense. Reading your other comments i think its clear you've got a serious axe to grind. With all due respect, if you dont have anything constructive to say, rather just don't. These are people's homes you're commenting on, not showroom floors. As for the chair, tv furniture, i really like them.
yeah, what is up with that dinky chair? Lol! mello1 always makes me laugh. your place looks lovely and inviting. great job!
smart lay-outs and well applied optical tricks, like the black & white rug placed under the mahogany table
I've alway's loved Liz's look.