very nice...

the kitchen chairs add a splash of fun color. but, i would like to see a little more personal design (more art on the walls?)

Agreed. Your space is so well-designed that it cries out for more style.

The media solutions leave me speechless. Bravo. I have only one television - a 13" color Daewoo, that is not cable ready and was my high school grad present in 1991. I can never bring myself to upgrade because of the larger footprint another tv would require.

What impresses me about this apartment (other than the thoughtfulness about technology) is that if I saw any element in isolation, I'd hate it (don't like lofts, don't like plastic, don't like spindly legs...) -- but the way you've put them together looks terrific and I want to come crash on your sofa and drink margaritas.

really nice space! i love the use of wood to break up the light colors and plastic. i would like to see even more of the wood--maybe some really big prints in cool frames? or some large artwork? it is amazing that you have been able to get rid of the media elements and this looks like a great space to hang out in. are you on the canals? looks like it from your window, either way i'm jealous that you're so close to the beach in lovely venice, ca!

This is a seriously cool little pad. Hats off to anyone who could still climb a ladder to bed after a long day at work! The MUJI CD player on the wall: awesome.

Why do so many people think you need to have art on the walls? Most of the entrants are people who are serious about design, and the kind of art that would work for these people and their taste might be out of their budgets. I imagine that most participants are in their 20s and 30s and haven't had the time or resources to build the art collections that everyone seems to think they should have. Remember that most of these participants live in VERY expensive cities: NYC, LA, DC. Just having a place to call your own there is an achievement.

Besides, in places like Michelle's here, many of the objects themselves are works of art or outstanding pieces of design. Looking at them is their own pleasure.

It's weird that on a site dedicated to living in a modern way in small spaces, so many people are encouraging more, not less, acqusitiveness.

A minimalist gem. I love this place! It is refreshing to see a place that is simple and inviting and still doesn't feel like it was 'decorated.' Is that a toilet in the shower? I wouldn't change a thing, except for maybe letting me live there instead.

I agree with wende. Although most of the individual elements are not really my style...at all...everything works together in such a beautiful and unexpected way...I just love it!! :-)

I love the space and and love the projector idea! I know that many people find neutrals soothing, but I'm more of a color person, so I'd love to see more color somewhere, whether it's by adding some art or pillows/bedding or painting a wall. But all in all, I'm jealous.

Am I jealous? Hell yeah. I LOVE all the choices pictured, and would not change a thing. (Okay, maybe one thing: figure out some way of raising the viewing height of the projected TV image. Minor quibble.) All of this... and in Venice?!? Will you marry me so we can have a messy divorce in which I take possession of the loft? ;)

Is the toilet in the shower?? That is a little too California for me (and I'm a native NoCal girl).

this is sweet. finally, a good entry west of the miss.

Inspiring! I love the projector and the plants by the kitchen against the wood wall. The simplicity, organization and coloring of the kitchen area makes me think japanese. Great job!!

No art needed for this space. I noticed some framed pieces leaning against the wall close to the kitchen. Just put those on the wall.

(I'm not a fan of leaning things against the wall)

I luurve this space. But I think I would need a cushy chair in the library space even though I love the fiberglass rocker.

I think the living space has a perfect mix of nice, clean horizontal and vertical lines. The use of horizontal wood paneling for upstairs bedroom is a creative play on comfort and height. The warm wood tone and horizontal lines bring comfort to the design. The fact that it's used upstairs and right below the skylight introduces height to the picture. I love the use of alternating width in the paneling.
I think your last picture taken near the entry way is yet another perfect illustration of balance between horizontal and vertical lines. When I saw this picture, I first noticed the inviting horizontal lines of the paneling upstairs and near the entry way. And then my eyes naturally moved towards the two key vertical components: the cool, steel ladder in the back and the step bookcase to the side. I also noticed the several picture frames on the floor strategically placed between the two vertical components. Ingenious!
Just when I thought I was going to be disappointed with the color scheme, I look over into the kitchen area and find the splash of color I was looking for in the chairs. On the subject of colors, I think either of the living room walls can use a tad bit of color. Perhaps not as passionate as red as it may interfere with the cool, zen-like living space you have oh so perfectly achieved, but something in the orange/yellow family.
Thanks for sharing the pictures -- it really got my creative juice going. I've been wanting to do some work on my own place for a long while -- maybe this is the inspiration I've been looking for!

I've been thinking about the doing the projector thing, too, especially since I've started downloading tv programs from Itunes. Initially designed for business for powerpoint presentations, the projectors are now more affordable than a flat screen tv, yet when it's turned off you're don't have a large ugly television set in the middle of the living room. Just yesterday I saw a model that wasn't much bigger than an dictionary. I think a lot more people are going to start doing the same thing.

I can't decide if I *love* the toilet in the shower or if I am totally squicked by it.

I also want to see some color on the walls - like the top half of the projection wall - or maybe one of those really cool wall tattoo strip things.

I love the wood walls, though, and I like the space. It's very calming.

LOVE this place!

But I am squicked - if I may be so bold as to borrow Rachel's word. How does the TP not get wet? Then again, I guess there's a benefit in that if you're really pressed for time, you can do your three esses at the same time.

The more I look at the toilet in the shower, the more weirded out I am by it. I'd feel like the poop nazi if I had guests over...

"No poop for you!"

And yet, I can't explain why this makes me feel odd. Do you ever peek into someone's shower when you visit - to see what kind of shampoo they use, or something like that? I don't know...

...it's just so odd.

I love her place though. Wow!

I'd missed the toilet-in-shower on the first pass and am officially Totally Squicked, despite the obvious ease of cleaning.

But hey, I'd already voted and will just use the restroom at Target before invading the resident's space.

i've never seen a toilet inside a shower before, totally weird. i dont think i'd want people in my shower either. michelle, what made you put it there? space saver? i'm curious.

otherwise i LOVE this place. definitely one of my favorites. thanks for sharing!

The toilet in the shower is a great idea. Why are people so squeamish? Where is it written that we hvae to do things the same way it has always been done? Americans can be so provintial at times.

To me, it makes perfect sense, ease of cleaning, and in a small space, think of the extra space (or at least the feeling of extra space) you would have while showering.

If only my shower were so large...

Is the toilet actually in the shower, or are the toilet and shower in a room separated from the sink by that sliding glass door?

Oh, sorry, I really can spell: provincial

And, yes I am a born and raised American, I am just so often embarassed to be one when at times.

The shower and the toilet are separated by the sliding door.

I have used the bathroom and this is the BEST room in my opinion (sorry M) . Michelle did not show the 17 ft . high ceiling and skylight above the shower. There is an implied division of space; the open shower with natural light + the ceiling drop over the toilet which feels private and divides the space.

The shower and toilet are in the same space, the sink is on the other side of the sliding glass door.

17 ft ceiling with skylight above the shower you say? Again, the envy grows... PS I don't have an issue with the commode being across from the shower area. It looks like a well-sized space to accomodate both. I like that both facilities can be closed off with one set of sliders.

this is far and away my favorite entry of the contest. it's so beautiful and well done, yet feels completely like something i could do on my own. i love the thought that was put into every purchase, particularly the media solution. go left coast!

Please. Please. More details and specs and how-tos on your tech. And I don't see the need for "art." And is that David V. of Project Runway on the wall?

I think it's so funny that people are freaked out by having the toilet in the shower. It's not as if she bathes IN the toilet! I've been in at least 2 bathrooms (so, law of averages, there have to be a lot more out there, right?) where there was a shower, sink, and toilet all within veeeeerrrry close proximity--this was in Europe. I mean, like, everything got wet when you showered. How is this different from having a toilet beside a shower?

TECH SPEC:

iPod

AirPort Express Base Station

Altec Lansing inMotion iM7-this is great, it's portable so you can take it outside, into another room and it also can transform into my home audio system with the iPod docked inside or it can output the audio from the TV

Sony projector, the model I have allows you to place the projector on the side of the sofa and shift the lense to project a proper image. I also like the projector on the ground because I don't hear the fan noise. Projectors can generate a lot of heat so make sure you have some ventilation.

Sony LocationFree TV (12 inch), I really LOVE this product.
I can receive Japanese programming (this is possible if the terminal is in Japan connected to Japanese programming and an ethernet cable). It is amazing. You can also purchase just the terminal from Sony individually. It's amazing to be able to watch local programming in another country!

Sony PSP, I'm not a gamer but you can use the network terminal of the LocationFree TV and view TV programming on your PSP. I believe if you are travelling you can also view shows you Tivo while on the road...ubber geeks!

DVD Player=laptop

There are several projectors that are combined with a DVD player. I believe the most recent is Toshiba.

ooops. I meant DANIEL V. my bad.

really really nice . some good innovative programming going on to make the best possible use of a small space -- but nothing so innovative it stands out as shockingly different, unless you're from northern california. love the projection tv position, and love how the shelving breaks up the space... great materials were used, looks like ... the best thing about this space is that i think you could do almost anything simple and it would look fantastic! nice job michelle! your architect's pretty good too, seems like!

Brilliant! I think this is the best west-of- Mississippi entry yet. The apartment doesn't sacrifice anything in the name of space, and the raw wood paneling and uniform granite floor really tie the room together, man. As far as the lack of art on the walls, she can project something huge if she wants! My only concern is that the loft space seems a little claustrophobic. If part of the wooden panel was replaced with some glass (or even left open) the loft would get the benefit of more natural light from those great floor-to-ceiling windows.

The toilet in the shower is the wrench in this gorgeous space.
I think it is funny some people are OK with the toilet placement. A lot of men have lousy aim . . . and some drunk women too, I guess. Who wants to step in that? GROSS!

Love the kitchen chairs! And the bed looks really comfy and ideal for reading the Sunday paper!

Great place woth fun touches . . . just relocate that potty!

The 14 "Not My Pick" votes must be from the competition since there are 15 entries, haters!

GET OVER THE TOILET PEOPLE!! Travel! Get out of the country n' experience other cultures. Let's see, places to experience a toilet in the shower are: India, Greece, Japan and Spain to name a few.

The 14 "Not My Pick" votes must be from the competition since there are 15 entries, haters!

Get over the toilet people! Travel and get out of the country n' experience other cultures. Let's see, places to experience a toilet in the shower are: India, Greece, Japan and Spain to name a few.

Nope, sorry, I can't get over the toilet. not in my own private space anyway. I have used many a scary public toilet, but there's just something about personal space...the toilet in the shower does squick me out too much - that being said, I did vote positively on this. And I adore Daniel V, but still agree that Chloe ad the best final run, even though it was all formal wear.

Luv...

I grew up in California, and this place, to me is like the smell of euciliptus or a full bodied red Zin...It's a quick trip home. Super stylish, yet totally casual, and a little quirky.It is every thing great about the west coast I can imagine a surf board right at home proped in the corner.

I wish Santino was in the photo since he lives in L.A., this place is cozy yet modern and minimal. "Carry on"

Well, I LOVE the toilet in the shower, and that TV on the wall is so completely fantastic it's not funny. Are the ends of that couch custom-made to match the thing on the loft? That's wild! I love that.

And exactly how claustophic can that loft bedroom situation really be if there's a window in it?

This is very, very, very good.

Oh, but I kind of WOULD like to see some kind of definition surrounding that kitchen shelving configuration that kind of bleeds onto the big wall. Still, other than that, I really like this a lot.

I wanted this couch! It is from a little shop called Tortoise on Abbot Kinney in Venice. It matches PERFECTLY!!!!!

Squick? Never heard of that word before.

What's the big deal about the toilet? My goodness! Some people have showers with no doors at all - what's the difference? In my first NYC apartment (the first with my name on the lease), my bathtub was in the kitchen. My toilet was in the bedroom closet and had no door. A friend of mine built his own house in Connecticut and for the first five years, didn't have a bathroom - he buried everything in his back yard. When he added a bathroom, the floor was covered in river rocks with little stepping stones leading to it, the toilet was in the middle of the room and there was a gigantic window to the side yard with no coverings. Sitting on the toilet, you felt as if you were on display.

One of my favorite teachers used to say that we as a society will never improve how we dispose of our waste and halt the pollution of the planet unless we change our attitudes and stop being so squeamish about our own human waste. Might be something to that.

Diane,

i'm sorry, but that little story is just too weird. i will always feel squeamish around my own human waste.

sorry, never heard anyone speak with that much conviction about... crap.

This is a great space. But count me in on the not digging the toilet in the shower aspect. Also, I could never commit to that ladder as the means of entry/exit for the bedroom. What if you come home drunk? What if you get a really bad case of the flu? What if you bring home a super hot double leg amputee?

Everyone should get projectors. I'm a huge proponent of them, and am surprised that more have not shown up in the competition.

Hi Michelle,

Simply beautiful. Very serene.

Could tell me about the library? Where is it from/ Who makes it? I like its translucency.

question:
1)where's the projector? under the sofa?
2)where's all the wires??

that's the 2 major problems in my home. :(

The potty talk seems like an unfortunate distraction from an otherwise well designed and appealing home, but I will guiltily continue. To clarify my own previous comment, my objection to the toilet location is an issue of practicality, not convention. It seems like it has more drawbacks than benefits. As someone who grew up in a house with a bathtub in a bedroom, toilet in the hall, and W&D outside, among other non-conventional features, "shockingly different" is a reaction I've never had regarding home design.

Can't help but add- maybe squeamishness helps societies avoid cholera epidemics.

question:
1)where's the projector? under the sofa?
under the side table.

2)where's all the wires??
neatly labeled and hidden under the side table.
I tie the extra length of the cord so I don't have loose cables, not sure if that is a good idea. I also label them with a piece of tape-that is my solution for cord management.

I would recommend "green" power strips!

Could tell me about the library? Where is it from/ Who makes it?
I bought them on sale at DWR. I don't think they have the line I bought but the CUBITEC SHELVING line is similar and they added storage. I linked the URL.

Lovely; LA represent! I'm also a huge fan of projectors, although that one seems like it should be a tad higher.

Love this space! The bathroom with the incredible skylight and shower/toilet combo, the kitchen, the wood, the projector, the bookcases, the dining table and chairs, the bedroom, everything. Great job and beautiful home! I've noticed dining tables with three chairs in a few entries and I really like it. For some reason I've always thought of the two or four places at a table thing but I really like three. And I love the bright chairs here!

Michelle, great apartment.

Back to the projector thing - I think that is *such* a brilliant idea.

Could you explain how exactly it works? Is it connected to your cable converter? Is it a specialized projector? Can you share the brand?

Yes finally someone gets it. Its just enough no clutter not too minimal, I could live with this space cozy and stylish. With square footage at a premium this space makes good use of narrow deep and tall! Yep I see this look as something very livable it works. Thank for sharing!

Love, love, love the use of natural materials in this loft. The terrazzo floors, wood and concrete surface in the shower keep this loft from feeling too cold. Living in San Francisco, during the dot.com boom, so many "loft-in-a-box" type places went-up. This is designed like a loft should be, simple, solid and a healthy blend of bringing the nature around it in as its base. And, Michelle has done a wonderful job of being the designer, adding the proper amount of accessories to compliment her simple black dress... to use a fashion analogy.

AMAZINGLY BEAUTIFUL!

Michelle, I'm not stalking you. Honest. I just totally dig your space. And the tech? Poifect.

Love the urban living style that you show here, Michelle. I find it amazing that the space does not appear cluttered and the number of items you have is definitely minimal, complementing your lifestyle.

Use of space for entertaining is great and the large wall functioning as a projector is a great way to remove the box TV from your environment.

Love the bathroom, I am glad that you are clean and tidy as the space demonstrates. Any the negative comments for this idea, shows the reason why those viewers are not putting their spaces to be featured in this review of urban living.

I love the all the natural light (very significant for me), the wood, the and the rethinking of electronics. (I currently use my laptop as my DVD player. It's only a matter of time until TV receivers for computer as small enough to be used with a laptop.) Small is good.

Hi Michelle,

We're interested in your space & would love to talk to you about our HGTV show, "Small Space, Big Style". Would you be able to email us at smallspaces@brainbox.tv so we can get in touch with you?

thanks!
Sage.

It all looks great, but you have a shelf with stuff on it over the bed... I've lived in LA all my life and you have to remember that you're in an E a rTH q u Ak e zone... ;-) What goes up, must come down!

LOVE IT LOVE IT LOVE IT!

Your place rocks... your stuff rocks... your style rocks...

I'm inspired!

Very tidy and well thought out.

Michelle,

Great place. What area of Venice is this located in? I'm looking for a similar place (in terms of design and location to the beach), is this a part of a complex or just a single apartment? How far are you from Abbot Kinney?

Thanks a lot,
Addison

I LOVE this apartment, it is my favorite so far. I also liked it the first time I saw it, last year? I have seen the first photo before somewhere. Terrazzo is by far my most favorite flooring, thank you for not covering it up. It is so beautiful and functional. The entire place is light, welcoming, colorful, clean, and fun.

The bathroom is a bit odd, and could use more interest besides the unusual layout.

that projector will be great for next year's super bowl party at your place! great use of such a difficult space

Michelle, I just scored a wireless tv on eBay. You are my gear mentor. Da Bomb!

love the space but i'm totally curious as to what this place is? what was or is the building that would produce such an odd space??

I like what you've done so far, but I feel there could be so much more done to this space. It's an amazing layout and there's just not enough style here to make me say, "Wow!" Needs more color, more personality... more something.

LOVE this apartment. Awesome. Makes me want to move out to the beach. Will you be posting somewhere info on where you got all your stuff? It seems that a lot of people have the same questions: what kind of building is this, how does the TV projector thing work?? etc!!???

Love it. I think this is easily the strongest contender within the West of the Mississippi River region.

Regarding the toilet in the shower...for most average-sized homes, the shower space looks huge. I don't see the proximity as an issue whatsoever (unless you're in the shower and you have a guest that needs the facilities). For America, it's a weird configuration, but space-wise, the efficiency is brilliant.

As far as hanging more art on the walls...speaking from experience (and a closet full of unhung art),when one occupies a very small space, keeping the walls as light-reflective as possible really helps increase a sense of spaciousness.

Bon chance!

Woaw!!!! I love it!!! :)))

> what kind of building is this?
The building is a triplex. 2 units facing the walkstreet and a bigger unit in the back....where the architect lives.

>what was or is the building that would produce such an odd space??
The building is a couple years old. I believe it used to be a California bungalow

great fresh decor and nice use of space...we are trying to remodel a loft addition in Malibu in the SM Mnts....where did you get your ladder? We are going to rent it for aboput $800 all bills incl...so we want to make it nice and minimalist and breezy like your place. Cheers. Thanks Di

I love your loft and sense of style! I Iive and work in Venice...do you do design consulting? email me at lolitamartini@nitespa.com

oops wrong email--try me at lolitamartini@yahoo.com

This is an amazing use of space - functional and funky at the same time. Can I ask how one goes about finding such a space in the Venice area /any listing or ad ? I am moving from San Francisco and looking for a loft to call my own. thx

Shelfali, I was lucky and found this loft posted on Craigslist. I would recommend driving around the Venice area...