#16 - Ivar's Simple & Pared Down

Name: Ivar
Location: Guastavino Row, Upper West Side, NYC
Size: 320 square foot studio

Favorite resource:

flea markets, lumber suppliers, and eBay

What inspired you?

Having lived in cluttered spaces for most of my life, I wanted a change when it came to my first apartment.

I set out to create a contemplative space that embraced art and design but was still simple and pared down. All the tools and implements of living are hidden behind doors and cabinets. [more below]

...Books are stored on shelves in one closet, clothes and office materials are in another closet, and all kitchen stuff is stored in the Home Depot cabinets. I tried to set a mood with lighting, and an ambiance with the art which was either made by family members or found at flea markets. The furniture and woodturning is all self made, as the apartment also serves as laboratory to test the physical integrity of the pieces as well as a neutral palette for meditating on their design.

Design Tip:

Be selective and edit

Comments (4)

Nice balcony. I just want see a little more welcome feeling. I can't visit that kind of place with my kid. My kids would ask "what are those pots doing on the floor?"

Ivar -An elegant statement of taste and design in a small space. It would seem to me that people who have studio apartments "live" in the city, and relax and sleep in their apartment. I cannot imagine a more wonderful place to return to after work, and an evening with friends in a local restaurant. Your furniture is exquisite in its simplicity. You are to be appauded for your effort.

i love the iron balcony, the french doors, the chair and desk, the lighting; it's truly inspired.

Oh beautiful. I would love to curl up on that bed and have good quiet conversations.