Very cool, but I have the strongest urge to bang a big nail into one of the walls to hang something . . . anything!

Very clean lines... Over all I like it, but I would still add splash of colour here and there (but that's just me LOL). Good job putting it all together!

I'm usually a lurker but was forced out of hiding by this post. Was wondering if you were an international man of mystery - living in D.C with the permanent threat of having to move at no notice...perhaps this could be another competition - quarters oriented towards specific occupations, tinker, tailer, not-for-profit, spy...

this is great. very creative solutions. where did you get the cabinets - i love the idea of using kitchen cabinets in the living room.

I like the sideboard or whatever that is--what is it and where from?

I don't really mind the lack of wall hangings or color. I think adding more would remove the purity of the concept and detract from the aesthetics. Not quite my style but kudos on sticking it out all the way. Instafinalist.

I'm really amused by the innovative "cheats" you used! The door as a headboard! The table as a lamp!! The kitchen cabinets as a sideboard!! That one alone is brilliance that I am going to try to replicate. I was especially interested in the fact that you have shorter ceilings, as I am also dealing with a 7'8" rise. I really like this a lot.

It does have the transitional space feel - but you said that's intentional - so that's cool.

its all very nice, but i can't help but feel it looks like a furniture showroom. kind of cold, as opposed to minimal. but again, nice stuff. i love the bed.

very cool, almost too cool. needs art & soul. but beautiful furnishings.

I think that if you actually read what these various folks have to say before you vote, it's really kind of helpful to understand what they say inspired some of their choices.

This one is a perfect example of how, if you ONLY look, and you don't read the part about how quickly they might have to move, etc., you could miss out on some really interesting insights on approaches people use to create their living spaces.

This one is interesting, because even though they're determined to keep spare and clean and minimal, there IS an answer to the "where's your stuff?" question every asks, and it's in those cabinets, where what seems almost like a hazy white glaze obscures but partly reveals what's inside there.

Although you could say it's a tad impersonal, there is something VERY personal and creative about adapting what are supposed to be kitchen cabinets for another purpose, just like one of the contenders in last year's contest did in his bedroom. So, that built-in look does kind of intrinsically warm up the room in its way.

Knocking off an expensive bed with a DIY is also a very personal thing, and I think the effect is nice, although I might have chosen a different bed covering.

The "lack of art" here is quite the non-issue for me, because the play of light on the walls creates a composition, itself, that seems to make the entrant really enjoy clearing their mind from all the day's cares, regardless of whether this person is having to vote for pork-barrel funding or fetch coffee for the senators that do that.

Clean. Spare. References to moving in a hurry make me curious: Why would one want to move in a hurry? I am imagining CIA and James Bond like scenarios.

A remarkably grown-up space for something that incorporates DIY and Ikea (supre kudos!). Love the monochromatic nature and the sculptural quality of all pieces.

This is the kind of space I aspire to, but in a warmer climate and as (also aspirational!!) a second home. Alas, it would have to be someplace where I would get no mail!

But I do think this place still screams for art (and an all-white Mac...)... and could be done in a way that took nothing away from the zen-slick vibe you've got going. Like, DVD art.. something super modern. Or white on white paintings, of resin or encaustic. Or, some outrageously scaled photo...

I also think one thing (sculptural, gutsy) of an organic nature would be crazy beautiful in this envelope. Dear GOD I am not talking houseplant, but a wood slab side table or a stacked stone sculpture.

Ah, thanks for the nice mid-day day-dream play session.

Would love to know how you dress, typically. I'd be afraid my wardrobe wasn't cool enough for the space! :)

One question of practicality... where do guests sitting in the ply chairs set their cocktails?

From the description:

"the idea was to create a boutique hotel-like suite"

So it seems he designed it be impersonal on purpose. That's so weird to me, but the apartment obviously works really well for his needs, and is an effective use of the space. I do love the knockoff bed and will steal that idea, though in a different color with livelier bedding.

very fine taste, indeed, but it feels a bit too cold. it's hard to imagine a person actually living here. perhaps it's just a start? i think the space could further benefit from a few accessories that would warm it up and make it more inviting. then it might reveal more of a personality. but maybe that's not what you are after.

Curtis took the words out of my mouth. The light makes art almost...and I think hanging things would disrupt the flow. Though, come to think of it, maybe some of those sculptural wall panels painted white would also play on the light while giving some texture.

I was one of those people who thought that some of the other minimalist places seemed sterile, but this one doesn't to me. I also love the sideboard idea. I had one that was already installed permanently in my last apartment and it was great...surface area on top and storage inside!

Another great DC entry...ya'll make momma proud!

I was also going to say that this reminded me a bit of this restaurant Pod in Philadelphia.

I love it as an exercise in disciplined and creative design -- sort of similar in methodology (not look) to Mike's place (the graphic designer who moved from DC to NY).

Patrick, "ply" chairs? Those are buttercup chairs from Blu Dot, I have loved them for years, they are actually amazingly comfortable to sit in...you wouldn't need cocktails.

I am sure Quinn is working on a table that will rise out of the floor a la James Bond (as he is an international man of mystery...)

Oh my gosh, I can't believe how many people voted against this place!

Jennifer--
I figured those chairs had a pedigree, but, um, still bent "ply" no? No offense intended!

But, "you wouldn't need cocktails"?! How do I vote against YOU?!? ;) Cocktails ain't about "need", baby!! :)

I hope this makes it to the finals. Since his choices make the (minimal) square footage seem absolutely HUGE, and it literally defines "Coolest." In my book, at least.

And those are Ikea kitchen cabinets, so cleverly used, no?

It's way too sparse and white for me, but I do love the hidden lighting, I've been meaning to do that with my bed.

where is the aluminium dining table from?

re: your headboard...

Must. Have. One. But over my sofa.

This is like a meal of rice, scallops, and cauliflower on a white china plate. Good in theory, but kind of boring once it's in front of you.

asta, I think the aluminum dining table is from Muji. You can order it through the MOMA store, http://momastore.org/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10001&storeId=10001&productId=30882

This apartment makes me very curious about the little folk-art looking pillow on the bed. With someone whose design sense takes 'antiseptic' to whole new extremes, how did this one little decorative item get kept in the Design Whitewashing that took place in this space?

Curiouser and curiouser.

And as for the question about martinis: Clearly, this is not a space intended for human activity. Martinis are superfluous.

boring!

Though I'm not completely blown away by any of the entries so far, I was really curious as to the number of negative votes that this one has garnered, and having read the comments I’m in alignment with Curtis. It helps to be informed before you vote – kind of like… an election! There is a purpose to the design and it is well executed. This would be in my top five not because it’s too spare for my taste, but because it’s the innovation and thought that went into to it as well as the fact that I’m an avid DIYr so any object that is cleverly repurposed gets instant thumbs up from me. Great job!

While the space does look unfinished, it's probably the best entry in terms of the care and thought given to the lighting alone.

hmm.. when i first glanced at the photo without reading the headings i thot it was a photo of a design store that was closing and selling all thier inventory at discounted prices! (wishful thinking)

very bland.

Perhaps the high negative vote count is because we are looking to praise apartments as homes, not "boutique hotel rooms" that can be "packed in 2 days"

Quinn-
Go out and rent a cat next time you take photos. You'll get more votes.

I don't get the negativity toward this space, and want to sublet it next time you are "called away."

Plus, the thought of gorgeous music drifting through this space... I want to be there now.

And please, the best meal I EVER had was tuna with white caper sauce. All beige and white, on a white plate... but dear god, when it hit the tastebuds!!

I think it just possible that many here have different taste buds.

But still don't know why that yields (over)reactions like "no humans could live here!!" Sure, it would take discipline, but worth the feel of the end result.

Congrats again, Quinn. I think it gorgeous.
(but in a way that would still welcome at least ONE equally gorgeous painting!) ;)

Too much white plastic...needs some art, or other dashes of contrast (color, organic materials, etc.) Although some of the DIY features are creative, the overall effect is simply BLAND...

I agree with Curtis that it helps to read what the dweller set out to do before voting.

It's an interesting concept, with some creativity in carrying it out, particularly the lighting design. I ended up voting middle-of-the-road because, while I respect the creativity and focus involved, the lack of more vibrant color and texture leaves me depressed (literally frowning) every time I look at the photos. That's not because it's modern or even minimalist (there are entries with both qualities that seemed more welcoming to me) but because of how this entry carried out the minimalist vibe. I wouldn't want to stay in this hotel.

Are my emotional responses a sign of poor aesthetics? Maybe. But there's a lot to be said for a table to set a drink on, too.

Oh -- and if you take P2's advice to rent a cat -- WHITE cat. Definitely a white cat.

sorry, must chime in:

i think the large amount of negative votes on this place is rather unfortunate - and i certainly don't agree the tally.

i think quinn had an idea, carried it out with panache, showed that he was resourceful and creative with how he managed to use "low-end" materials to create "hi-end" looks, did a really lovely job with the lighting - and more.

i agree with p2 - i can imagine here just listening to music - and with curtis - the walls and the shadows *are* the "art." i bet it's wonderful to be RELAXING in this space.

quinn, from where i stand, the votes are NOT indicative of where your pad should place. just my opinion.

Yawn.

Quinn -if you want to add some art -try Rasterbating -it's fun, easy -super-cheap and you can pack it or recycle it when you move. Check out the link from an earlier post:

http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/ny/011206/artwork/the-rasterbator-001492#comments

I think it's lovely and soothing. There's something very calming about minimalism. Clutter makes me feel closed in and restless.

Great use of light.

Too minimalist for my taste? Yes. But innovative? You bet. Having moved many times, I can relate to the concept. Everything is deliberate and well thought out. Put some big, colorful art up on the walls and I'd womp the guy over the head and assume his identity just so I could live there.

I'm also surprised by the negative votes on this one. Although I generally prefer warmer colors this minimalist home seems very relaxing and comfortable to me. I think Quinn accomplished what he set out to do with style.

When we look at what the contest is really judging, Efficiency, Beauty, and Problem Solving, I think a lot of people should think about why they voted negatively. He has definitely scored high on efficiency and problem solving. And perhaps, the all white walls with no pictures is not everyone's concept of beauty. However, a LOT of entrants this year bought their pieces from catalogs and stores that everyone else bought their stuff from and placed it around just like everyone else placed theirs. I love that he bought basically the same stuff and used his imagination to repurpose them for his own uses.

I myself am a fan of color, color, and MORE color, but I can appreciate what he has done. The only thing that I have a problem with (a small one) is that he took this on as an experiment, where most others are looking at these as living spaces, not hotels (though some do look more like lovely boutique hotels than homes). I became fine with it though, because from the posts you can see that other people see uses for his experiments in their own REAL apartments. So, good for you Quinn.

I've vote for this one if only because personally, I'd want to be prepared to leave DC on a moment's notice, too.

But I also like the apartment. This design takes a lot of self control, especially in this type of a rental.

I'm more fascinated by why everyone assumes Quinn is male?

Quinn, male or female? I checked the entry description and you're right there is no indication of gender, I thought someone else had referred to Quinn as "he", but it may be my mistake. It certainly was not a factor in my vote on the entry.

jimkk, it's all that talk of "man of mystery" that made you think that....

Just wanted to reiterate how much I like this place. There was an all white home in Met Home a few issues ago that I HATED because it lacked dimension, but this, I do not hate...I love. Quinn, male or female, I can be over for drinks by 8!

Yup, he accomplished the whole "ready to move in two minutes" decor, but I'm just not digging how spare and spartan the result is. Just not very welcoming at all.

standing ovation because of the lighting; Quinn you've got to help others in similar white apartments

ahhhh minimalism, the justification for doing as little as possible and calling it "designed"

This was the toughest entry for me to vote on. I had to give a big thumbs up because you've accomplished something I could not. You took a typical apartment with beige carpet and made it unique. I don't know if I've ever seen an apartment like this turn out looking so unique. Well done! ...and the lighting... Well done!

So unique.

Tanya - I cannot read about rasterbation without grinning.

Gotta know where the kitchen cabinet sideboard...i think its ikea.

Oh, and an addendum (on the being-fair-to-Quinn note):

I am very, very impressed with how the selection of furniture has been used to create the impression of height. That's a tough trick to pull off.

620 square feet seems positively huge for one person. I'm a little sad that the size went up so much this year... I think the real innovations are showing when people create separate spaces out of one room. This space looks great! I love the lighting. I just don't see much challenge in trying to live comfortably in so much space.

ingenuity + DIY = A+

Doug, Quinn is traditionally a man's name, so I think that's why. Granted, there are names like Ryan, which are traditionally male, but can be used for women, so who knows?

I enjoyed most the use of lighting and space - the furniture, especially those beige chairs in the foreground, had a nice, sleek look that gave the place a sheen most apartments wouldn't have.

I finally got off the fence to vote for this one. I'm not a minimalist by any stretch of the imagination, but I love the feel of this place. I was shocked when I realized how low the ceilings are -- there's an excellent judgment in furniture selection. The lighting is simply inspiring and I *love* the red chair in the bedroom.

Could somebody please explain how to turn a table top into a floor lamp?

I dream of living in a space this clean and perfect. Thanks to Quinn for showing it to us. And, to the people who think it's bland, the answer seems clear to me: It's a showcase for the colorful people who will be inside it. This strikes me as a perfect place to entertain, because the people, not the stuff, will be the center of attention (as they should be). And I agree with p2 that cocktails are essential. Just ban red wine, perhaps....

Quinn,
(Simplicity)
This place is a piece of art. Your use of line, form, space, light and vision is truly captured here. As an artist, I see nothing but art on the walls. The creativity of the lighting bounces all around demonstrating dramtic soft/hard shadows and positive/negative spaces. (This is done well). Also,just having the thought of making a sideboard out kitchen cabinets and to use a table top up against the wall with lighting behind it to make a floor lamp is just so sweet. The best of luck to you. Organization is the key to simplifying your life. If one day you decide to add some color, buy some fresh flowers.

Efficiency, beauty, and problem-solving.

Quinn, you scored high on all three criteria.

Initial reaction for most people may be that it's too bare. But simplicity as a living concept is a worthy goal.

If you go for dash of other colors:
Yes, beautiful tulips or irises in glass vase.
Or, new bold colored pillows on bed.

Charcoal grey for bedding is fine, but rumpled look of duvet/pillows seem mismatch for rest of apartment's oh-so-sleek lines.

LOVE the DIY aspects, esp. the door as wide headboard and the rising sun lighting behind it.

I'd like to leave DC in a moment.

Quinn--details on all the lighting. And don't forget the cabinets/sideboard.

I think the lighting is really effective and beautiful.

Brrrrrrr, too cold and uninviting! Kinda like a doctor's waiting room. I wouldn't want to sit in a wooden chair to watch a 2-hour DVD. And the walls need SOMETHING, anything!
But I like the simplicity, and it would be easy to keep clean. And I love the comforter too. another IKEA find!

"I wouldn't want to sit in a wooden chair to watch a 2-hour DVD"

but you wouldn't. there's a couch. and in this space, i could imagine being totally comfortable lying on the floor, with a pillow - my fave spot, anyway.

This apartment is FABULOUS! I would live there in a second. I love the simple lines and style. The cool minimalist approach is not one that I would have thought of, but Quinn has given me ideas for my own living space. Thanks Quinn. Great job. The lighting is fantastic.

It's got the cool thing down. I suspect hanging stuff on the walls might have the effect of lowering the ceiling (which would be bad) but I agree the place needs some pigment. I'd try to use color on the floor to make the apt. seem a little less arctic. It looks like wall-to-wall is on the floor now which (for me) is not so appealing.

At the very least, Quinn should win for most divisive and controversial space. Everybody loves it or hates it.

To me, it looks like the set for an "urban, cool, mod" apartment in a cheesily pretentious movie.

It's hard to get out of that 60s boxy type of condo/apartment space. And you didn't.

I see mannequins living here.

I shudder to imagine what life is like in this apartment! Its like a swankier meat locker. Stark white walls and stiff wooden chairs?! This person is insane, or at least enjoys a soothing overnight stay in an institution...because that is what this home looks like to me; A ritzy hospital.

Where is the imagination? These are all in sets, and there are no built-ins.

great place, I wonder if it helps Quinn cope with internal clutter?

alli--
Can't you just disagree about the style withOUT comparing the home owner a mental patient?!

jeeeeeeez.

And if this is a rental, perhaps that explains the "no built-ins."

I see the imagination everywhere here... which is perhaps why it looks like so few homes we DO see, here or elsewhere.

and jax, I disagree about this not transcending the 60s box. I think it does so beautifully.

The front-door hardware disturbs my serenity a little.

One word for this place - Gorgeous.

Wow! What's with all the attacking and personal low blows? Can't people just graciously disagree about this place!!??

economical, clean and very tidy, however it looks like a IKEA showroom that's not quite finished.

I would like to see the other half of the living room towards the balcony, and furniture in the floor plan.

Trying just a bit too hard.

Needs some color and something practical on the wall, like a clock or mirrors.

There is so much in this apartment that I crave for my own situation-simplicity, order, cleanliness, spareness. I don't see it as stark, but soft. It's quiet.

Smashing--you're speaking to my inner Kubrick! Very soothing, radiant, and full of spare and quiet beauty.

I want to second this insightful comment by Lisa from VA: "...a LOT of entrants this year bought their pieces from catalogs and stores that everyone else bought their stuff from and placed it around just like everyone else placed theirs. I love that he bought basically the same stuff and used his imagination to repurpose them for his own uses."

Catalog Modern is an invitation to cliche, so kudos to those doing it differently!

I hate to dis my fellow commentators, but I think some of us are missing the point while most of the entrants are getting it: this is not a decorating contest. This is a contest judging the efficiency and problem-solving ideas put forth, and whether that was also done in an aesthetically pleasing way.

Regardless of the style [which is subjective], it seems that most of the entrants address the problem-solving aspects that they were asked to consider before submitting their apartments. Whether an apartment needs art or a dash of color is besides the point: maybe art on the walls would make the place seem smaller. In this particular entry, there's color everywhere -- in the contents of that sideboard, the green throw over the sofa, the red chair in the bedroom....

I honestly hope that all the entries are judged according to the submission criteria and not the public's personal tastes.

The apartment is calm, fashionably modern and the use of lighting is inspiring. The space appears much larger than it actually is. Beautiful execution. I like it very much.

This is the first apartment that we have seen that absolutely follows the philosohy espoused by the owner/designer. Terrific interpretation of the thesis statement. You don't have to love modern/minimalist decorating to realize what an achievement this apartment is.

Tobias G--

re: "This is a contest judging the efficiency and problem-solving ideas put forth, and whether that was also done in an aesthetically pleasing way."

Doesn't "aesthetically pleasing way" pretty squarely intersect with decor, when you are judging the aesthetics of *an interior*, and open the door to having things like art and color be judged, or in the very least, be armchair quarterbacked?

If not, how do you define "decor" versus "interior aesthetics"?

And the submission criteria leaves itself COMPLETELY open to personal taste, since none of this is *math*...

....well.... one may like minimalism or not.. i happen to like it.. a lot, actually... but the issue is not minimalism, that is just the solution... quinn could have done his apartment in neoclassic style, for that matter.. the issue is that he did it in a very clever, innovative way, with a very original use of materials (the door, the table, etc..), resolving a very clear issue: having a home that soothes his inner self (and not all inner selves are equal...) and would allow him to move in a flash.. the lighting is smart and make-believe cappellini-like ikea items are slick.... the rest (art on the walls, clocks and mirrors - gosh, i want to pretend i did not hear THAT!!! - ) is marginal. Though the music should be kruder and dorfmeister..... so thumbs up for quinn for a job well done!

Good taste.

Clever execution of DIY.

Too bad it's a rental. This palce could really benefit from hardwood floors.

Good taste.

Clever execution of DIY.

Too bad it's a rental. This place could really benefit from hardwood floors.

I positively love this space! Clean lines..minimalist and classic.

I applaud the effort it took to transform what must've been an extremely bland apartment. The place is soothing and uncluttered. However, the thing about a mostly white color scheme is that you've got to have some texture. This apartment doesn't need color, but a shaggy white area rug, some burlap curtains, and more wood grain.

No wall hangings, no color - looks too sterile and reminds me of a hospital. It lacks warmth. Sort of depressing...

jl, of all entries, this one is trying just a bit too hard?
are you kidding? at least you said "just a bit" but that expression reeks of condescension

for the love of whatever, put somethings on the walls.

Patric (the other one)...I think you are great! Always about the cocktails, I bet you make one hell of a drink and have a little table to sit it on ;)

I like it, except its a little TOO much white, IMO. Which begs the question: is it possible to decorate a small apt tastefully w/o drowing it in white?