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Name: Angela Bosworth
Location: Short North — Columbus, Ohio
Size: 1,000 square feet
Years lived in: 4 — owned

In less deft hands, Angela Bosworth's home in a newly built condominium in Columbus' Short North neighborhood could have been a cold and impersonal space. After all, the building, constructed in 2007, doesn't have some of the architectural details that older buildings boast. And the palette Angela used — black and white — doesn't naturally lend itself to a feeling of warmth. But by adding a dose of creamy caramel accents, and layering on natural elements such as plants, animal hides and skulls, Angela has created a space that is both elegant and inviting.

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An attorney by training now working in the business world, Angela says her home is an extension of her creative interests and love of design — something she doesn't always have opportunity to express in her 9-to-5 gig. Reared by parents she describes as having a "great flair for design, shape and color" — and in a home full of mid-century furniture, with wide-ranging style and accessories — Angela says built environments have always captured her interest and imagination. Ferreting out just the right thing, whether it be fashion, art, furniture or accessories is in her blood.

Although a new-build presents challenges — standard box shapes and ceiling heights among them — it also provided Angela the opportunity to shape certain elements to her liking. For instance, she was able to pick the colors and the finishes. In search of contrast, Angela chose to keep the wood floors light and bright, while adding near-black cabinetry in the kitchen and bathrooms of her two bedroom, two bathroom condo. Angela was also able to add elements that are less immediately obvious: an iPod dock on the wall is connected to a ceiling speaker system, providing an unobtrusive way to enjoy tunes. Similarly, Angela was able to mount a projector to the ceiling, thereby eliminating the need for a television that would take up precious space.

A 14-year resident of the Short North, Angela says she loves her neighborhood, home to her circle of friends, a number of great businesses, eateries, art galleries and bars and other community elements. She lived in a nearby apartment for a year while waiting for the Dakota to be finished, and says "it was worth the wait. The location was exactly right for me."

Apartment Therapy Survey:

My Style: Minimalistic Luxury, Posh Mod

Inspiration: Paris and London in 1960, mid-century modern design

Favorite Element: Light! And the big mirror in the living room hanging over the sofa. It used to hang over a bar somewhere in the Appalachian hills of southern Ohio. I bought it from my old friend Dan at his now defunct shop, Curio-a-Go Go. He found it in a barn and then charged me an arm and a leg for it.

Biggest Challenge: The "L" shape of the living room is awkward, and there is no logical place for a dining area. I just use the bar, or eat out.

What Friends Say: "Perfect place for cocktails!" (and the occasional late night dance party DJ'd by my friend Dave and his iPod).

Biggest Embarrassment: The office. It is the dumping ground for unframed prints, boxes, old CD's and other "stuff."

Proudest DIY: The video projection system and iPod station, which I designed myself. The installation was done by professionals, but I purchased all of the components and designed the system so that I could project cable TV and movies on the wall, with the sound all wired though the built in speakers. The only trick is taking the painting down every time I want to watch TV. Second place would be my desk, which I made out of an old window that I found at an antique store. It sits on galvanized metal Graepel cubes that I bought at the Container Store.

Biggest Indulgence: The "Prince" chair, designed by Louise Campbell, in the living room. I saw it in Elle Décor some time in 2006. Later that year, I made a pilgrimage to the Conran Shop in New York to see it before I ordered it. My friend Suzi said you should never spend more than a thousand dollars on a chair until you have actually sat in it. So we did. I about died when I was in New York last year and it was featured in an exhibit at the Cooper Hewitt design museum.

Best Advice: Spend big on great design. It is better to go without than fill a space with junk. Don't be in a rush to finish a space, because it's never really finished.

Dream Sources: The Conran Shop, ABC Carpet and Home, Design Within Reach, Collier West

Resources of Note:

LIVING ROOM

    • Sofa: Antique Empire style sofa recovered in cowhide — flea market sofa recovered by a local upholsterer, Sheri's at Fifth Avenue
    • Cream Leather Sofa: Roche Bobois. Delivered by my friends Suzi and Haley across the street from the Roche Bobois store
    • Lucite Coffee Table: The Grandview Mercantile
    • Prince Chair: Designed by Louise Campbell, manufactured by Hay. Laser cut felt over foam, on a steel frame
    • Chandelier: Collier West (vintage)
    • Ottoman: Design Within Reach
    • Fornasetti Plates: Collier West
    • Bison Head: Elk Ranch, courtesy of Robert Grevey
    • Graphic "X" Painting: Robert Trautman
    • Cowhides: Ordered online

OFFICE


KITCHEN

    • Wallpaper: "Airheads" by Tracy Kendall, available from ID Chicago
    • Mid-century pottery: Royal Haeger

BEDROOM


BATHROOM

    • Poured concrete counter tops
    • Shelves from the Container Store

Thanks, Angela!

Images: Jennifer Wray

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