apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

Love, Love, Love the orange fiberglass chairs.

This is in no way meant to be offensice, but, I have to wonder if Ikea has hit the million sold mark for the Enitri bookcases? Several years ago, I purchased the shelves only to use on wall mounted brackets. I liked the thickness of them, but I didn't want them to look like Ikea shelves.

I just replaced them with other Ikea shelves.

Lovely. And very livable. You wouldn't win a design contest about color, but it's a great home.

Um, where's the color? I like white, and believe that it can be used effectively, but this doesn't do it for me. This is my style of place - love the gorgeous fireplace - but the use of color is almost nonexistent and seems second thought. I voted no way. The place is very nice, and love the chandelier, but not the use of color. Sorry.

i LOVE this apartment-- but i voted "no way." The aparment skillfully uses black and white (and the natural wood) with pops of red. But still, mostly black and white.
Thanks for sharing this with us, Sarah & Steve-- I'd love to see this apartment more as a house tour for it looks like you have impeccable taste!

I love your use of color. I never understood this contest to be about who uses the *most* color ;-)

I've posted this before, but I *really* think there should be a separate contest category for renters who are able to skillfully introduce color into their living spaces without resorting to painting the walls.

This is really nice. I think people need to remember that if it is a rental, odds are people aren't able to paint. They have to bring color into their home using other methods.

Not sure about the color, but that Frankenstein head rocks. Details on that item please.

A great space and I see a lot of potential.

I love the simple clean lines. The black and white are the ideal background palatte for the color rushes of the curtains, the chairs, the accessories. They have maximized the room's great asset, the fireplace. Above all--it looks interesting because it is a showcase for things that obviously define them--books, funky art pieces, etc. It feels serene...

A really lovely home. I always like looking at spaces with white walls and how tenants use color in creative ways to warm up the space. Despite the crisp whiteness, the room doesn't feel cold to me at all.

Sorry, but I voted no way (even though I hate voting for that cuz it sounds mean, I wish they'd change the wording!). I think your apartment is really beautiful, it's very stylish but still looks so comfortable. The red looks really great and I don't even mind that the walls aren't painted because I think it makes the red stand out all the more, I just wish there'd been some other color used somewhere in a small way. Maybe some accent pillows on the couch or some art. I probably would've voted for in contention if there weren't so many others I've liked already.

Go Bulls!

You can tell two adults live here. I like it.

Thanks for all of your outstanding comments. Yes, it's true that we rent and can't paint our walls, so we've tried to bring in color in other ways. The "white-walls" issue seems to be a hot topic in this contest, and I love hearing everyone's differing opinions. Ya'll rock.

Maybe the oranges on the table are a bit much. First of all, they scream "MARRIED PEOPLE live here." Second, I would eat one if I were at your apartment, but then be annoyed by the stick residue on my fingers, and hold you responsible.

oranges = married people?
Ya learn something new every day!

I think what works here is the moderate use of gray (I'm not seeing the black that everyone else appears to see) and the pinkish color in the chairs and drapes against the white background. However, there are a lot of little things, on the walls, on the couch, etc. that take away from it. Good effort but it was done much better by the other place with the pinkish fiberglass chairs.

Okay, I get the color (or lack thereof) criticisms and I can't decide who has the more compelling argument for or against, BUT I love the feel of the room and think you've done the mod and victorian juxtaposition just right. It's very modern and comfortable in feel—not austere or just-out-of-the box looking.
And that Frankenstein bust is outrageously cool. The Breyer horse, though?!

Sometimes the best use of color is restrained to a few key pieces. I love the gray (yes gray is a color) and coral palette accented with the blue throw on the sofa. The room is sophisticated but has a youthful energy. Well done! Also Sarah & Steve--my former Chicago apartment living room was almost an identical architectural match to yours, so for sentimental reasons I love seeing what you did with your space planning and decor.

Oh that first pic is so beautiful. Love all that red - it reminds me of Morocco. And your apartment is gorgeous.

We went colorful this year with reds and golds and love it. What a neat place you have. I really like the clean white walls and the splashes of color. Good luck. Susan, still at St. Timothy's!!

Funky! I like it!!!!

What a fun apartment!

I like the more subtle use of colour- even with the red curtains I don't feel jarred.

This looks like a great place to hang out.

Of course I like it!! I know good taste when I see it. I do think it could use a dog or cat or two lying around somewhere. A home is what YOU make it.

I love this space: calm and airy without being boring. Lots of personality. Good contrast between the colors and the white. Good furniture arrangement. I might try a different shelving unit for the CDs and stereo equipment--I'm fine with the shelving unit, but it's not an efficient use of space for CD storage. I'd use it for something else. I might edit the objects d'art just a little. The Frankenstein head is really incredible.

i think this is a skillful use of touches of orange. it looks good and zesty with the old wood. i like the fresh white walls and the moderne touches. i like the way the art has been chosen to relate to the space it dwells in -- the oblongs in the oblong space, the well proportioned square above the bookcase, the excellent shelves to the right of the fireplace. i dig this furniture set up; it is convivial. the floors look pretty. this is a civilized space. thank you.

p.s. white is a color.
and the skillful use of it -- especially as others have pointed out, by renters -- it seems to me ought to be one of the major criteria of this contest. since not all of us own.

I'm surprised you can't paint your apartment in Chicago. I've been able to do whatever I want to all my rentals. But regardless, I freaking love what you've done. Classy & contemporary without being frigid and "un-lived in". Know what I mean, Vern?

Bravo, dammit.

Love,
Midwest #19

The two color tones are perfect together. The decor is wonderful as well. Aces!

*gasp* I love it Iloveitiloveit.

thrift and class-- sarah and & steve, you've done it again!

thoughtful colors that highlight your space, not over power it.

i always appreciate the art history in your posts-- makes me feel brainy and stylish!

tres bien,
t