apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

Jane: I must have been asleep - my spelling was an accident but now I'm laughing also.

And I think, weird, but - this red fuzzy room is looking better each time I look at it. Design is personal. While I wouldn't do my room this way, something about this makes me want to purr.....people should lighten up a bit about design and just have some fun. Good for Paul.

After a few drinks, who doesn't love padded walls? This place was designed to be viewed at 4 am, not 4 pm. And it's great how the first dozen or so comments border on speechless.

One thing, though: ditch the plastic plant, get a nice poinsettia. Or maybe some holly....

oh. my. god.

Um... it's definitely colourful.

Cool concept but in my opinion waaaaayyyyy too much red....especially if, as you stated the apartment is small...to me this wold make it feel even smaller...

I am too much of a gentleman to comment.

How small is the apartment?

I'm a little verklempt ...

I see gentlemen in Smoking Jackets here with brandy and cigars.

O. M. G.

I'm not much of a gentleman, so I'll go ahead and say what some of you must be thinking - this renter could quit his day job with the profits he could make by renting this place out as a set for adult movies.

Was this entry purely for the purpose of trashing?

Red is my absolute favorite color, but even I am a bit overwhelmed by this. Too much of a good thing isn't so good. Sorry.

redrum REDRUM!!

At least it isn't pink, green, or orange.

Was the film "Boogie Nights" your inspiration?

I admire your ability to commit.

Whoa! I can't believe someone actually lives in there.

Are you sure your not running a whorehouse?

I have to give this an instafinalist, because my mouth gaped open at first sight. I am still trying to figure it out.

This is a screen-shot from the next Austin Powers movie, isn't it?

woah. if i passed out one night and woke up in this room i'd probably have a heart attack either fearing for my life or my good name. but i am a horror fan so, as gross as this room is, i'd probably enjoy sitting in it.

Lordy. Is it a coincidence or planned that the very next entry (Compliant Colors) in this region is an example of how wonderful fabic panel squares can look when done right?

Holy... you know that Simpsons episode where Homer tries to become an inventor, and one of his ideas is a makeup gun? And he blasts it at Marge, who yells at him, her face covered with coloured goo, that he has it "set on whore"?

My apologies, but that's what I thought of here.

Either that or a vampire's daylight retreat.

Points for individual statement, though.

I totally respect your commitment to red. Your place is very lounge like. Too much fun.
Thanks,

You are not likely going to change it based on anyones critiques here. But let me offer one suggestion that you won't have to change your style for: move the dining chairs to the opposite side so you don't have to face the wall when eating.

I used to go to this dive bar in my home town in upstate NY. It's called the Belmar. The cieling above the bar was this red satin material with buttons spaced evenly throughout. I thought it looked like the inside of a coffin. The bar itself was all very old dark wood with victorian details. Your entry reminds me of the good ol' Belmar.

You have got the most "guts" of anyone in this contest. You had to know you'd be gravely criticized? I give you props for entering and lots of props for originality.

Although I don't personally like it, you really could get some unique use out of it.

I like the color red, but...perhaps by introduing another color you could soften the blow...a bit. Either lose the rug and keep the fabric or vice versa. Choose one, PLEASE!!!

This is totally too much fun; I'd love to see how you decorate for Valentine's Day!

Thanks for giving me the best laugh I've had all day; you've got quite the sense of humor, Paul. Don't forget to enter the "Smallest, Coolest" contest next spring.

i think i could like this...if i were SATAN.

but i like that you like it, and that's what matters.

sooooo...is this right?
Satan rents a 1 bedroom apt in Chicago?
I thought he was renting that big white house in DC for the past 6 years!

Nice red, crazy room.

What - no green? ;)

What can I say - this makes me smile.

this contest is to show your use of color in a space, to show how you make colors work together. all i see is red, and too much of it. i understand you like the color red, but red is one of those colors you should use sparingly, and mix with some warm colors for an inviting look, or with cooler colors for a warm and relaxing space.

i love it

This is where Paul is supposed to chime in that the comments are hurting his self-esteem; that he did this apartment "just for myself" and he can't understand how this decor could have any kind of negative impact on his social life.

Props Paul; you're probably laughing yourself sick!

i'm disappointed that the drop ceiling isn't done in black and red velvet checkerboard style.

Cool. I too, would like to see the drop ceiling in black and red! And some color on the white kitchen floor, too. I'm wondering what this super lounge would look like with professional lighting and pictures?

Heather, this is not the forum for that.

I had a professor in design school who had done his entire apartment in Europe in red, just to make a point that it could be done successfully. Literally every surface in his apartment was some shade of red, and it really did look good, although somewhat shocking. The difference was that he had abundant natural light, excellent artificial lighting, and was able to use a full range of textures from glossy to matte, which created enough contrast so that you could tell what you were looking at. I'm guessing that this is a basement apartment and so the lack of natural light and the sort of consistent velour texture of everything here has a bordello effect; but, points for trying!

It's only on second look that I realise that the ceiling is that acoustic tile stuff-- so this may genuinely be a basement.

Not much to add, just again you have to give him points for thorough execution of his idea.

I think I knew somebody in 1974 who had the inside of his van custom designed like this, though...

Is that plant... plastic?

not my taste, but, man it's pretty fantastic!

my only critique is that it's so intense that the two or three things that aren't with the theme are jarring - i'd lose the plants, and cover the grey bit of carpet with yet more red. everything that's not red or black, needs to be red or black.

Definitely original! Good for you, Paul!! At least it's not full of too much clutter, like many of the rooms I've seen people Insta-Finalisting on here! I like your sense of self!! GOOD FOR YOU!!

Yeah, it looks like a whorehouse or hell or the inside of a creepy van - but the use of color is sure to inspire a few to make a more sexy place (texture, people, texture!) and ain't that what this contest is all about?

has anyone ever been to the hotel rouge in DC? the rooms are exactly like this!

they have something called a "shag bag" displayed prominently in the mini-bar.

they have zebra print bathrobes.

they have padded red pleather headboards.

they also have a great happy hour, and I imagine the same can be said of this place?

brilliant!

ATM, were you talking about Peter Klick, the professor at Harrington?

I like the velvet and I like red and jane any forum is the forum for that!

This is HILARIOUS! I hope you win by virtue of your bravitas.

Okay, so I'll be the first to jump to Paul's defence. The WSA is truly one of the most unique spaces in Chicago... packing party crowds nearly as big as some of the nearby neighborhood bars.

Believe me when I tell you the garden apartment is less than 400 square feet and gets nearly no natural light. The bi-polar landlord wouldn't allow any serious modifications or anything to be painted. (It's suspect the "apartment" is rentable).

The totally-posh, ultra-fabulous, over-the-top redrific room, may not be to your taste - but having had many a cozy cocktail here - no one's ever left without having had a great time.

Long live the WSA.

Wow...I love the use the different reds in this limited space. It gives the entire place a feeling of warmth and comfort, yet sets the stage for the ultimate love nest!!!!

So this is what being smothered by a pillow looks like. How does one breath in this space?

I love it! It's small (very), cozy, creative and fun!

I love how small the apartment is, i love the red walls, they are my favorite and the fact that there are differant tones of red. Its very warm and inviting. You feel right at home when you see it. I would not want it any other color, it fits the space and personality so well!

Prince called, he wants his velvet back. This man has depleted the entire stock of red and black velvet available in the Chicago area. Dear Lord, I'm menstruating...

All of the above.

I actually need to add to that. When I saw the first picture, I thought someone had taken the picture with a colored lense and I thought "Hey, That's not actually red. How fake!" Then I saw the green plant and realized it is real. I cried.

Wow doesn't feel 80's to me more like late 70's! It's the Love Shack! All I can think of is Barry White songs playing all night long (hehe) luv this place it's so retro! Absolute fav!

I would go insane living there but at the same time I love it. Everything looks so soft and warm and comfy. I would probably spend my days petting the walls. Which is a good thing.

Although it would not be an ideal living situation for me, I do enjoy its coziness. I have been to the WSA twice and I can say that it is a very elaborately done space within the context of being the world's SMALLEST apartment. It's a great space for entertaining; very organized, very creative. And just a side note, the picture doesn't do it justice (mainly because red doesn't photograph well); this apartment is memorable, comfortable, and loveable.

This apartment is 100% haute couture fantastic! Well done, Paul!

The WSA is a great space and a perfect place to entertain. Confortable, creative, inviting and a warm place to hang with the host & our friends. Great job Paul!

Actually, I don't really get or understand all of the rather unflattering comments in this thread. Red is a very warm color, and I think Paul has done a great job here of using it to make his apartment a very warm and inviting place. In particular, I like the way he's alternated with the different shades of red throughout, with a little black thrown in here and there to offset it all just enough. It's over the top, but over the top in a good way. So a big "thumbs up!" from New York to Chicago!!

First and foremost, as a frequent visitor to the world famous WSA I must tell you the entire experience of being in that space is impossible to express to the small minded individuals who do not have enough vision to understand. I question how valid these opinions truely are. Everyone has a favorite color and that is a very personal thing. I wish this web-site had a way to show the apartment of the responder as I am sure the are all so beautiful and appeal to everyone's taste.
That said, Paul has an amazing eye for detail and creating an environment with attitude and sophistication. Of course that is something expressed while in the space, not viewing it on a computer. Any negative comments about Paul's taste are not valid, and plain mean. As a client of Paul, I can only thank him for his incredible use of color and attention to my presonality and how to express that in my home.
In response to the meanspirited comments, Grandma always said "the empty can makes the most noise".

I love it!! What a fun place! I'm not a designer, but I like to think I have good taste and this place looks soo cool! I'd live there in a New York minute! Great job!!

Ahhh... the smell of Drakkar, the sweet kiss of pink Champale... Nice place, Smoove B!

This looks Fabulous!!! Super Luxurious! This would be a wonderful space to entertain guest. Cocktails must be in hand when visiting this Top Notch abode.

OMG!!!! Good times, Good people, Sexy place..
:-)

I wonder if this guy lives there:

http://badgas.co.uk/griffnut/champagne_pose.jpg

This apartment, being as small as it seems, is the most warm and welcoming home. Considering the use of space by Paul. He made this a comfortable place to stay. His use of color and textures adds a depth and warmth to a cold and dark place. Through his creativity and imagination, he has made a "silk purse out of a sows ear".

I love the energy of this place! Incredible. Considering the small space, it makes great use of color, space and layout. Definitely has a comfortable/cozy feel along with a huge burst of personality. Makes for the perfect space for living and entertaining!

I love it. It's a little over the top but screw it, it's meant to be comfy.

As a man who has now been forbidden by the SO to use red again (my hallway, dining area, and living room walls and ceilings are pure pigment red), I am a little envious.

OK - WOW! that was the first, second and third thought. The more I see it the more I like it - its fantastic. It takes gutts to stick to that in your home space and have that feeling that I am inside a velvet people. Now that IS use of color!

WOW! Shag-o-lishious! Makes me want to drink and OH so horny! Can I rent it for the weekend when you're out of town Paul?

All I can say is, AMAZING! Paul, you've pulled off the impossible! Soooooo soft and cozy!! :-P

That landlord should pay YOU to live there!!

Good idea to use saturated colour (see the Emery et Cie website for some beautiful examples), but too much texture for me - but maybe the camera flash emphasises that and it's different in daylight. Pity you're not allowed to paint the walls.

In response to the apartment, I say wow! Very original and refreshing. The other posters should leave their khaki colored, pottery barn filled, next to the t.g.i. friday's, suv in the driveway, lifeless, suburban homes a little more often.

I think it is very creative, the walls are wondeful and it is very warm! Others do not be haters....

It puts the lotion on its skin...

I've personally been in the World's Smallest Apartment and absolutely LOVE the color scheme. Yes, Paul's choices are bold...but that's Paul - bold (and brilliant).

The WSA is a space to experience before passing judgement. Paul has put every inch of the 300 square feet to unique use (can you believe he has hosted parties for 30+ people there).

I can understand the "lounge" feeling is not to everyone's liking, but certainly this is the most creative use of color I've seen.

It looks better on second and third viewings. I love the lamps.

Honestly, the only thing I would change is that black skirt under the bed platform. It just looks a little too theatre-ish. Dark wood doors to match the furniture would look really nice. Oh, and maybe swap out that white pendant lamp for a black one.

I think this is fun and cozy. I'd spend more time at home and less money out if my house looked like a bar too :P

You really should start charging a cover - this reminds me of a great offbeat "hole in the wall" hanging spot. If I stumbled across a bar/ounge like this I'd be talking about it for days. :)

I have been to the WSA many times and think it is truly a remarkable place. The WSA is not only inviting and passionate but warm and comforting. To be honest I believe you need to be there to experience the entire feeling. The pictures do NOT do it justice. I believe once you go there...you become a believer. PLUS, I saw the space before anything was done to it and wow, what a dog! Paul, you do great work! Keep on having your visions.

This totally looks lounge. You need to buy some hookahs to go the final mile.

I think it is sassy and sexy! I want to run my hand over all of the texture while drinking a strong martini! What a creative vision!

I have actually had the pleasure of being inside the WSA and was in love with it the moment I stepped foot inside!

The feeling of warm and cozy immediately take control. The bright lights of the camera do not do these pictures justice... immagine warmer, softer lighting and you realize what a great color scheme this is!

Lot's of character, ultra-hip and very Paul. The WSA is definitely a treasure. Even if I keep hitting my head on the ceiling. Nice work, my friend.

Why am I amazed that people are incapable of positive feedback without being hurtful? I must be a slow lerner.

Ok, so its not everyone's taste, but this isn't a contest about everyone's taste.

Note there are numerous positive comments from men. They like it. In the backround I see a hint of a white wall and some black?

I give credit to Paul for selecting a theme and doing it all out. Note also there appears to be a grey carpet beneath the other so this might actually present well in person.

It's not DWR, West Elm, or mid century mod but it sure is gutsy and would get rid of the grey Chicago winters.

I had the great pleasure of watching the WSA transform from a white painted faux wood paneled basement storage area into this amazingly vibrant and lush party pad.

To be a guest at one of Paul’s infamous parties is an honor and privilege. In such a small space, he’s achieved a feeling of incredible warmth and comfort and you can’t help but smile when you enter the WSA. The colors and textures create an intimate space making each and every guest feel lucky to have been invited. It’s like finally crossing the velvet VIP rope at a ritzy downtown club.

Overall, this remarkable room displays the work of an artist who’s imagination is truly as big as his heart.

jackie, did you spell "slow lerner" wrong on purpose? either way, too funny.

i also think this would present well in person. if the pictures were professionally lit, instead of one white flash that washes everything out, people's imediate responses might be very different. i like it more everytime i look at it. i can only imagine the parties that have gone on here.

my first thought was someone's post on the infamous bloody bathroom... pray for taste.
but i'm coming around -- i'd certainly prefer this look to my basement's current dusty-and-decrepit motif. "balls out" was coined for you, my friend.

Holy Cow....

Hey, man - you're having fun. Looks comfortable. I WOULD be tempted to have a cigar in there. What do the ladies think of it?

i was thinking of doing this in green.

This is genius. I agree with the comments that you should do something with the ceiling--maybe mirrors?--and upgrade the plant. But I salute you!

My only quibble is that at the 300-400 sq ft this most definately is not the world's smallest apt.

I would also like to know what your bar is stocked with.

i must say, even in its devilish fierceness, it looks very soft and velvety like you would want to rub your body across every surface!

fun.

I LOVE this. What a way to create a real environment out of a space that sounds dismal.

I'd love to see the ceiling painted.

This has an amazing over the top, lux club feel to it.

I adore red! I love the WSA! Bravo!

Would this be what the inside of 'I Dream Of Jimmy's' bottle looks like? Quite posh.

Hmmm. Looks like a smoke filled bar. As an honorable mention, that's a real surprise.

You know the decor is bad when every friend who's ever tipped a beer in the place has been recruited to post...LOL.

Would I live in it? No.
Would I love to party there? Sure.

I'll file this under "fun to visit". Kind of like Disneyland.

Oh behave. If it's a one bedroom, it ain't the world's smallest apartment, I gotta tell ya.

I love red!
I see somebody bringing sexy back, but did it really leave. I feel that you should have colored the floors and the drop ceiling. Got a bottle of merlot, turn down the lights..... Your place sets a tone for some and a irritation for haters.

You can clearly see these people have a PHD..Playa hata degree. LOL

Caramel......

Whoever said his heart is as big as his imagination and creativity is right on. Along with Paul's interior, I have seen other works of his. Recently we had a fundraiser for my son's memorial scholarship. It was held in Lakeview and there was a Silent Auction. Paul donated his time and it was one of highest items to be auctioned. He displayed befores and afters and his work is received with great enthusiasm. He is a bright, young creator and I have the utmost respect for him. He creates what the client wants - not what he wants........allowing each of us to show our tastes. There is something to be said about grace and respecting one's tastes.