apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

Beautiful 'Polar Bear' Eames Chair....it's a real keeper!

It's a shame there aren't photos of any of the other spaces. I love this room and think their aesthetic is very nice; however, I'm curious to see at least the bedroom and/or the kitchen.

This is what a little time and doing some homework will get you!!

FAB-YOU-LUS!!!

Maravilloso!
The light pours with a lot of grace into that place!
Love everything I see. Looks bigger and spacious. I can relate the fact that you placed the computer and ugly peripherals out of sight inside the closed, as we did the same thing. We drilled a hole on the closet wall for our monitor that sits on the office desk in the adjacent area.
Very neat space and extra bonus on the beautiful pictures.
regards,
joel maria pirela

It kinda looks like you might have already won that gift certificate from DWR...

Spot on.

Did the carpet come with the place? Love how the Polar Bear pops off that blue (Is the beige renter's carpet purely a Southern California thing?) ... and loving the accent of bright green.

A well thought out space with plenty of light and color... I'm even more convinced you actually CAN learn something in school! ;)

it almost looks like a dwr display!

You are going to get ripped for having so much MCM stuff, but I like it a lot. The Eames Polar Bear lounge and ottoman are beautiful. You are braver than I am in ordering that color; I would be terrified I'd have it filthy in no time.

Tasteful, but really safe. Somebody said it looks like a DWR showroom, which it does. But I don't think that's a compliment.

I agree, this home looks a little too pulled together - I don't really get a sense of the owner's personality. I dig the neon green wall behind the bookcase, though.

A Truly Stellar. This is what good design is about -- Don't let the showroom critiques get to you. It is a lot harder than it looks to pull of successfully - taking a look of planning and patience.

It also sounds like you've found a good solution for your tech center in the bedroom, Would love to see it - perhaps it could be an entry in the smallest coolest tech competition... (ditto for the kitchen.)

Love the chair! But I agree with others that I would have liked to see other rooms than just the living room.

The furniture by themselves are great, but a taupe couch and a fire-engine red wall don't go together. Unless this is the 1990s.

Strangely though, the lime green wall and taupe couch go fine.

Interesting use of color, along with a minimalism aesthetic. High marks in the choice of furniture and accessories. Only questionable items in my mind are the neon green wall and the screen; Still, fine modernism none the less.

Very handsome space, I think the green wall, flower and lamp above the dining table equals it out a little.

I'm trying to figure out why this apartment was laid out this way. The bathroom and dressing area is behind the kitchen so you have to cross the entire apartment to get there. And that extra diagonal wall in the kitchen is a little odd. I would like to see more pictures of how this area by the bathroom and what appear to be big closets are used. Pictures of the bedroom would be good too.

Is that carpeting or polished concrete? Also, what material is the trim running along the floor comprised of? It looks metallic.

I think it's very nice. Perhaps a little too safe in terms of the decor and furniture choices, but the result is still quite nice.

I'd love to know where this building is!!

I love bright colors, but I am not crazy about that patch of neon green with the otherwise staid palette of this apartment. I don't think it works.

You have a lovely place, but I can't really rate it as highly as I'd like without seeing at least one other room.

Very nice. It's the first time I have seen a white version of the Eames chair that looks at home. Whenever I've seen them in white in the past it's the only thing you see in the room.

I absolutely love the space. It would take me years to accumulate that cool of stuff. I did my entire place on the price of the chair and coffee table. I feel the pictures are more about the stuff you purchased however and not of the actual design. I want to see your kitchen and bathroom, i'm sure the are gorgeous as well.

The first photo was so lovely but the rest of the space has no personality. It's like wearing Gucci head to toe. Mix in a little funk!

Absolutely love it, great job!

I love the first photo. I like this entry very much, but I do want to see the other rooms, to get a better idea if it is truly one of the coolest smallest apartments, and not just the living room.

This is scarily similar to my family room; we have the Eames lounge and a red wall with the TV on it. I chose pale blue and cream as accent colors instead of the tans and greens.

I have to say, that screen has got to go. With the black Noguchi it feels a tad 1988.

The reading area with the chair and lamp is lovely. I also would have shown the bdr or kitchen instead of that lime green wall.

It feels very comfortable and spacious!

From the first photo I would be in love. But the colour combos in the the following two photos seem a little off to me.

I would really like to see this entire place.

The first photo is great with the orchid framing the shot. Great huge window and that chair is gorgeous! Only thing is its just one room -I know only 3 pics are allowed- but smallest coolest room is more like it.

i love it!
I would be curious to see how the acid green wall and the bordeaux wall work when you see them together (one shot/IRL view).

But where is the kitchen and the bedroom? We want to see ;)

Hi Everyone!

Thanks for all the great feedback. My husband and I feel honored to be posted! We had a debate a couple days ago whether to show the green wall or a picture of our bedroom with our cat "Leelou." I'm never going to hear the end of it, because I ultimately entered the green wall pic. I'm at work right now, but I'll post the answers to some of your questions later tonight. Thanks again!

It's a great space, but I agree with the comments made that we really dont get to see the rest of the apartment. All three pictures are of the general living space, but we see nothing of the bedroom, the kitchen or the bathroom.

I like the space but I wish the entries were allowed more than 3 pics to capture their space.

The view is worth killing for and I dig the green block behind the bookcase - definitely makes that space pop!

The first picture was very inviting. But the second with the ugly screen turned me off! The third with the paint accent made up for it although I don't necessarily agree with the choice of color. But I like the idea of it.

I love the floorplan with the angled kitchen, but I agree with the post above about the color and, particularly, the screen.

Lots of Room and Board.... not that there's much wrong w/ that... it's prob. my favorite resource too (our sofa & chair), but lot's of it- pillows, lighting, sofa.

It's lovely, and well laid-out, with lots of nice pieces, but it somehow doesn't look livable. Where do you sit when you have a headache and are pissed off?

Like many, I loved the first photo--not so sure about the others. The first photo makes a bold, confident statement. Love the flower coupled with the big leather chair.

The other two photos don't seem to know what they are about, but that could also be the angle at which they were shot, the lighting, etc. Would really be interested in seeing more photos.

Three photos is too few. This should NOT be a contest that forces such choices as "should I submit the photo of the green wall or should I include the bedroom"!

By the way, that photo with the green wall is fabulous. Maybe you could have left out the one with the red wall? (And then everyone would be demanding, where is the large shot of the apartment that links the pieces together!) Seriously, 5 photos should be allowed for this stage.

Yes the first picture is very nice and inviting, but the second picture disappoints. There's something cheesy about that shoji-esque screen in the corner, it doesn't mesh well with the mid-century stuff.

The electronic equipment on that console looks out of place as if it needs a proper console it can be shelved or hidden in. It's nice to have the flat screen on the wall, but the seating is not in optimum watching position.

The pictures above the sofa are to close together and the lime green colour behind the shelf doesn't jive with it's surroundings.

It's such a small carpet under that Noguchi-esque table too. A 4X6 or 5X7 would be better for that space.

Like the chair...very, very nice.
Like the green splash of color on the wall, I like bold colors and the gumption to try them.
Good job.

I love the first photo - the lighting and chair make a cosy nook. The tv and cabinet beneath it seem too dark to me, a bit like a black hole that I can't stop looking at. I don't mind the green, and like that you took a chance on it, I just don't know if it really connects to the rest of the colours.

More photos, please

Those windows are fabulous!

Liked this space a lot- is the sofa Room and Board? Which one? I'm looking at Eugene and Andre and can't decide. (Sorry to use contest space to ask this question).

Thanks.

That Eames loung cair is to die for.... I wish I can have one some day exactly like yours! Bravo.

Just to answer a few questions:

The sofa is the Bantam Sofa from DWR.

I totally agree that our "1988" black folding screen is out of place in the space BUT it is extremely functional. It is currently concealing 2 three foot tall speakers, a subwoofer, and our cat's litter box! The linen front allows for sound from the speakers and is still opaque. I am open to any suggestions!

Where did you find such a great space?! I'm living in the greater Chicago area, but looking for a loft in the city--to rent or buy--and haven't seen such an awesome place such as yours!!! Where is the building located? I'm guessing West Loop, but I'm probably wrong...

...

Never underestimate the power of Craigslist...we found our almost brand new Herman Miller Noguchi table last spring for only $400.

RSilverman, "where do you sit when you are pissed off?"
The Eames chair (the most comfortable chair in the world!)

L- We rent in the River West neighboorhood. www.riverwestlofts.com Our landloard might not like that we entered this contest...they actually advertise this unit as 850 SF...far from the actual 608 SF. AutoCAD is a powerful tool!

You have a beautiful space to work with, and lots of very attractive pieces of furniture... which is why this submission is disappointing when it ultimately doesn't come together as well as it could. With your resources this space should sing, but I think it lacks cohesion in terms of some of the choices you made.

Has potential...

It's nice & classy.....agreed taht would love to see other spaces tho.

good job! readers have to consider that you are working within the parameters of both a rental space and one with little behind-closed-doors storage (as i know all too well myself). it is an incredibly challenging task, especially to do it well. good luck in the contest....

I want that polar bear chair. Don't mind the screen. The rug under the Noguchi table should be bigger. Very adult. Very tasteful. One of the better submissions so far.

Tony G.

I made the rug under the Noguchi table with leftover carpet tile samples from work. Yes it should be bigger BUT it was FREE. Maybe I should order some more free samples from our local carpet rep.

Here's my issue with this entry, and I believe its been brought up before. I LOVE mid-century furniture. I think its beautiful and useful. But I don't need to have every one of the blockbusters in the livingroom. The Eames chair alone is gorgeous, as are the Noguchi table, the Nelson bench, and the Jacobsen chairs. By filling your space with all the big names you risk losing your own personal style.

Overall a nice place, but a little too showroom for my taste. I'd like to see more with the carpet, more with the green paint... those are the things that show who actually lives here.

I love your design skill! I just might have to get some help from you both!! It really looks wonderful! Where do you put all of your stuff that you don't want anyone to see?

i think this apartment has a lot of depth and the elements and lighting work together and create a "cool" relaxing atmosphere.

i think the people who say this place has no personality don't realize what it takes to create a well designed place.

very nice

Over all I really like this space but even a cat needs more stylish bathroom space. I'd suggest ripping the white fabric off and replacing with something more suitable for your space. The current contrast is too harsh to integrate into your room. Staples, thumbtacks or even hot glue can adhere a more becoming backing and won't show from the front of the screen.

It's beautiful, but a little too like a museum for my taste. It doesn't feel homey enough.

Excellent taste. I want to move right in.

I don't really get a sense of your personality from this place. I think it is time to let some of that clutter in!

It's nice but not my style. Too cliched on account of arguably the FOUR most-identiable pieces of mid-century/modern furniture design. I appreciate that the Eames chair was done in white to add some edge.

Also, I'm a little mystified at why there is a Noguchi coffee table, Nelson bench, and two side tables (one is over by the Eames lounge chair). That just seems like a lot of tables for a making-the-most-of-small-space contest. I hate the Noguchi table for small spaces because it's only a coffee table (I guess it's "art" too...) - plus it's glass so you can't even use it as a footrest.

So...I think this place looks very pretty and was obviously thought out, but I'm not seeing the space being maximized through creative multi-tasking of pieces. I say flip the Noguchi for a profit (after waiting long enough for the CL sharks to forget about the earlier sale so they don't post whining "this person only paid $400 and now he/she is trying to charge more...") and multi-task the Nelson bench. All the pieces will then have more impact, and you'll be able to put your feet up when you're on the sofa. Here's another thought: if you had a rectangular dining table, you could get by with only 2 dining chairs pull your Nelson bench as additional dining seating. But please, no Eames DCM or DCW's...

The criticisms of our mid century furniture are getting tiresome. There are in fact three mid century pieces in this apartment. [Eames lounge, Nelson bench, and Noguchi table]. They are pieces we have always loved and have enjoyed collecting. When purchasing these peices, we could be sure that the quality was superior. These are things that we can hope to have for the rest of our lives. There is not much furniture out there that can make the same claim.

The Nelson bench sits under enormous south facing windows and serves as a place to grow herbs in the summer. It is also a place where our cat can watch the birds and the activites in the alley below. She would be heartbroken if we were to rearrange.

The Noguchi table is one of the most versatile tables for entertaining. Its shape lends well itself for serving appetizers and playing board games with large groups of friends.

The Philippe Stark stools are perhaps the most functional pieces for our needs. They serve as side tables, extra seating for parties, and storage [the top and bottom are removable]. They can also be used outside.

We originally had a rectangular table that seated 6, but quite uncomfortably. Since we do not have a designated dining room, the square corners impeded circulation to the rest of the apartment. Our upgraded round table comfortably seats 5.

Lack of clutter IS our personality.

The coffee table is nice,however,it is too nice to be there.

... I know this is quibbling, but the sofa is of a retro 1960's shape (isn't that still mid-century era design, even though it's new and was not actually made in that time?). I have the same sofa in cream, and it's fun seeing it in the color these entrants chose. I peed my pants a little when I saw the first photo with that cream-colored Eames lounge chair-- love it.

Three photos is more than enough, if you're not trying to hide anything. Why three photos of the same room? I'm guessing the other rooms in the apartment aren't up to the same standard. This is smallest coolest apartments, not smallest coolest living room.

Having said that, it's a gorgeous living room. I just don't think this entry deserves to win.

First picture is gorgeous, I love the green in the second.

your Eames PB chair is my absolute favorite piece of modern furniture! (in that color of course), so glad it is given a beautiful backdrop. Hope you win for Chicago!

Jen
Santa Monica, CA

Do NOT let the criticisms of MCM furniture bother you. All are my favorite pieces, and all of them look great in your space, and I applaude you for using them. So far, your entry is my favorite. I will also have a Nelson Bench and a Noguchi soon... and now you've make me think about an Eames in white. I'm sure I'd get ripped to shreds for my choices too.. but I don't care. I love them, and I'm the one living with them!

very nice!

question:
i have been looking for those dining chairs (i think they are the most comfortable chairs in the world) but can't seem to find them! where did you get them, and who is the designer? i have seen similar designs (like jacobsen's series 7) but nothing has that perfect lumbar curve that these do.
thanks!

mdp-

Our chairs are from Crate and Barrel...much less expensive than the series 7 chairs. I believe they were about $59 a piece.

Loe your color choice on the customEames loungeottoman. Where did you purchase this chair in "polar bear"? Was just on herman miller and edelman websites and could not find the leather choice you have.
Your place looks great!

mdforsberg,

My husband and I both work for architecture firms. My husband ordered the chair directly from his Herman Miller rep at a trade discount price. We worked directly with Edelman Leather in the Mart to select the perfect "white." There were over 20 shades to choose from. The color "polar bear" is under their Royal Hide line. http://www.edelmanleather.com/cowhides_classics.htm# I can't seem to find this leather option available anywhere online. Hive Modern offers several Edelman choices as an upgrade, but does not have Royal Hide as an option. http://hivemodern.com/products/?view=sub_product&sid=1475&cid=2&cid2=3

that's the best eames chair i've ever seen.