apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

I have to say it's really refreshing to see a totally different design style. It's not all about mid century modern!

Well done!

I agree, Oakland. Well this isn't my style, I appreciate that it's a lovely and well thought out space.

Ugh, I meant WHILE not WELL above.

That's what I get when I post too quickly . . .

Very different. A bit too dark and baroque for me.

Refreshing to see something so totally different; not my style at all, but very nicely done. The bathroom mirror is beautiful.

p.s. This not my style AT ALL but I voted 'Cool'. C'mon people, have an open mind!

It's a shame that this beautifully designed space isn't get more votes—just because it isn't straight out of a DWR catalog.

Greg, this isn't necessarily my style, but you did a wonderful job with your place. Gorgeous!

Agreed. Wonderful job! I love that chair in the "Entrance" photo next to the table lamp.

Finally someone who is not MID CENTURY!!! I have often gotten bored seeing the same things over and over. It is getting boring. Thank you for showing us something else.

I'm not familiar enough with this style to decide if you've pulled it off. My inclination is yes in some parts but no in others. Glad to see another style though and agreed that people often simply want to see a pad stuffed with stuff from DWR. Still, even being open to this, I don't like aesthetically certain parts of it. Mainly just the room with the daybed in it. Not good.

OAKLAND,
This is not my style either but I thought it was cool also. The past entries have bored me just a tad.

Yes! Another vote for "not really me, but THRILLED to see something that isn't mid-century cookie cutter." They have all started to look the same, straight out of every trendy furniture catalog out there right now.

Way to know *your* style and work it!

Well done!

really great space. I love that you took a style that is usually done on a large scale and made it yours.

This is amazing. Really beautifully done.

lovely. love the non-mid-c style.

Not my style at all, but I like it. It's your style and how it reminds you of Paris. Kind of a modern Baroque. Nicely done, I'd say. Super Cool for me!

I echo that, while totally not my style, I was intrigued by this and think it has a lot of drama and integrity. A small, extravagant space. Look at those curtains in the bathroom - are those shower curtains? That balcony with all the statuary is like a plaza in southern Europe. I think the person who lives here must be very interesting.

YES INDEED. I love this space. I guess it has TOO MUCH PERSONALITY for the average AT reader...G/D forbid.

Not my personal style at all but a good job at cohesion and style. To really create a more baroque Parisian style I would suggest adding even more elements and more texture and deeper tones.

Interesting use of muted colours and grey, especially in the kitchen and bath. Excellent photos.

I like that Greg picked a direction and committed - to the top and just a bit over (the bed coronet is rather grand for a small studio apartment). On the other hand, the bits that are very carefully considered (the bed area) rather show up the areas that still need work (the wall with high chest).

It's interesting to me that this style seems to be somewhat transgressive with this crowd. Are there other blog communities for those who prefer extremely traditional European styles and pre-twentieth century antiques?

I think this is excellent, on so many levels. Each element is balanced in the room, ergonomic, and just beautiful. This decorator rally has a good eye, and knows what s/he is doing.

The floor plan is no where near an accurate representation of the apartment, but details details details.

makes me want to puke

sry

There IS life beyond Eames!!!
So good to see others post appreciation for this incredibly stylish home.

Anyone can go down to CB2, DWR,Ikea, West Elm, etc.etc.etc. but for someone to actually seek this out and have the nerve to post it here with the snarky MCM style police...

Bravo Greg...you've shown more sophistication and good taste in one corner of your home than all of the DWR showroom wannabes.

You did a great job! Your place is elegant, beautiful and sophisticated. Bravo!

One one hand, I am happy it doesn't resemble a cold, sterile showroom. On the other hand, this apartment is almost frightening :(

What's so frightening about it? I love this apartment. It's unique and truly reflects the personality and values of the person who lives there. No Ikea, no West Elm, no DWR. Hallelujah!

The three entries I've voted Super-Cool (including this one) each had a strong design sensibility (not one I shared for any of the entries) and also used space effectively. I love that Greg didn't try to hide the bed and instead made it the showpiece of the apartment.

funny enough, this is exactly how i imagine texas.

And, ps, texas is NOT in the midwest (however it may seem so for the purposes of this contest. No offense to Texas or the midwest, but they're completely different.

A bit over the top but fun.

This got one of my very few "super cool" votes. Totally not my style, but it works really well in/with the space, shows personality, and definitely feels cozy and comfortable. I actually really appreciate the audacity of that daybed.

BTW, just because anyone can go to DWR doesn't mean that anyone can walk out with something from DWR... I understand that criticism but, seriously, that's a more accurate accusation when lobbied at Ikea shoppers.

I'm going to go against the "not my style, but good for you" crowd and express reservations. Yes, it shows a commitment to a look, but perhaps not enough to pull it off successfully. It treads a fine line between "French chateau" and "Liberace's house", sometimes succeeding, sometimes failing.

To really pull off this look requires better bones from the apartment itself. There's a reason why so many apartment dwellers go for MCM, people; it suits the square, unornamented lines of modern architecture. This interior really cries out for high ceilings, ornate mouldings and panelled walls, and without them it looks a litte false.

That said, Greg has some very nice pieces, most notably that antique tallboy. Perhaps if he pared down the grandeur to suit the size of the space more, creating a sense of "French cottage" rather than "French chateau"?

I like it a lot, although I would add a few pink, lilacs or aqua accents to play off the masculine color scheme. T

he plants & sculpture on the balcony are a great touch.

I felt the owner just thumbed his nose completely at having a small space. While audacious and exhilarating, I'm not sure it's the best way to handle a small space. Still, kudos for individualism and guts.

Some twisted part of me is missing Edina Rose. My morbid curiousity has me wondering what her comments would be on this entry but alas, she must be somewhere trapped under her rock. ;)

I gave it a 'cool.' It might have been a 'super cool' if the kitchen matched the rest of the decor. That one picture with the stainless appliances just didn't match the rest of the place.

My grandmother, my great-aunt, and my fabulously gay cousin Vincenzo all love it.

I think it's beautiful. I love the bed and the soft amber yellow lighting.
Very nice

I'm with Blandwagon. And am I the only one that thinks these pieces are waaaayyy out of scale for a small space? I suppose as long as the inhabitant is happy, that is all that matters.

I think it's fantastic in every sense. Making one's home a fantastical escape into one's own fantasy is a great way to go. I took a little different stab at a French vibe, and although I personally couldn't live anywhere but NYC, I love the feeling it gives me. I've only been to Paris twice, but truly, people, once you've been, you really do want to take something of it home with you. I'm not kidding.

I voted Super Cool. I just love it.

It's a fully realized style. Well done, Greg.

WOW. You sure live big in your small space!

Thank you!! This is absolutely beautiful!

I do agree with a few comments that the kitchen didn't seem to completely fit, but I'm not sure we had the best view of it. I did think the dark grey on the cabinets was a little gloomy and veered toward modern, but I wonder if Greg wasn't trying to trick the eye into not noticing the stainless steel appliances quite so much.

If it had been me, I would face the appliances in wood panelling to match the cabinets.

My only other comment is that while I thought the living room was really well done and the little snippet I could see of the dining area, something seemed slightly unfinished in the view into the kitchen right where the living room meets the dining room space. Not quite sure what it is -- I think the wall with the dresser needs a richer color on it.

First, I didn't even know there WERE such small apartments in (downtown?) Dallas. But I like the large-scale furnishings in a small space -- it looks so grand for a studio. The kitchen does seem somewhat incongruous with the rest of the space, but all of the other living areas work well with each other. And it's refreshing to see a different style of decorating in the contest. Nice job, Greg!

Beautiful. I'm so glad it's not bland and without color! You got a super-cool from me!

"something seemed slightly unfinished in the view into the kitchen right where the living room meets the dining room space. "

I looked at the shot again and I think you're right. Maybe swag the doorway in a rich fabric? Hang some art over the archway? I still love the apartment but that kind of detail would put it over the top (in a good way).

I like it - but not quite super cool for me. Maybe it is because the architectural bones don't quite match the furnishings.Also I think some color on the walls would improve/warm this space for me - everything is a little too beigey-brown. However, the scale of the pieces is fabulous. Bold and it works.

Loooove the ornate sensuality of the daybed. The statue out on the patio was also a clincher. Agree with the comments about the abrupt transition from the living room area to the kitchen. Am not moved by the "go with the bones" mcm argument - if you're lucky enough to score an apartment that has fancy details, vive la france, but you shouldn't have to suborn your taste to what's available to you. Some strategic faux crown molding might give you that certain je ne sais quoi. I'd actually rethink the overstuffed leather chair, which crowds the space a bit and gives an overdose of brown. overall, though, love your individuality and francophilia.

It got a super cool from me and I lean more toward mid-century personally. This is a great space.

i vote with blandwagon.

i think your style and choices demand stronger colors on the walls as well as molding/mirrors/thicker ornamentation. white and tan work with minimalism and mcm....here you need and deserve more color. given your earthy palette, think dark browns/ whiskey/cognac... glazing vs. painting (for depth)?

sorry. i don't know drapery terminology (i hate curtains for allergy and health reasons), but your bed valance/curtains should be grander and mounted from the ceiling.

I vote YES. Not because it is non-mid-century, but because it is NOT the girly, mostly white, straight out of Domino look that is flooding this contest this year.

And even though he owns, why fault him for the apartment's bones (or lack thereof)? I think bones or not, this space has been transformed in ways many renters think not possible.

Would love to spend a week or weekend here, and no doubt a welcome respite from Dallas heat.

Well done for what it is.

While not my bag (which I voted), I did think you did very well with your space. It is charming, and very individual. Well done for sharing it. Best of Luck in the competion.

Yay for you! It takes guts to post something non-MCM, as others have posted. And I like MCM, although it seems that is the dominant style featured on AT. I really like the highboy, and practically everything else. Some individuality! And no Eames! I think it's great you have a place that brings back your fond memories, and makes you happy- thats what it's all about!

Wouldn't be me but it is really great to see something individual for a change.

not my style. I would have voted cool anyways, cause yeah, its nice to see a different style, BUT, I think the scale of the furniture is all too big for the space and makes the place seem claustrophobic

Take all of this and put it in a grand old home, and it would fit. Well handled, just not for this space.

I can't wait for this anti-MCM trend to take hold! More for me!

not my style- but i love it- great apt!!!!!

Are you kidding me? There are some serious issues here. It has NOTHING to do with loving mid-century modern or not. This is an issue of understadning what is apprpriate to the scale of your apartment. MANY of these furnishings just don't work because they belong in a chateau. It's not that the pieces are ugly. Quite the contrary. It's that they need the space to breath (i.e. incredible ceiliong heights and ample floor area). That day bed, for example, would be fine in Versailles, with it's amazing ceiling heights. But in an apt w/ standard 8ft ceilings it just doesn't work.

I voted super cool because I think you did a great job at making your style fit into a small space. I love it! I wouldn't do this at my place but this makes it seem like the person living there is very cool and comfortable with themself enough to go against the trend... I voted "super cool" !

Many lovely touches and pieces, resulting in a unique feel for a small space. That aside, I just can't help but imagine Auntie Mame spending a bit too much time looking for her "top drawer". To me, small generally connotes utilizing space to give the feeling of space. This appears rather cramped. I'd love to see what you would do with more of a footprint.

The canopy over the daybed is gorgeous! So Jackie-O.

Straight to Super Cool--courageous, cheeky and grand, and all in a small space.

p.s. thank god no MCM, what a relief--personal style!

I liked the daybed concept.
The furniture seemed to heavy for the archicture of the room. I think the crown mouldings need to be beefed up and that the walls need more texture.

The idea that only small furnishings belong in a small space is REALLY passe.

I voted super cool! Great job!

this looks rich and i got a feel for your whole space with the pics u provided.

Too bad this place isn't getting more super cool votes - it's thoughtful and charming and welcoming and really is a Small Cool space. I love that second shot, where you get a glimpse of what looks to be a really interesting dining area. I hope this one gets an Honorable Mention, even if voting doesn't slide it through to the next round.

...and one person's cramped is another's cozy...

This place is totally not my style, so I wouldn't want this to be my own home, but i think that within the parameters of your style that you did a great job. A bit over the top, perhaps, but that's part of the charm, i'm sure! I voted super cool!

Utterly fabulous!!! to be able to pull off this style in such a small space is a skill not many people possess.

This apartment is the essence of small and cool. You have a vision, and you've pursued and realized it within the confines of a small space. I think this is the most cohesive and probably imaginative in the contest, and it's mighty gutsy of you to submit it among all the minimalist mid-C and DWR entrants. It's fabulous.

"super cool" in my opinion. grand style in small space. unaffected and unadapted to everybody else mainstream decorating. disagree with many who critiqued the scale. it is old school, outdated perception that large pieces are not working in small places, dark paint makes it smaller....pity to those who'd never broke any rules, took a risk or blindly conformed to other's common sense without questioning. my respect to the owner.

Love it and I think it would be even better with more paint or wallpaper. I want to see it go totally over the top.

It's not my style overall, but I see a few items in there that I wouldn't mind owning. It looks like you took the time to fill the place with stuff that has personal meaning for you, which is always good.

I switched browsers (since I'm at home and not on IE) to say that your tallboy is just fabulous! It is NOT too large for your place!

I'm really happy about this entry. As with all of them, there are a couple of little items I'd change, but this has such vision. I love it that the kitchen is in keeping with the entire theme. Great job.

I personally love the baroque look. The thing is I think all the browns and muted colors make the place look kind of drab. maybe if you had a bolder palate, like vermillion red, or electric blue, or even a strong black, or yellow things would pop out.

I voted cool, simply because your style is at least more refreshing than the mid century minimalist modern Asian inspired chic that seems to so pervasive on this site.

I like it. Great job with your style!

I like the glimpse of the living room-looks like a warmer color?
The bedroom fabric/color scheme of mauves and taupes and other pasty, outdated colors really detracts from the over-the-top chateau design you were going for-it looks like bad hotel fabric. I would have gone for the brighter French Country colors of cobalt, orange, yellow, terra cotta, etc. Even though I would never decorate like this, it could be exciting if the fabrics and colors were re-vamped.
The grey kitchen...not working.

It is a relief in every way to see an apartment that is actually different, and clearly makes its owner very happy. I found it intriguing and lovely.

This is not at all my style, in face it may be the exact opposite. Yet, the style is unquestionable and I gave it a super-cool. Though I would agree with others, it could use a waft of color to get a little beyond the drab.

Ugg... I hate all the sniping about MCM - its just as bad as someone sniping about NOT having MCM.

Modern is about solutions to problems - about smaller scale, less ornamentation and more function. This being an apartment website you should just expect to see it and not bitch and moan.

On to this entry. I gave it a cool because it takes a risk, however, it doesnt succeed. For this to really have worked - just like the glam beach house - it needs to be pushed WAY further than it has been. There is a huge disconnect between the kitchen space and the livingroom. The swags are fun - but bland in color. Everything needs to be taken just OVER the top!

Nice to see a different style! Some things seem anachronistic (or non-style anyways) like the leather armchair and the kitchen though. Because everything else is so strongly styled, the off bits become very highlighted.

I agree with Modfan. This didn't hit the mark. Just because it's not the same as everything else* doesn't mean it's executed well.

*A lot of entries diverged from the popular mcm format, so I don't understand the special attention given this one. And even then, some of the mcm-type spaces were right on the money, and some were just stuff in a room that the dwellers like.

It's not as simple to like or dismiss something on the basis of preferences, but ask does the space matter, does it do what it's supposed to, or does something stick out of place and assault one's sense of proportion or completion? The effort in this entry is clear, the intent is obvious, but it has to get off the fence and go.

It's not my own style, but I do appreciate the attention to detail, and thought to carry the look into the bathroom, with your pulled curtains mirroring a windowed look. Although I like the choices of elements used, I'm still uncertain whether or not they all quite flow evenly together. The mixture of texture, color, fabric and variety of wood is nice, perhaps just something about the space or photographs are throwing me. I'd still give it a 'cool' though.

I would never decorate like this but I voted super cool because of the unique and over-the-top commitment and it totally works in such a small space.

There has been much discussion over Greg's style vs. the mcm or modern aesthetic. Yes, it's refreshing, but my question for Greg is:
What will you do with a Room & Board gift card if you win?

:)

Hmm. For this to have REAALLLY worked, Greg would have to get a kitty into one of the pictures and a Keep Calm poster.

@ RalphEMole

Why do people say "sorry" after making such ugly comments? You're not sorry. If you're going to be hateful, at least be brave enough to own it.

Wow. What an amazing space. It's not my style, I couldn't live with anything so formal, but it's gracious and thoughtful, and lovely. And totally not Yet Another MCM Wannabe. Three cheers!

I voted super cool and it sure is! took very little time to make my decision. took longer to get to adding my comment. colors are great! style is wonderful and Greg seems to have achieved his goal. congrats!!!!

Wow, many of you are spot on with your comments.
I was apprehensive about entering because of style, but mainly due to it still being a work in progress.
My crown moulding is not complete because I'm taking bids to raise my ceiling 3 feet.
I left my walls and accents light, because my intent is to stain the hardwoods a darker color-french oak. (No one mentioned the floors. Many have told me a big mistake in a small space).
I actually have the fabric made, but not installed to break with the kitchen. (And a cat too- for the person who didn't see him in the chair)
Would like your continued comments as even the negative ones help.
Thanks Small Cool! Even tho we have different styles, I find many of yours cool :)
Bien Cordialement,
Greg

Not my style, so not my bag.

You know - now that I've seen more - I like this better.

Very unique style very faithfully rendered throughout. Points for originality and consistency of production.

Some things still bug me but overall you had a vision and I think you achieved it.

Thanks for chiming in with your thoughts so far, Greg. It sounds like it will be spectacular with the higher ceilings, it will be very grand, and I think the dark stain will be just the thing. Break a rule that was made to be broken there.

I voted not my bag, I like some of the elements but not as a whole, it is not my style (Perhaps if it were all in bold colours like purple and black or red and black I might have gone bonkers about it - because I remember a similar design by Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen in those colours and I loved it).

I think this place is going to look much better after those improvements that Greg listed. Bon chance!

I do not get the people voting. I like the charm. I believe everyone would like to see an IKEA showroom floor. Keep it up! Classic style.

ya wait wtf Texas isn't Midwest

It reminds me of my friend Andy's place.
Though, to be honest, I think his place is a little more cluttered.
I like the chair next to the bed!
You need some victorian bronze statues.
(You can never have too many of them.)

I hope you've enjoyed the contest.

Weasel Dearest is Mr. Dangerous

Wow. This is terrific. I love the bathroom. I love the violet pillow on the terra cotta leather chair (gives me a wee frisson of pleasure). You have some beautiful furniture, too.

The one aspect I'm not loving is the view of the kitchen from the bedroom---I just don't think it comes off. Perhaps some more of your fabulous draperies?

It really is amazing that you've pulled of such a grand style in a small place and made it work.