James sent us an email with a behind-the-scenes design world story that is out of the ordinary. It's one that shows the power of reaching out when you admire someone's work, the remarkable kindness and generosity of a designer and how a little sweetness (in this case, chocolate) can go a long way toward a more beautiful, colorful home...
Here's the story behind the design, from James: Around the end of 2009, I was in the process of purchasing a condo. By the time I got to the closing stage, I started looking for design inspiration. Having grown up in a house with all white walls, I knew the first thing I would do is paint the walls. So I started looking online for inspiration.
When I went on HGTV.com's Designer's Portfolio section, I saw a lot of rooms/condos with paint schemes that I loved, and realized that many of them were from the same designer - Andreas Charalambous of FORMA Design. Having recently graduated college, I knew that I couldn't afford a designer or even a consulation, so I figured what the hell, and I emailed him. I told him how I was buying a condo and how I really loved the work he's done, and I attached some photos of the condo and asked for any sort of guidance he could give me. I also added that while I couldn't give him money, I could give him chocolate (at the time I worked for a huge chocolate company).
He emailed me back and said how no one's ever offered him chocolate before and mentioned that he'd be in my area in a few weeks and wouldn't mind stopping by for a consultation, no charge at all. Flash forward a few weeks, he comes by for 2 hours, tells me his thoughts on furniture/design and helps me pick a paint scheme, and asks for nothing in return (although I did give force him to take a bunch of chocolate that I set aside for him).
Over the course of the next year, I kept in close contact with him over email, during which he gave me his thoughts on (and OK'd) every design decision I made, and helped me develop my own sense of style for my condo. What I have now is a modern condo that I am incredibly proud of.
After hearing James' story, we contacted Andreas to find out if he would mind if we shared it with the Apartment Therapy readers, and kindly, he said yes. He replied: I thought James' interest in our work and his appreciation of it was better than any monetary payment - though the chocolate did make everyone in the office, and all our clients who came to the office for meetings, very happy.
Such a fun, unexpected story to hit the inbox - kudos to James on his home and cheers to Andreas for his generosity with his talent!
If you'd like to see Andreas' portfolio of projects and learn more about his work, visit FORMA Design's website and Facebook page.
Images: James Morgan
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Comments (29)
I LOVE THIS!!! What a fantastic story...Andreas is amazing, in both design and as a person, and that is so great to see. James, way to think outside the box!! Your apartment looks great!
The is the second story in as many days involving generosity on the part of an artist/designer. Truly inspirational. And what a pleasing outcome!
Great story!
I like it very much. Would you mind paying it forward and sharing the paint colors specifically the orange on your bedroom wall? Thank you
This is a home decor lovers dream come true - LOVE this story!
Gorgeous! Very inspirational. Where is the duvet cover from?
Great story, great condo.
I LOVE this home!! James has fantastic taste and what an amazing story. GO JAMES! Way to reach out and share your inspiration.
Do you think that if I emailed Jonathan Adler, he would do the same for me ? I make the best Pierre Hermé pâtisserie.
I echo the first two posters. More of these "good deed" stories, please. I'll bet readers have some great stories of how some kind person helped them acquire a wonderful furnishing or accomplish a design project. Would love to hear them.
Sweet!
Yay for random acts of kindness!
That is a FANTASTIC story, and I LOVE your condo!!! Especially the bedroom - I had my heart set on orange for my living room, and must have had 30 stripes of orange on the wall for months before giving up and going with neutral walls and orange accents because I couldn't make it work. Beautiful place!!!!
What a sleek look for the apartment AND a great story about a talented & generous designer: Andreas of FORMA.
Amazing story!!!! And design!!
I always wanted to do an orange wall, when I saw these:
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8g86mdfAgmI/TYe6K49s_MI/AAAAAAAAEqU/gDyw9dRWZBM/s1600/orange_wall.jpg
http://www.color.interiordezine.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/modern-bed-with-orange-feet.jpg
...but then it occurred to me that I have textured walls and I thought it may look to much like an actual orange. Yours (by far) is now my favorite. Really great job! Thanks for sharing.
where is that bed from?
The space is beautiful and so is the story!
Love it!! Thank you for sharing this and thanks to Andreas for being so giving. The space looks fantastic!
Thank you all for the feedback and kind words!!
@SnowdogMaine - I have that written down somewhere. I remember the paints are from Duron, I'll send you the exact names once I find them
@dwcordova - The duvet is from Ikea, it's called Kajsa Sten
@Pinkett - the bed is from Modloft, it's the Worth Platform bed
Awesome home. Love that bedroom. Oh. My. God. I want that bed!! Thanks for sharing the story.
Great story. Not only for Andreas' generosity, but for James' just reaching out to let him know how much he appreciates his work. We should all treat each other this way.
And on that note, even though I often snipe at AT, I do appreciate Maxwell and the rest of the staff for bringing us all so much great material.
Thanks jmorgan, much appreciated
Stunning. You've both done a fantastic job. Thanks for sharing.
Inspiring story, beautiful home, thanks!
Love the story and the home but especially love that dining room light fixture. Where can I see/get one of those? Kudos to both James and Andreas!
Kindness and generosity are very rare these days...so wow we have not heard many such stories lately!Very proud of you Andreas!!!!!!
@oesfan thanks a lot! That lamp in my dining room is called the Normann Copenhagen Norm 03 Lamp (medium). I bought it on Nova68.com. Keep in mind, some assembly is required!
Im repeating what everyone else has said but love love love what you did with the place and love the story behind the decor! The pendant lighting over the dining room table is extremely cool-I'm checking out that website now! thanks for sharing!