apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time


House Tour: Scott's Airy Simplicity
Washington, DC

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Name: Scott
Occupation: interior designer, design blogger
Location: Mt. Vernon, Washington DC
Building: late Victorian house
Size: about 450 square feet
Lived in: rented for 3 months
Other Occupants: Ella, 8-year old cat

tour2009.jpgThough Scott has only lived in his apartment for 3 months, the place is already an organized and comfortable home. Inspired by old movie sets and the apartment itself, Scott has created a spacious, luxurious home in less than 450 square feet. Scott only buys pieces that he really loves so each item is a favorite and bought because of its function and design. The furniture and accessories are a mix between thrift store finds and high end pieces bought on discount.
>> Enter Scott's Gallery

 
 

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Movies that inspire Scott include "Evening," which he says is visually amazing, and "How to Marry a Milionnaire" for its kitsch and prettiness. Scott has spent many hours rearranging his furniture and accessories - you can see earlier incarnations on his design blog Domicidal Maniac.

>> Enter Scott's Gallery

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APARTMENT THERAPY SURVEY

My Style: modern traditional

Inspiration: the feeling of the place

Favorite Element: the apartment has architectural charm and history. It feels like a house not an apartment.

Biggest Challenge: having a bed in my living room and working with an office/kitchen/living room all-in-one with no storage!

Proudest DIY: painting the desk and the table.

What Friends Say: it feels very grown-up.

Biggest Indulgence: the nice pieces from Baker that I picked up on discount.

Best Advice: good design is good design - not a price point or a label.

Dream Sources: designs by Holly Hunt, Baker, Niermann Weeks

>> Enter Scott's Gallery

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Resources:

Furniture: coffee table and desk from Goodwill in West Virigina; desk chair from Ruff 'n Ready; Baker couch, side chair; console table picked up on the side of the road

Lighting: Eiffel tower lamp from Target; other lamps from Baker

Accessories: couch throw, bedding, and pillows from West Elm; Baker candlesticks and obelisks; ladder in bathroom from Ruff 'n Ready; small trees in bathroom from a flea market in West Virginia

Rugs: Ikea

Art: paintings from Ruff 'n Ready and Eastern Market; the cartoon above the fireplace is from Baker; kitchen art is from old magazines: Life and Lady's Home Journal; two watercolor prints in the bathroom were picked up in Pittsburgh

>> Enter Scott's Gallery

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Thanks, Scott!

(Images: Rachael Grad)

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Comments (64)

Except for the random floating furniture, it's nice.

posted by ChrisGal on July 16th 2009 at 11:27am
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Wonderful apartment! Lovely bones and terrific interior design. The only personal discomfort I feel is the placement of the bed and the fact that it doesn't have a headboard. If it were my pad, I would need to create a nook for the bed with either a screen or some sort of platform. I covet your bathroom!

posted by morina on July 16th 2009 at 11:30am
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its very nice. the bathroom, the living room and a well made bed. great taste. one question. the dishwasher, or is it a refrigerator. it is white. it sticks out. other than that. i think its great.

posted by itsthehouseshow on July 16th 2009 at 11:31am
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I don't know Mt. Vernon but if this style apartment is common well can I say lucky. I can just imagine looking for an apartment and seeing this and saying I will take it!!!

The bathroom!!!, wood work and floors are gorgeous.

I don't see any Modern but your style seems more Traditional and Transitional. Neither are my style but I really enjoyed this tour and that is why I like AT to see what others are doing. You have done a beautiful job putting it together and your style really works in the place. Very grown up.

Your kitty is adorable.

posted by LoriSF on July 16th 2009 at 11:38am
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Very nice job. I like the way you've carved out the separate but integrated spaces.

posted by JeffC on July 16th 2009 at 11:39am
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Really nice to see a warm and definitely not mid century modern home full of curves, tradition and charm.

posted by 1GH on July 16th 2009 at 11:41am
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That bathroom was totally unexpected! I wonder if that's the reason he chose this apartment... wow. I would probably incorporate some more storage in there, where possible. But I'm jealous of your architectural details, that's fo sho. I don't have a problem with floaty furniture, but I assume that round table by the kitchen becomes a dining table when needed? I'm always trying to figure out creative places to stick a dining table, since I usually have a small apartment too... I love the little liquor tray on top of the buffet also. Great ideas and good use of space!

http://www.tangiedecor.blogspot.com

posted by LTangie on July 16th 2009 at 11:52am
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I'm a little confused by some of the furniture placement (like that table that seems to be right in the middle of the hallway?), but otherwise, looks great! He definitely made the most of the small space.

posted by Krissy B on July 16th 2009 at 11:59am
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The building has great bones! I think I spied 2 fireplaces. The wooden window frames are great. Scott has designed a studio that is a studio. The bed is part of the room, not hidden away. I must say that I am with Scott in most of his design inclinations, but the Tour Eiffel lamp is too Pottery Barn (even if it is not Potter Barn). I like the fact that most of the furniture is not backed up against the wall. That, by itself, is an achievement in a smallish space. But 450 ft2 is pretty good for a studio. The kitchen was obviously not made for cooking, but that I am no living there. All in all, a fantastic livable home. Bravo Scott!

Oh, p.s. I love the cat!

posted by Usbek de Perse on July 16th 2009 at 12:00pm
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love the shoe storage under the vanity and the little collections around...white vases, trees, keys...

posted by Enamorada on July 16th 2009 at 12:06pm
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I'm also confused by the round black table. If it's supposed to be a dining table, why is it covered in books and knick-knacks? Where are the dining chairs? Scattered around the rest of the space?

But it's a very nice space, cozy without being cluttered or feeling crowded.

posted by slowdown on July 16th 2009 at 12:14pm
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Confirms my suspicion that leggy furniture = perfect for small spaces. I'll have to show this to my boyfriend to convince him. Also, I love that fireplace!

posted by cuminafterall on July 16th 2009 at 12:20pm
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I have that Eiffel Tower lamp too!

Love your cat.

posted by paperchaseuk on July 16th 2009 at 12:27pm
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Beautiful apartment, and the bathroom especially! I love the fireplace. The banquette table and desk feel a little awkwardly placed, but I get the desire to have the desk near a window rather than crammed in a corner. It certainly looks more spacious than it is. Great furnishings!

posted by KatherineD on July 16th 2009 at 12:40pm
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It’s a great space and feels a lot bigger. Interesting layout for the bathroom vs. the kitchen. I would have preferred the opposite. Albeit the bathroom is nice. Love the tub! Morina made a point about the placement of the bed but I think it’s the desk that’s not in the right position; perhaps behind the sofa between the two windows? Other than that, well use of space and placement.

posted by pepper.p on July 16th 2009 at 12:45pm
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It’s a great space and feels a lot bigger. Interesting layout for the bathroom vs. the kitchen. I would have preferred the opposite. Albeit the bathroom is nice. Love the tub! Morina made a point about the placement of the bed but I think it’s the desk that’s not in the right position; perhaps behind the sofa between the two windows? Other than that, well use of space and placement. Since your short on storage space and you have great ceiling height why not build up?

posted by pepper.p on July 16th 2009 at 12:50pm
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Its funny how people view the Eiffel Tower lamp as Pottery Barnish, when Pottery Barn copied old world pieces so now we associate pieces that have been around for a long time as
Pottery Barn. My grandmother was well off (not me) and had beautiful antiques and she had an Eiffel Tower lamp probably worth lots now.

posted by LoriSF on July 16th 2009 at 12:54pm
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The furniture choices are excellent for the space -- the legginess does indeed make the pieces well-suited for such a compact space. They seem airy and less imposing, and generally fit well with the vintage feel. And the bathroom is amazing. What a luxury.

What I don't see is any place to hang clothes or sit down and eat a meal. That would make me crazy.

posted by Ulrika on July 16th 2009 at 12:58pm
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LOVE that couch.

posted by EAH on July 16th 2009 at 1:54pm
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Ditto to cuminaterall on leggy furniture. But I especially love how you also show that beiges can live together in harmony. Thanks for that too!

posted by Usbek de Perse on July 16th 2009 at 1:54pm
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There's hidden storage and then there's invisible storage - er, in this case completely invisible. Where does he keep his clothes? In the cutlery drawer?

posted by idontdobeige on July 16th 2009 at 3:29pm
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Love the whole place! It looks bigger than 450 sq. ft.

Those floors are just beau-ti-ful.

Oh and Ella is cute too.

posted by Old Gray Mare on July 16th 2009 at 4:58pm
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It truly is unique and beautiful
And Ella certainly looks happy! Well done, Scott.

posted by sassydo on July 16th 2009 at 6:17pm
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This is what I've been trying to accomplish in my place for the past 2 months - I am so jealous! The furniture is to-die-for. The side chair drew me in and I'm sitting here coveting every piece of furniture you own. You make minimal look so easy. And your framed art work is so chic, especially the bathroom prints.

It didn't even occur to me that both chairs were beige, they complimented each other so nicely. And I don't know why everyone is questioning the round table, probably because there wasn't room on the side for a table when you walk in the door but it works because there's enough room around it and it's airy. And who said you have to have your desk up against the wall? Also, he said the Eiffel Tower lamp was from Target.

Scott, you have a gorgeous space, I love it, thank you for sharing! And thank you for citing "Evening" as part of your inspiration. The bridesmaids dresses were so brilliant, I used the colors as a reference for a bedroom in my new place.

posted by sarrazak on July 16th 2009 at 8:57pm
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The Grandmother picture in the bathroom scares the crap out of me! Otherwise beautiful apartment!

posted by Rob on July 16th 2009 at 9:41pm
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I'm with you, Rob: I wouldn't want Grandma watching me when I'm naked or, um, "using the facilities". It would totally weird me out.

Other than that it's an eccentric, detail-oriented apartment which suits its eccentric, detail-oriented tenant well.

I can only imagine that the real estate listing went something along the lines of "HUMUNGOUS COOL BATHROOM TO RENT!... with small complementary studio attached".

posted by Blandwagon on July 16th 2009 at 11:41pm
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I just got the "Evening" reference sigh that beautiful house in Newport.. but a sad movie.

wow just read jennyLicht comment kind of hateful and maybe this is when AT should delete a comment. Jenny go on out with your negative self. I don't like to comment on others viewpoints but that is just down right ugly and distasteful. Have another drink girl.

posted by LoriSF on July 17th 2009 at 12:53am
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Love how your objects are arranged. How your prints are displayed. Wish Target in Aus. had that Eiffel tower lamp. Great job!

posted by AussieIbu on July 17th 2009 at 1:15am
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beautiful home!

posted by clancyslover on July 17th 2009 at 2:40am
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well... didnt like the picture in tha bath..! also I dont get this: the main (only) room is so crowded it is used as a bedroom/livingroom/study/kitchen.. and then a huge bathroom is next to it. I would have split the bathroom in two and have the bedroom incorporated in that side of the flat.

posted by shireza on July 17th 2009 at 3:53am
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The wood floor is spectacular!

posted by dandyannie on July 17th 2009 at 4:27am
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Some of the comments about furniture arrangement I don't understand--it's a studio apt. It isn't divided up, so he's used the furniture to divide it. I lived in a tiny studio as my first apartment alone, and it's not easy to do successfully. I think it feels light and airy and livable. I assume he has a storage unit somewhere!

I love his chubby kitty! She fits right into the color scheme, too.

posted by Charlotte on July 17th 2009 at 5:36am
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I think the arrangement is great! If you don't do it this way, all you have is stuff lining the walls. So boring. You've done a fabulous job. I wish all men could be this style conscious and neat...sigh.

posted by dhm on July 17th 2009 at 6:18am
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The bathroom is fabulous. Agree about the floating furniture. I won't even comment on JennyLicht.

posted by sally305 on July 17th 2009 at 6:58am
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Love house tours but I love the comments even more! Too funny!
Love your place! And am soooo jealous of your bathroom! It's like the size of your entire apartment! Gotta agree with others 'bout having nana's photo in there though... Sort of weird.
Nonetheless great apartment love what you've done!

posted by E.I.F. on July 17th 2009 at 7:36am
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I'm actually digging the floating table. I understand using a table for book display when it's not being used for dining. The design of the table with its legs is a fantastic complement to the more traditional lines employed elsewhere. Great place!

posted by krister on July 17th 2009 at 8:28am
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I think it's beautiful. Another source of inspiration for me!

Emily

posted by Emily Sneds on July 17th 2009 at 9:47am
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I think some people (jennylicht) need to be reminded of the comment policy.
All I can say is "wow."

posted by pollymagoo on July 17th 2009 at 10:03am
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Beautiful.

posted by theserovingeyes on July 17th 2009 at 11:04am
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Firstly, Jenny!! Meow!!

Secondly, I love the bathroom!! I love that it feels so opulent, I always thought the ultimate indulgence would be a fireplace.

Thirdly, the space shows restraint and elegance

Finally, storage must be a challange... and it still looks good so go figure!!

posted by Maurs on July 17th 2009 at 12:35pm
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Very nice!
I agree w/ others that if I had designed the layout of the unit I would not have had such a huge bathroom; however, it is a great space! Great job on the decor - very impressive, esp. to have only lived there a few months!
For the bed, I think I would either pop a screen in front of it, partially at least - trying to not block the light from the window OR make it more of a daybed/sitting area with nice cushions against the wall. Overall I really like your taste and think it's great! I have to say I do think the target lamp looks a bit out of place with your otherwise very elegant details. Enjoy your great apartment!!! (And do tell us where you store your clothes!)

posted by Mrs. Lam on July 17th 2009 at 12:37pm
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I would LIVE in that bathtub. Fantastic! And the floors are so, so beautiful! They look so warm - they're practically glowing!

as a fellow studio-dweller, I have to congratulate you on your creative furniture arrangement. It's certainly a challenge. Everything looks really lovely - of course it helps to have gorgeous pieces :)

posted by carolyn_suzanne on July 17th 2009 at 3:18pm
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beautiful! love the furniture AND space. how about a murphy bed---the placement of this "room" was the only thing that threw me

Agree that the washroom could be better used for storage or perhaps a murphy.

posted by Peter knockstead on July 17th 2009 at 4:39pm
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Great place with not much space! I get why the metal table is where it is....when entering the apartment, it seems to be sort of an "entry table". We have very similiar taste. I have that same sofa, but in a mohair. I also have two metal tables almost exactly like yours, AND a desk chair like yours....great minds..

posted by katiedid on July 17th 2009 at 8:39pm
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I'm drooling over those floors & doors! Beautiful wood, nicely finished. I've been renting for years and one thing I learned was to make my living space my own. But I never succeeded quite this well! Thanks for inviting us into your home.

posted by BootC on July 18th 2009 at 7:29am
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Bravo! I have been in this space and I must say it doesn't get any better. He has taken a REALLY small space and made the most of it! Others said put the desk in front on the windows, well it actually is right in between the only two windows in the front of the apartment. It really is only one room, kitchen on one wall, 2 windows across from kitchen, bed on one wall, and fireplace on the other. I don't know if I could have even done it this smart and I use to specialize in small space design! I love the bathroom and it makes living in a small space all worth it. The bathroom is in the best possible place because if it were anywhere else it would be in the living room/office/bedroom/study/dinning room (which also serves as reading & cocktail area)! The best thing in the entire space is that big fat kitty cat! LOVE her, she is sooo pretty and slightly rubenesque.

posted by domiciliumdeluxe on July 18th 2009 at 9:44am
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Very nice place. It has charm and elegance, sophistication and simplicity. I really like the furniture choices, the living area is cosy-chic!!
Excellent job!

posted by max10010 on July 19th 2009 at 11:11am
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What an inspiration! So much refined style! too jealous!

posted by saramarie on July 20th 2009 at 10:49am
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Fab-oo, Scott! Love your style, including your outfit. I would hang a sheer drape at the kitchen entrance and swag it back with a tassel. And you need artwork over the bed. Get back to those flea markets... Love your collection of little trees in the bathroom. You're clever.

posted by stellla on July 20th 2009 at 3:33pm
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How airy! How full of light, like the garret of an impressionist artist in fin de siecle Paris.

The only quibble: the bed out in the open. Sorry, it is so distracting -- and uninspiring -- compared to the other deft touches. I think a "daybed" look with the bed set off with drapes to create a "portiere" effect would add that much-needed sense of mystery and je ne sais quoi to an otherwise spectacular space.

posted by aychihuahua on July 20th 2009 at 4:47pm
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Hi - anyone that would let their cat sleep on their bed can do no wrong. I guess that is why the space is fantastic and just beautiful. I love the granny picture - just a touch of "it's different isn't it" My Jenny, a persian chinchilla thinks Ella is kind of cute too. Well done!!!!!!!!!!!

posted by Betty14 on July 20th 2009 at 6:56pm
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Hey, I think Scott's place is great. Obviously, the landlord has a certain artistic bent, which helps a renter out. But Scott's no slouch. Btw, I have used a slightly larger green French metal table for 20 years. Got the idea from the Odeon Restaurant in New York City. I usually cover mine with the favorite tablecloth du jour. Remarkably useful table, portable, and works in a small space.

posted by AustinSarah on July 20th 2009 at 8:40pm
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Btw, as a person who has had comments edited -- I have to say it is doubly confusing when AT edits a comment and then a bunch of people comment on the comment. I appreciate the anti-negativity policy and realize that I myself can occasionally be too negative (NO!), but I lean somewhat more towards the First Amendment in these issues. What did Jenny say? Once you meddle with a thread, it gets knotted.

posted by AustinSarah on July 20th 2009 at 8:46pm
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the bathroom had me at hello. i am fine living in that apt with a sealys mattress, jennifers convertible couch & a folding card table/chair.

posted by judylisabrenner on July 20th 2009 at 9:08pm
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Your bathroom almost makes me weep! So gorgeous! Also loved the movie Evening, very nice jumping off point. And I second whoever said how nice it is to see a really cozy non MCM place.

But yes, where are the clothes kept?

posted by EastVillageAmy on July 20th 2009 at 9:59pm
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Hello Scott!
Great job! I lost my huge home last year due to divorce. Now have a small apartment with my youngest daughter, and I have to say, I'm soo much happier in a small space!
I love seeing great use/ideas for small spaces like this!
You're place is very inspiring.

omordah
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6387590

posted by omordah on July 21st 2009 at 7:07am
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Awesome job, Scott. I love the fireplace in the bathroom, and the separate shower and bath, so luxurious! I live in a small space and indeed yours looks much larger than a mere 450sf. I think it may have something to do with good placement of the doors - my front door opens in the middle of the main wall of my apartment which makes it difficult to deal with. But you really solved it all without depriving yourself of a real bed, or a real sofa. Lovely lovely.
IMHO, the focal point is definitely Ella. I love you, Ella.

posted by apartment therapy on July 21st 2009 at 12:47pm
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Wow, I really like your floor! I like the color and how much it shines.

posted by niabassett on July 21st 2009 at 1:06pm
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WOW I had 489 sq ft and never did it look that cool... I just have to many "treasures", Were do you put "things" . Love the Cat but sweetie she needs a little time out from the kitty bowl. I was so good to my little "Buddha" cat he got diabetes (just like mom).
Neat place you have.

posted by majeral512 on July 25th 2009 at 9:15am
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You have created a truly beautiful home.

posted by AcrossThePond on August 6th 2009 at 7:52pm
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i love the floating furniture, esp. the table. it's bold & unexpected & looks beautiful. this is a pretty wonderful space to begin with & your great sense of style really pushes it into another realm. i'm usually not a fan of traditional style but when it's done like this, well it's just fantastic!

posted by timmy jr. on August 23rd 2009 at 9:32am
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Lovely!

Let me begin by saying that I would live in a windowless broom closet if it were attached to that bathroom. Fabulous!

Bathroom aside, my favorite picture is the little round table with the white bureau/bar in the background. It is a challenge to create zones in a studio, and it looks like he's done a good job. The cat seems happy.

posted by klt108 on August 25th 2009 at 1:03pm
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it is rare that I love a home throughout an entire tour, but you have completely won me over. LOVE IT!

http://www.mylittleapartment.blogspot.com/

posted by my little apartment on September 16th 2009 at 12:13pm
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Seriously, what the heck is going on with these advertisements blocking the house tours. This is getting a little old.

posted by cliokitty on November 3rd 2009 at 4:07pm
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