apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

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Since the small cool contest, Yokie went to Sweden and brought back graphic prints and cushions. She also added a landing strip with a new console table and plants from Garden District. In the bedroom, Yokie got a West Elm bedframe and a new side table, and added furry pillows for texture. She also shuffled around her magazine and book collections. Yokie added Chinese shutters to her bathroom and green Flor tiles throughout her condo. The Asian accents and green floor tiles serve to unify her home.

In her gut renovation, Yokie took the opportunity to add insulating foam in the wall to soundproof her place from neighbor noise. To gain light, Yokie had the ceilings raised and added the glass blocks in the bathroom to allow natural light into the room. She added an extra foot to the kitchen counter so that the longer serves as a breakfast bar. This means she doesn't need a dining table. Yokie also added a washer and dryer to her unit and is very happy with the renovations and updates.

AT Survey:

Style: warm, modern, Palm Springs meets Scandinavia.

Inspiration: design magazines.

Favorite Element: that it's finally renovated and comes together. Also the alcove, orange chair, and lamp in the alcove.

Biggest Challenge: debating over whether to renovate (expensive after just buying the condo) and whether the costs would pay off. The renovation has made a huge difference.

What Friends Say: they were surprised after the renovation. They like my place, say it's sleek, and ask me for help with their places!

Biggest Embarrassment: the wire in the living room. I wanted to hang fabric up to separate the alcove from the living room, but it didn't work.

Proudest Element: I picked out all the finishes and it came together. It's agonizing when you don't know how it'll come together.

Biggest Indulgence: I went high-end on a few pieces, like the Eames low chair (which is not super comfy) and the Knoll end table.

Proudest DIY: Putting up the shelves and the bedframe. Also, converting the Ikea Pax wardrobe into a desk.

Best Advice: Keep it simple. Don't get too themey but make the place cohesive.

Dream Sources: London shops on High Street, prints and ceramics from Stockholm, Vancouver accents, and Australian house architecture!

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RESOURCES

Furniture:
- Living Room/Kitchen: CB2 couch, IKEA stools, yellow Kartell stacking stools, EQ3 orange chair, CB2 peekaboo nesting tables, IKEA console, Eames low chair, Knoll end table

- Alcove: Bo Concept couch, Ikea Pax wardrobe, chairs from overstock

Bedroom: West Elm bed frame, Ikea Pax wardrobe

Lighting: architect's lamps from Target, living room floor lamp from Vastu, alcove chandelier from Australia, wood lamp from Bed, Bath & Beyond

Floor: green Flor tiles throughout, Ikea rugs

Artwork: Aboriginal art pieces in alcove and kitchen/tv area from Australian artist Michetine Naparulle; black and white photos from Seydou Keida photography book and framed with Ikea Ribba frames; Che prints from an artists' market in Cuba; Yokie took the photo above the bed in the Bahamas; kitchen prints from Sweden

Accessories: Chinese shutters purchased online, small white sculptures from Egypt, plants and planters from Garden District, bedroom pillows from Room and Board, green living room pillows custom ordered from Vastu

Thanks, Yokie!

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