I need a jumbo schoolhouse map, stat.

http://tangiedecor.blogspot.com

Some good ideas here, but I'm underwhelmed.

I really love the concept of a tri-fold vanity mirror in a fireplace, but I think it would work much better with more candles.

That's actually my general impression here: needs more, more, more.

I love it -- those floors!! And the bedroom is so calm and inviting.

I like the map and work area quite a bit. I'm a little confused by the bare bulb on the wall fixture in the kitchen.

where's the rug from in your sitting area???

Eh. Sorry, but neither the writing nor the home is very impressive.

The rug is from IKEA- unfortunately it looks better in photographs than in person. I think its polyester or something, but it has a weird crunch to it when you walk on it.

Er, no. To both the twee writing and the decor. I actually thought the first photo was the "before" photo.

i like it!! you seem to as well, which is the only thing that matters

why is everyone being so rotten? ugh.

Hi All-

Thanks so much for your comments, especially the constructive ones. Topherburk, to answer your question - yes, the rug is from Ikea. The texture of it is actually quite nice, but I find that it collects dust like whoa and needs to be vacuumed often.

You're all invited to come over and get a little happy. We've got homemade silkscreen prints, bad art from the 80s, and a map that describes the topography of extinct countries. It's supposed to be funny. Glad the photos are conveying that feeling to some of you.

And tropicalcyclone - there exists a very curious alternate definition of "twee" that you may want to research. Good vocab word, that one.

I'm happy to answer any other questions. This forum is fantastic.

Best,
Annie

I really wish these tryout posts were about other people's homes -- that would convey a better sense of what the writer can find, how well s/he can work within scheduling constraints and quick photography, and also how well s/he can draw out interesting commentary from the home owner. The posts that are about the writer's home come off as a bit self-indulgent and easy to me.

That said, this is a great shared apartment. It doesn't look like the product of a singular vision, but then, it isn't. It's refreshing to see people negotiate the real-life issues of shared areas, individually owned items, and budgetary constraints. Your photography is awesome, too!

I like the writing style. I agree with the comment above - that the tryout posts should be about other people's homes or other design-related post, e.g., new shops, product reviews, etc.

I think it would be more difficult to write about one's own home - objectivity seems nearly impossible.

The decor is more than acceptable, particularly given that it's a shared space.

I'm not a fan of the accompanying description (sorry Annie). It doesn't seem linked to the photos. How were 'easygoing' and 'uptight' both accommodated? Were you implying that the lawyer likes natural elements, and the artist goes for MCM? And which items 'hearken back to simpler times'? Is that a fancy reference to flea market finds?

Although the home is described as being like a tree house, there is nothing in the photos to illustrate that. Sorry, I just don't get it.

quick question: where is the white desk from?

"it reflects the personalities of the laid-back lawyer and uptight artist who live here"
Whaaaat? It doesn't reflect _anything_. Sorry but sometimes I come across postings so devoid of meaning that the only constructive criticism can be the direct one. My advice would be, like others' before, to try again and write about smbd else's space.

I agree with shockthebourgeois, greer, and tulpoeid -- I usually don't comment on something that doesn't wow me, but since this is a try out post I have to say that I thought this was boring.

Excellent use of crappy 80's art! It actually works. And I kind of like the bare bulb in the kitchen. It's like an idea over your head.

Awesome apt, I love the eighties abstract motel art over the bed and the candles/mirror in the fireplace. Playful, not kitshcy or cutesy. Also love how she lined up the cord for the bulb in the kitchen with the design on the tablecloth.

Ooh, that bedroom is divine. Such a soothing place to sleep! I love the painting (print?) over the bed.

This apartment is adorable. I love the mid-century vibe and the quirky accents, like the prints on the living room wall!

I know how hard it is to combine styles of multiple roomies and I think you did a great job, its stylish and clean, while still being vibrant and playful.

Also I think Annie's writing is really engaging, I'd much rather read a bit of a personal story about one's life than a list of where all the items were purchased!

I want more!

What a beautiful fireplace. I also think the mirror idea is great, but would be more effective if it were larger.

The art over the bed is soothing, but in a mid-range hotel sort of way. The vintage map is beautiful; a great find. The bare bulb is a daring choice, I suppose, but I can't imagine how awful (though dramatic!) everyone must look sitting around that table at night. Overall, the place looks nice, but seems to be a work in progress. It feels like it's missing something, but I'm not quite sure what that is.

And the writing was not my cup of tea--a touch too flowery.

Kristina,

I just love the Red Eames Chair !!!!
Such a wonderful chair for small spaces....
and it is just so comfortable for hanging out in..
Great space....

again. yawn. I am having trouble staying awake. This doesn't read "design inspiration" to me. Cute apartment but I am not inspired. Just tired.

Okay skipping over the negative before me, I have to say that as a photographer I was pretty impressed with the way you shot this space. True, some other posts have had more impressive text that conveyed the character of the house successfully, but your photos give me a good idea of the space. I can mentally see a blueprint, and while some find this place boring, I think its simplicity is what helped the photographs turn out so well. The shot of the kitchen is gorgeous! I think the use of natural light was fantastic; I am always slightly confused when people on this site use flash, so rock on!

I really like the kitchen, LOVE the map. I have a burgeoning map collection, and it's always interesting to me to see how/where people hang their maps. I also lovelovelove the 3 panel mirror with the candles, but I would include more candles of varying heights.

I am shocked at the rude comments by buca45 above ... if u dont like any house tours people just keep quite or try to give constructive criticism on the place ...... making fun of others prosfession ?????????

The space looks great.You have put together things that has meaning to you and that you feel comfortable with.
I like the big map in the kitchen.I can just picture myself in the morning with a cup of coffee dreaming away.
Is that a serie7 chair by Arne Jacobsen that you use for a desk chair?

I love many aspects of this house! It's simple and calming.

May I ask where you got that desk lamp? I'm in love!

Hey buca45 - this is what gets you riled up? Yikes.

To answer a few questions...

The white desk is the Parsons from West Elm.

I use the Jake Chair from Room & Board as a desk chair, which is a pretty close approximation of the Series 7.

The lamp base was actually purchased from Target for my father, but when he found it a bit too modern for his taste I was happy to take it. I recently found the shade on sale at Anthropologie. The two pieces are so different, but I think they play nicely together because the proportions are balanced, and their designs each gather their respective materials into a tight vertex and then let them back out again, over and over. Subtle, I know, but worth pointing out.

Thanks for all the feedback, everyone!

I like your simplicity, I don't understand some of the negative comments, I think some constructive suggestions will be more useful...