I really don't want a runny-nosed Henry Kissinger staring down at me when I'm trying to read a book or eat dinner. Ick.

:-O i'm so jealous of the view!

gorgeous view

btw: does anyone know where i can find those glass apples featured in picture 12 and 13??
thanks in advance. they are really stunning!

The Kissinger photos are a little too matchy for me. I would have balanced it with one of Pol Pot.

That's the way to live in New York. If I'd had that much room and those views, I'd still be there.

Can we all, as a collective self-appointed commentatorship, get over the "I find your art disgusting" comments? It's their art. If they invite you to their dinner party, don't go. Easy.

how 'bout we all have a sense of humor instead!

Tiffany's makes/made the apples.

Gorgeous--the photography captures it excellently!

I dont understand why people who work in the world of "creative art" would want to hire someone to create their special space.
The window views are magnificent.

Almost wonderful. I'd use that sunset for inspiration and put some color on the walls.

It's a beautiful house, but it looks so "designed", like it came straight out of the pages of a magazine and no one really lives there. Even the books are meticulously chosen and arranged!

This probably is inevitable when you work with a designer, so I wouldn't blame him, it does look perfectly put together. And man oh man that view is like a fantasy, I can't believe anyone lives like that!

"Constraints of the space"?

Um, would that be the killer views, or the 2400 square feet of living space??

I actually disagree with BadJuJu77-- I think it looks remarkably UNdesigned, especially the living room.

It looks to me like the "dating" never led to "sex." ;)

I don't want to be mean here.. but I wouldn't have paid a designer for that. It's not bad by any means but I don't think the owners got the "bang for their buck."

"Jarret doesn't like to be constrained by his client's demands." Could Jarret be any more insufferably arrogant? They're the F-ing clients! I would constrain him right out the door.

With a view like that, the place practically decorates itself.

There are too many styles and details in this house to wrap my head around. It's too busy, there's no coherence. I don't like the Missoni cushions. Sorry. The view however is fantastic!

I think what he was saying about a long timeline is true. It is better to wait and find the one of a kind piece or custom design that truly excites the client than find something quick and easy the fills the space. The reason this project doesn't look overly designed is because he very successfully combined vintage with new. It could have been said in a different tone, but his motivation is right.

I agree about the art. It took me looking through the slideshow more than once to see anything but the guy with the tissue.

I hate the dining chair fabric, definitely not my taste but it's not my place! I like the artwork, it's unusual. And I'm jealous of the view and space, but at least since it's in NYC and I am not, I can console myself with the knowledge that they paid out the butt for it. (I'm not bitter!)

Damn, I know my mom said jealousy is a lousy emotion she is not watching me type this.

This Jarret-the-designer commercial is as obnoxious as the "He went to Jared!" jewelry commercials. And both products are only 'meh'

And really, with that view he could have put a beanbag chair in the middle of the room

No. No. NO! That's all I have to say about this apartment.

Oh. And, I hope they didn't pay alot for those dining chairs. My parents have the same ones and I think they were literally $20 a piece at the local chain discount home center. And that pattern is even uglier in person.

Hey, you can see my house from there.

Please tell me that those aren't latches on the windows. Meaning that they can be opened. *wibbles from fear of heights*

Yes, the views are magnificent, I love the arrangement of the two seating areas, the bedroom is lovely, and the use of glass and that mirror is wonderful, but it does feel too design-y to me. On the other hand, this is a particular kind of New York aesthetic that's not my native language.

Where is the kitchen??

The view is spectacular but I'm not impressed with the decorator's job.

Delikatissen

given the tremendous square footage and open views, the designer did a remarkable job of making the space feel small and cluttered.

That place is gorgeous with the view alone but the peices are pretty wonderful too.... This designer does need to get a hold on his ego however because this is a client's home, not his own space.

Hey! It's Jarret. I thought I would respond to some of the comments on the blog. I've always loved reading this site as well as the feedback so figured, hey, why not return the favor! And please don't flame me. I'm simply trying to share some feedback.

I read the article, too, and do hear what people hear about sounding egocentric. I fear the tone may have been lost in my verbal ramblings.

So here's how my hopefully non-egocentric sounding process does work. Hopefully this will help people reading this blog to further understand the design process. You can even see a little more more about how I work with clients at my website, jarretyoshida.com.

Clients are always given multiple choices which hopefully fit a theme which we have developed together. Sometimes, I miss what they want. Sometimes they have no direction, may be indecisive and need guidance. Most of the time, though, we create a direction they like for themselves. This is the beginning of making their home beautiful as well as being a livable and workable space.

I never present clients with a fait accompli and say, ala Cruella de Ville, "here it is." Urgh. If I ever become as good as John Saladino or Billy Baldwin -- and if anyone here thinks I'm referring to the actor (it's happened), slap yourself on the head -- THEN watch out!

Before I became a designer, I thought designing was easy. Just pick what I like and we're done. What I learned, the long and hard way, was that designers play an experienced role in understanding trends, markets, traditions, functions and budgets and trying to accommodate client wants which even the client may not know.

This is why other creative professionals hire other creative professionals as I have been hired -- designers get how hard it is to be good at the unseen details like sourcing, material reliability, pricing, timing, etc. of a certain discipline, be it fashion, music, art or interior design.

For example, if I can ever afford a custom made sweater, I'm off to my friend Greg who designs fantastic men's knitwear. After giving Greg feedback on color and fit, for example, I would let him go to town and decide on proportions that would work well with my body, yarn composition, how thick the yarn would be, where it would come from, button hole size, etc. I would check in on direction as the project progressed because I know he would make a sweater even more beautiful than one if I controlled every step. The sweater he made for me might not be to everyone's liking, but it would be to mine. : )

So as one of my design projects moves forward, the clients and I check in regularly with each other on their specific and unique criteria. When I give them something they don't want, they always let me know in the spirit of positive critique. I, of course, try to discover what it is they do want, what they don't want and what they ARE hoping for.

Thanks for the positive critique from fellow readers and I hope this shed a little more light into how my design process works.

Love the mirror in the dining area, si to sad that doesn't show properly in that white wall...
By the way I don't like the design in the whole appartment... It looks like my Tia Ursula put it together and What a color palet!!... ICK
Great view and some pieces are good.

Bedroom is my favorite. Who makes the nightstand lights?

Well said Wally3, but TML's comments are always that judgmental.

The apartment is amazing! Not only the views but the apartment itself. Lovely lovely lovely.

Ah my apologies, I was thinking of M, not TML. But still...

I thought TML was making more of a comment on Kissinger and then the art itself. But maybe I'm over-thinking it.

Thanks a lot, littleinkblot.

I find it hilarious that making fun of Henry Kissinger could be deemed "judgmental." The photos themselves are clearly taking a poke at him.

I seem to remember lots of people on this site having a huge problem with images of chairman mao as a hipster design statement. curious that no one has similar feelings about henry.

I like it. A personality is being thoughtfully expressed, and that is what counts the most, for me, in someone's home.

I love the bedside tables, the apples and the mirror in the dining room as well. I too, would have liked to see the kitchen, but obviously it isn't the highlight of the place or it would have been included. Still, a glimpse, just to complete the picture feels in order.

Not my style. There is no soul; I have no sense of the people of who live there at all.

Wow, it is almost a sin to have an apartment this big in NYC :) About the design, I cant believe it took him a year to decorate the apartment! It doesnt look decorated by a professional at all -- sorry... I think anyone can do what he did there, his artistic abilities just didnt shine through :( And I hate the parquet floor in the living room.

I have to wonder of the residents concuss themselves on those lamps every time they get out of bed...

I live in NYC, and I'm familiar with high apartment buildings, most of which are very new. From an architectural point of view, they are disturbing: they lack a sense of scale and connection with surrounding neighborhoods. Those "wonderful" views are purchased at the expense of the city as a whole. The needle like buildings are symbolic of money and technology gone astray. The old skyscrapers of Manhattan are for some reason more acceptable to me: their style is not at odds with the traditions of building that came before them, and they're clustered together; these new buildings have a bad vibrations.

Beautiful views.. The dining room chairs are horrid! I think I've seen them at Straight from the Crate or one of those other cheap chain stores. The scale of the offee table is off- too small but they have a lot of really nice pieces. Love the lamp in the living room, the mid century chairs, the dresser in the dining room. I don't think their designer is anything to rave about. I hope they didn't pay him a lot. Anyone else sick of seeing Art books (in this case "Louis Vuitton" in the dining room??) artfully placed?

You're probably right, TheoJ, it is probably a joke!
And Jarret's ramblings makes it seem more like one.

Maybe the designer was trying to go with a "clean look" with white walls and window coverings that look too much like vinyl window rolls. Personally, that just makes me feel like the landlord wouldn't let them paint.

To Juliette who "wibbles from fear of heights" -- NYC has a law that casement windows such as these cannot open more than 4-1/2" - that a 5" sphere (representing a kids head) can't fit through. So no more wibbling, ya hear?

(er, what's wibbling anyway?)

Earlier I wrote that I thought the design was only 'meh' - that is except for the bedroom. I would love to wake up in that white oasis.

I need to bookmark this just to remind myself to NEVER share my home online. Many of you a prime example of forgetting that these are REAL people. But of course you never have to face the family that lives here, so who cares? It is possible to share constructive criticism without tearing a person's home apart. OR...maybe if they received few to no comments then they would know that their home was not to the general population's tastes. I would much rather have the ugliest home with the ugliest decor and be a person that others like to be with than the other way around.

This is a fabulous apartment with fabulous views, 1725 or so square feet, great furniture and design, and 46 comments (before mine). Obviously some of the comments here smack of envy. Would I put a photo of Henry blowing his nose on my wall? I might. I admit it's a bit gross, but Henry is gross; at least he is clothed and not holding a cigar. But who would not want that window seat?

I think people are honest about what they like, and what they don't like. If people didn't expect strong opinions, they wouldn't post here.

Pigletliver, I am a person that comes to this site for the following reasons...
- to remind myself that even though I am able to purchase a larger home it is not necessary, bigger is not better and in most cases smaller is warmer and friendlier. Also to remind myself that our 1600 sq ft home for a family of 4 is large in many peoples eyes.
-to get ideas how to utilize smaller spaces but also to get decorating ideas from others and decide what I like and don't like.
-to read comments on why something works so well and to read constructive criticism to understand why a certain element may not work or what may make something work a little better.

I find no benefit what-so-ever in reading peoples comments that solely trash another person's home or call things in their home ugly. I suggest that people stop and try to figure out what they are trying to achieve by making these comments.

Why the client moved into an apartment with all those windows and did not yield to the instinct to have a more minimalist look is beyond comprehension.

This type of client is what makes a decorators job more like a psychotherapist.

I understand the impulse for creative people to hire others to help them at a task like decorating.

Professionals who work in the "Creative Arts" are used to collaborating with other creative people. Decorators have access to all types of good stuff that you just don't have if you're not a decorator!

Just to answer a few of the critiques to my earlier ramble (I'm never going to be a writer so critiques regarding my writing skills are welcome, but I fear pointless if you asked my high school teachers):

1. paint color was largely set in stone by the landlord as were the window treatments. yup, they weren't anyone's first choice. but you make do with what you get sometimes which is part of the job.
2. the view is amazing. could not agree more. and yes, the sacrifice to surrounding neighborhoods is disturbing and one I wish hadn't happened. i can't stand the idea of Atlantic Yards, for example, and will cheer hooray when it absolutely loses all financing opportunities. tall buildings (and the lack of light) is the main reason I left Manhattan for Brooklyn. i'm a big believer in Jane Jacobs' theories of creating cities for everyone, human scale, etc.
3. art books were not purchased just to look 'cute' and i cannot stand when that happens. reading is awesome, after all. there is a library shot missing and if you saw it, you would see that there is actually a personal connection here to the book. this binding was particularly graphic which is why i chose it.
4. where is it that everyone is seeing these chairs @ local discount stores? Please point me there! I like saving money for my clients.
5. remember that timelines aren't always determined by the designer. there are also vendors and clients involved. i write here about clients in general when i say that interior design is not their first priority (unlike for myself and many readers here) and most of my clients have incredibly busy work, social and family lives that get in the way. don't get me started on vendors.
7. Henry Kissinger (as a politician): oh god. don't get me started (again).

anyway, just a little feedback and now i'm off to work! thank you again for the constructive feedback.

jarret

Wow. This is... disturbing, to say the least. And I'm not talking about the apartment. Is it written somewhere that, since the internet makes you faceless, it must also make you tactless?

If it's not your style, fine. If you can't appreciate the asthetic, fine. Overall, it doesn't suit my taste, either. But personal opinion can be conveyed without ripping someone's home and choices to shreds, and being as ugly as possible about it. It doesn't make you seem discerning, it makes you seem petty. If these same choices were made by the tenants themselves, and in an apartment a third of this size, would you still be spewing this same vitriol?

Jarret, there are some beautiful pieces here (the dining room chandelier and case goods, that gorgeous tripod lamp, and the bedroom as a whole). And climbing into the tank while the piranhas are feeding took guts. That said, I think you're fighting a losing battle here. If your clients are happy with the end result, do you really need to defend your choices (or their taste)?

Well all right! I was expecting to feel jealousy welling up inside of me. I looked at the tour and I'm not jealous at all. Because it's not that great! The view is great but, the decor is aight. I hope the people who live there love it and it is their hearts' desire!

The Kissinger photos are a little too matchy for me. I would have balanced it with one of Pol Pot.

Hilarious. Thank you for that.

I LOVE the photograph on top of the bed, any idea who or where it might be from?

While I am personally not a fan of the overall look, there are some pieces that were used that I absolutely love. As long as the clients are happy with their finished space that is all that matters. We all have our own taste after all.

One item I especially loved is the chandelier. Any ideas where it's from or where I can get something similar?

Did anyone else notice that the Louis Viutton book was moved to different rooms to be included in the photographs? Or perhaps they read that SO often, they have a copy in every room? Also, that telescope is pointed directly at the building next door! Hilarious.

ghastly decor over an apartment with good bones. For shame.

Looking at this apartment, like most of you, I fell in love with the views! I don't know the first thing about interior designing which is why I love coming to this site. I can't imagine how difficult it must be to do this for a living but it sounds rewarding in that the clients are happy with the results of their space.
If I could afford a designer or wanted some help designing my space I know that I would certainly share my ideas, views, as well as expectations of what I want. I also have to be comfortable with the person I'm hiring. It seems this place was designed with ideas from both the client and the designer. I think it's different, I think I probably would have wanted something different for the space but... It's not my space. It's someone else's home. Not the designers or anyone else. That said I think most of us would agree there have been plenty of times you've walked into someone's home and said wow! Or quite the opposite. Would you share your ideas, criticism, or dislike the way you do here? I don't think so.
I love that everyone has different tastes and styles. I like we're all different. I like that so many people share their homes here and invite us to take a peak to see what they've done. Giving me and others ideas and inspiration. I'm pleasantly surprised every time I check out a new home here on A.T. And what I've learned here is beautifully designed homes don't happen in a day, month, or even a year. It takes a good eye, patience, and some experience to achieve this. As well as well thought out pieces antique, designer, flea market, and dollar store find pieces. It's a love of what you own and how to incorporate it in your space that takes practice and skill. I enjoyed this space because it was different and the clients loved it as well, enough to show it off here on A.T.
Lovely home.

Yeah, you know the whole purpose of having comments is to post your opinion. You like it, you post. You don't like it, you post. I mean, WTF? It's a farking blog.

Madsarah & JYW

If you bothered to read my follow-up after my first comment you would have seen that I do appreciate the constructive criticism, understanding why someone thinks it does not work for them. It helps to give me new perspectives. Reading people saying "no,no,NO" or "those chairs are uglier in person" takes no energy or thought. It reminds me of a child that says "this is yucky!" or "you're fat" If that is what you are going for then you are achieving it.

On the other hand... Dewi's comment that she/he doesn't understand why the client "did not yield to the instinct to have a more minimalist look is beyond comprehension" helped me understand why she/he felt that the decor did not work with the building. In the work world more is expected than "I don't like that", it is also your responsibility to go beyond that and communicate why and what would be better. Take a little time and energy in your comments.

As you may, or more likely may not, have noticed, I made no comments about the apartment. I had a gut feeling, but I couldn't put my finger on what is was that I didn't like about it, so saying so would not have been productive. Now I can say that it is the fact that the decor and the building seem to fight each other, but that is only to dewi taking the time to explain his/her thoughts.

I agree that people need to figure out how to critique, not criticize. Too much sticking out your tounge and saying YUCK! That is unsophisicated and childish.

It's all subjective what we like.
My parents would love, love, love this apartment furnishings and adore Jarrett for making it this way. They love multiple sitting areas. And there home looks like this, minus the modern windows.
I don't understand but some clients hate a minimal look and designed sparseness!

MBS ,
my pleasure to help you pin point what is wrong with this picture, and understand. (btw, I'm female)
All I could see in this apartment was the dictomany of traditional furnishings in a stunning modern glass walled building.
People like what they like and don't always consider the space as part of the decorative statement.

Wow. The critique definitely got more productive. Thanks.

Dewi/MBS: thanks for your critique. the challenge here was that the architecture was really cookie-cutter and sub-par even though the view was/is amazing. this mid-80s building is no John Pawson or Meier exercise, let me tell you. i love architecture, believe in respecting it and am still inspired by memories of visits to Wright and Corbusier homes.

the architecture here was considered and something more minimal and cool might have been great, but most clients, including these as is obvious, find it too cold and sterile. it is a challenge, actually, to get clients to go for a strictly modern direction. it is also waaay easier to decorate in a modern/minimal style because it is much more defined and there are less elements to balance.

most of the furniture, save for the chandelier, is mid century up to 2005 so the architecture date is in the middle of the furnishings timeline. the palette and patterning are not monochrome and minimally inspired as i think you are pointing out. I certainly agree that it doesn't conform to conventional expectations of what you might see in an all white modern space which I have done before. this was definitely more Vivienne Westwood inspired than Armani.

Staging of the Vuitton book and telescope: the library had been packed (thus no cool library pic) and there were only, literally 6 or 7 books left to use. it was a compromise made for the shoot to add texture/pattern/composition like the way the telescope was angled down. as i learned w/my first shoot, an interior photograph is usually relentlessly staged and furniture is moved around to the point where sometimes, the photo is not even close to the home. that is not the case with this house, but as someone noticed, definitely with some minor pieces.

Frenetic: thank you so much for being so kind. the piranhas as you humorously termed them, do seem to need a big hug from somebody. i do like clarifying what actually happened not to defend myself, though, but so people won't misunderstand and make assumptions based on ignorance or who knows what. everyone's home isn't going to be your dream home as you pointed out. i do wish more creators behind the featured article (product, interior, store owners) responded to readers on this site. i think it would deepen our knowledge of what we choose or choose not to do, as you and so many others wisely pointed out. my knowledge of design has largely grown through the incredible generosity of my peers and this is my attempt at doing the same.

some readers were interested in particular vendors. if someone was interested in their contact info., please feel free to email me and I can share the info.

The design is excellent and vibe of the place is awesome !!
T

So if I said, "The design is bad and it has a bad vibe," would that be ok with you, mbs? Just wondering what passes muster with The Comment Police.

jym,

I'm sorry you feel so defensive when someone criticizes you.

Oh wait... that was the whole point to begin with wasn't it?

Actually, I really wanted to know if such a comment would be ok with you or not. But, hey, you managed to answer my question anyway, so cheers.

jyw,
I was under the impression you were call me The Comment Police thus trying to put me in my place. If you really want my answer it's as follows, if not I understand.

Saying something has a "bad vibe" or in the same vein a "good vibe" gives a feeling but not direction. I would equate it to someone being told in a job evaluation that they have a "bad attitude", which is highly discouraged. It does not give the employee anything concrete to work with. I have been guilty in the past of saying pat nice things about places but usually it's like telling someone their haircut looks nice. It might be nice to say the length really compliments your face, but they are not left wondering if you don't. On the other hand, if you tell them their haircut is horrible and don't expand they are left wondering what about it doesn't work in your eyes.

This is just my perspective and I will gladly admit I will never be a cut throat Donald Trump. But I also consider myself to be an honest person and upfront person.

No, I didn't. I was being sarcastic. You have a lot of time on your hands. Cheers.

In the end I guess we just are who we are. Cheers back at you.

I figure if one keeps their bed made, dishes washed and clutter hidden, anything goes in "design" & personal preferences. I'm serious...just look at all the syles we see on AT (& similar sites), magazines, or your own personal home visits.

On this home...it's the gorgeous views that I salivated over. Who cares what the decor is, as long as it's neat & clean? :-).

Personally, I would never hire a designer, even if I had the money to do so. But that's just me because it seems terribly impersonal. Yet, I still appreciate getting to SEE other homes that have been designed by professionals...I might copy an idea or two OR totally reject it.

THANKS to all of you who are willing to let us take a peek at your homes. This site is FUN!

I think most everything is cool but please replace the "Henry" pics.

Oddly enough, I thought the Henry pics were great. Now, THAT's a personal touch in this home that denotes boldness/quirkiness.

The rest is run-of-the-mill, but nice, nonetheless. I also like/don't mind the parque floors...they've used it because it was THERE, I'm sure (i.e. rental). Isn't the idea to use what you have?

Does this tour reflect the direction AT is going? I hope not.

Usually AT posts, especially tours, show creativity. There's a celebration of non-professionals putting thought and love into their homes. When there's a professional involved, the standard is usually higher; we ooh and aah at truly creative solutions to living in smaller spaces.

This is pure self promotion and, as others have suggested, not much to promote.

I urge management not to let AT standards fall.

My, my, such bunch of children. Opinions are like a***oles, everybody has one. Just what the doctor ordered to spike up a dull Monday morning.

Thanks Jarret, for answering criticisms and clarifying your process. Harsh crowd today. You handled it gracefully.

There is something in the air right now...everyone at my house is acting just like this! Pets included!
I came to AT to escape, oh well, I did get a good laugh!

My two dogs would fix that white sofa and bedroom up quickly! Especially after they get their feet muddy in NYC dirt!

Wow. I think I'll wander back over to Design*Sponge, where at least the people are usually civil.

But first-- I'm really enjoying the gold banana-leaf platter and the shiny red walls in the bathroom. I would have liked to see a bigger bathroom photo as I'm intrigued by the small glimpse available. And I honestly think the Kissinger portraits are the best thing in the apartment. Regardless of whether he's a criminal, it's ART, and it's big and bold and a little sly. If you're so eager to be offended by art, go visit the Saatchi or something, there's plenty of fodder there.

Constructive feedback for Jarret: I think in such a large, bright space, it would have worked better to use bolder colors. The lack of strong, solid blocks of color connecting the spaces makes the furniture and accessories seem cluttered and unable to stand up to the scale of the views. The pumpkin and sage are too muted and traditional to balance the stark white walls and huge views-- I would have gone for maybe pops of coral and blazing orange, with lots of crystal/glass since the clients seem to like it, contrasted with sleek lines in the furniture and lots of textured neutrals in the gray/white families for upholstery, etc. Still warm, but more exciting.

An example-- I love the way the white couch (indulgence, indeed!) is nestled into the windows-- now add a worn, vintage Oriental rug, some coral silk pillows, take away the candle thing, the small lamp, and one piece of art, and replace that PB chair with something big & funky, and you would have an amazing little nook there! But of course I don't know what client constraints you were dealing with! =)

Props to MBS and Dewi for trying to bring up the tone...

I like the accessories. But where color is used it is not harmonious to me. And the black and white photography doesn't seem to add much. Such a beautiful space to work with,...

ok, i have to admit, i read all the comments from people BEFORE i saw the tour.

What is so wrong with this apartment!!?? besides the fat that i dont think they would ahve needed to have a decorator if they were so artistically inclined. BUT i see it like a chef doesnt want to always cook dinner at home, i can see why they asked for some help.

i will agree on a couple things, i dont care for the lamps in the bedroom.. and the kitchen??... the big pictures in the living room... while i dont really care for those pics, big bw pics often offer a bold statement. I appreciate their choice, but wouldnt have chosen for myself. but this isnt my house.. but I WISH. i couldnt believe the views. people had kept saying it over and over, but i didnt expect what i saw. i didnt realize it would have been so breathtaking, even form the little we were able to see! why would they move from here??!! i would liek to see the house they have now.

i being from florida even given a house in the sky would have a big view of a lot of nothing.

I find this house very charming, and not cold at all. The little things here and there offer a since of who the people are without overwhelming you with stuff. i didnt find this place cluttered at all, but i dont care for the gold leaf and berry? things on the table they seemed a little pointless and took away form the rest of the place.

given the constraints of the landlord, and the clients tastes. i think this place came out great. I know what to expect form comments on AT but this post, it didnt seem warranted. people need to just take a breath. who cares of they are artsy people who hired a designer? look at that view, does it really matter whats inside anyways??

Nice job Jarret

ugh.. typos.. i offer my apologies,.. i have a toddler beatin gme down to watch blues clues..

The views are incredible. Don't really care for the decor, colors, and bathroom. The photography makes a statement and that's about all I liked.

Loved all the spicy commentary!

Wunderbar!

I envy (1) the views; and (2) the tremendous amount of space in this NYC apartment. The decor is ok - in my opinion - as I'm more of a traditional decor gal, but I love, love, love the views!

I'd like to know why the title is "Jarret's Luxury Apartment" and not "Sara and Dan's Apartment" ??? After all, it's Sara and Dan who pay the rent...go figure!

For me, the problem is mainly in the dining room and sitting area with the green rug. Although there are many (many!) beautiful pieces in these space, my sense is that it lacks unity. Doesn't quite pull together, but boy, I'd love to shop in that apartment! Dibs on the dresser/sideboard in the dining room!

I like it but that doesn't mean I yearn to live in it. I think Jarrod has found the right balance - who needs lots of decoration when there is the ever-changing scene out the windows to enhance the apartment. The white walls will change colour with the changing light coming in from outside. Imagine lots of coloured pillows on that white furniture competing with the colours from beyond the windows - where is the tranquillity in that? Just because I personally like lots of colour doesn't mean I wouldn't be happy to settle for white walls in similar circumstances, given the outside scenery and constraints imposed by the landlord's rules. My own ideas are so definite that I wouldn't employ a designer. Also, I have the time to carry them out. However I can understand that for busy people, having a designer could be ideal.

I was thinking I'd just move right in. I'd change a few things but I like enough of it to take it "as is".....Lots of the "little things" work for me....mind you, I've not seen the outside of the building and am not a native...but understand the building wars......I'm sure I could take living here while finding another place.
Jarret...I'm going to check out your site, I like....most of this...where is that mirror from???? I enjoy so much besides the view. I'm usually not as satisfied.
Shall I return and pick it apart....surprised at all the ---- comments. Oh well, I'm normally not the norm, so it fits.

Wow. People are still commenting. Okay. So here are some responses.

Faynilla: But i see it like a chef doesnt want to always cook dinner at home, i can see why they asked for some help.

This feels pretty close to reality as time is an issue for many clients. I would further add that if I could afford to have my busy and fabulous Hollywood stylist friend work with me on my wardrobe, I totally would -- and I'm no slob. Even after decades of buying clothes, I still make mistakes and still don't finesse things as well as she ever will.

There are technical issues and details that each specialist knows. That specialist often sees bonuses and pitfalls from experience that most clients really wouldn't, no matter how design informed. I'm not saying that people can't design on their own and have it look good nor should they not try. They should. That's one way of learning in design. I've gotten great feedback from clients before. I am saying that there really is a value add to having a designer beyond just saving time/exhaustion, etc.

design.is.good: Although there are many (many!) beautiful pieces in these space, my sense is that it lacks unity

Ohh, I'm glad you liked the pieces. I like Sarah and Dan's taste a lot -- it is assertive and informed. I see your point about the flow when looking at the photos. I think if you could see the flow of the spaces at once instead of broken up like in the photo, the color might have made more sense. The colors flowed from sitting to dining to 'living'. It was a difficult place to photo and show that, though, and I think it enhanced exactly what you are pointing out.

Battling Betty: Imagine lots of coloured pillows on that white furniture competing with the colours from beyond the windows - where is the tranquillity in that

Hmm. I didn't want to compete with the view, but I wasn't as articulate as that. Thanks.

Marie 516: I think in such a large, bright space, it would have worked better to use bolder colors. The lack of strong, solid blocks of color connecting the spaces makes the furniture and accessories seem cluttered and unable to stand up to the scale of the views.

Wow. Thanks for the thoughtful response. Again, I do think if you had seen the space, the flow would be more obvious. BUT, having said that, I do think that more assertive solid blocks of color might have enhanced the connection. I tend to go more subtle, generally, and I was worried about what would happen in the next place we were moving this stuff too, which is why I tried not to suggest something so bold that it would be hard to design around in the next unknown space. But you were definitely able to articulate an idea I sometimes do not pay enough attention to. Thanks!

Photography critics: Those photos elicited the most love/hate comments of anything I can think of in awhile. Yeah, the subject is creepy. Love the talented photographer, though.

This place is so incredibly beautiful; I'm breathless. You guys are extremely lucky to live in such a fantastic apartment! One of my favorite apartments I have seen on here. GREAT job!

gorge! what a view! my browser is too slow for close-ups of orchids, please...

Jarret--

Way to handle the meanies. You'd be great to work with; the many meanies wouldn't be so great to work with, and that's why you got this job. You're really articulate in your comments about the designer's role. Fantastic.

Regards from one professional to another.

To the meanies--

Let's all live and let live. Many of you who are so critical here at AT are probably the same people who are so critical of the people in society who you call intolerant. Lighten up and take a look in the mirror! Do you think everyone would universally like your "design concepts" that much better? Jarret realizes that design is personal. You sound like amateurs, he sounds like a professional.

I love the dresser in the dining room and the lamp in the living room area! The bedroom is beautiful and the view is to die for!

Great place! Who needs decor when you have that view! WOW!

I really love everything except for those dining room chairs.

Hey eveyone,

This is fine, this is an open forum and as long as you are not being abusive and vulgar, I find most of these comments refreshing even the super critical ones. Jarret is absolutely gracious about it and did a splendid job in explaining his method and madness, a true professional.

I think some of us are blaming him for the lack of taste his clients have. Now that's mean! For me, let me underline that, for me, anyone who finds Henry Kissinger remotely interesting even in a spoof and has his large image ruining their home and lives, is in deep need of help. Now this is a merciless critique.

Let's all be adults. Don't put yourselves out there and not be able to handle what is dished out to you. Take it like machos y mujeres. "Life is not fair" - remember? This should remind us that the great thing about Americans is that we are privileged to say what we think and feel without fear. The price we pay for that is sometimes cruel honesty.

Also, I am deeply sorry to Sarah and Dan if they are related to Henry, but my opinion still stands.