Name: Jeff
Location: Chelsea — New York, New York
Like so many other New Yorkers, I have a discerning eye and a limited budget. I was contemplating a booth for my small eating area and discovered Apartment Therapy doing research. I decided against it, but was inspired to stencil based on another post I read on the site.
I had painted the generic cherry cabinets an aubergine color and wanted to do something with the walls which are yellow with a chartreuse tint. I had been thinking of stripes, but the stencil resource had a killer leopard spot stencil designed to be repeated on an entire wall. Entering my apartment, one looks from the foyer, through the living room, toward the kitchen. It catches the eye of anyone who enters my apartment.
I could stencil every surface in my apartment if allowed to, but didn't want to overdo it. Two other places that it worked were as a border in the bathroom where the subway tile ends 3" from the ceiling. The deco toothpaste tube border was perfect for that. I also did heiroglyphics in my foyer, as I had a repousse "Shalom" and papyrus paintings on the same wall. I live in a building from 1929, when Egypology was the rage in the 20's after the discovery of King Tut's tomb in 1922.
Thanks, Jeff!
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Actually, I like the stencils and I love this apartment in general. :)
I really like the toothpaste stencil; I think it looks great!
it's a very original home, & originality is all that metters! go, Jeff!
I love the way you've created two defined seating areas in the living room. Very creative and cohesive use of space!
I think the cohesion and point of view is that the owner has great taste and a wonderful sense of whimsy. The place isn't somber or overly restrained because the owner isn't afraid to play. The same elements that make the kitchen elegant (lime green and aubergine) turn leopard spots into a surprise. I bet Jeff is a lot of fun to be around.
I like it. It has a nice feeling, and does not seem at all like it was done on the cheap. I also like that effort was made to tie in the building's style and mood. I just saw an article about a couple who gutted their Victorian and made the interior all clean and modern. It was horrifying (especially to me as a Victorian owner); all of the character was erased, and there was a total disconnect between inside and out. I am not saying that a Victorian has to be decorated with taxidermied owls (though I do happen to have one of those), but I think there is a way to do modern without dishonoring a building's essential character.
What I like most about Jeff is his humility.
House tour, please!
Jeff - I'm a Art Deco fan (in my heart of hearts), and I wonder where I might find the stencil for the "deco toothpaste tube border"? Was it custom made for you, or might it be available to those of us who admire what you've done in your bath?
Like so many other New Yorkers, I have a discerning eye...
No, you don't. People with discerning eyes don't paint aubergine cheetah spots on a chartreuse wall.
You do however have creativity and a "screw you, bitches, I'm doin' what I want" attitude, so kudos for making your home an individual statement.
"House tour, please!" -zimmerwoman
Agreed! I like the vibe you're going for here, and I love the creative use of color. Your furniture is wonderful, and definitely translates in the ways you combine pieces across different styles.
I love the originality!
House tour, pleasepleaseplease!
The toothpaste stencil looks great, it adds interest to the walls.
elite lighting
Very creative and thoughtful space.
I don't get any idea how spacoius your apt is. One or a studio? the pics don't show much i am interested to see more of your space to form an opinion.
Very nicely done . . . creative and with good design instincts . . .
I am rather confused "toothpaste" stencil, where is it some body help me out. Last pic is that a snake going across the kitchen floor? HELP!
We need a House Tour! Awesome apartment!
I love your kitchen!!!!!
It's un peu trop for me, but I support anyone with a strong vision even if it's not mine.
Snake!!! Watch out, little doggie!
I'm scared of snakes but I love your awesome apartment. Thanks for sharing. :)
the stencils are inspired, esp the toothpaste tubes, and the hieroglyphs are funny. the furnishings complement the age of the bldg. good number of pics w/no vignettes--thank you!--but no floor plan, either? so sad that the cherry wood got painted; cherry is an "upgrade" & ages beautifully. explanation well done, except kill the first sentence b/c we all think we can say that but other people's posts prove it is not true even tho' yours does.
Classy and beautiful... would NEVER view this as low budget; just good tatse!!!
Nobody puts Audrey in the bathroom!!!!!
Please, where did you get the round table and chairs? I need something like this. Thanks for sharing your lovely apartment! jo.procter@gmail.com
For Jacqueline O'Boomer, I bought the toothpaste stencil at Stencil Library,
http://www.stencil-library.com/docs/catalog.htm
For JMP, go to Chair Up on the Bowery.
Thanks to all for the feedback.
Jeff
Love the tones. Warm, cozy and a little bit whimsical...nice job! Oh, and the "punim" on your dog! ;)
Jeff - Thanks for the info on the stencil!
im sorry but this is all very ugly to me. I do however like the framed egyptian works although framed improperly.