Name: Kevin Derrick of Kelly Drive, DesignPhiladelphia & bahdeebahdu
Location: On the fringe of Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia
Size: 800 square feet
Years lived in: 2
This creative commorancy is unique to say the least. It's full of artwork from top to bottom and the color palette is not one you'd find in the average home. These are the things that make this home so fascinating — you just don't see this stuff everyday!
When you walk into Kevin's home you certainly don't expect to see pink walls in the living room. While we were certainly surprised, we were also impressed. The use of accent colors in the furniture, lighting and accessories merry perfectly with the pink walls.
After spending quite some time in the living room, we were again, pleasantly surprised when we walked in the bright white kitchen. We at Apartment Therapy have mentioned numerous times just how much we love bright white kitchens! There's just something so inspiring and beautiful about white spaces that immediately puts a smile on our face. We also really love the open shelving where Kevin keeps his wine and champagne glasses! And did you notice the subtle white and cream stripes on the walls?
We didn't anticipate just how much we were going to love the bedroom. We've been wanting to paint our bedroom gray for quite some time and this was the little extra nudge we needed. The white molding, doors and curtains help tone down the gray and leaves the room feeling refreshing, comfortable and chic. The accent colors of yellow from the IKEA carpet and the green from the nautical artwork work perfectly with the gray. The original black wood plank flooring helps draw everything together.
Apartment Therapy Survey:
My/Our style: I don't really know, "bohemian splendor" maybe? Suggestions welcome.
Inspiration: Nest Magazine and World Of Interiors top the list. Such great resources in so many ways.
Favorite Element: The pink walls in the front room "salon." Finding a color that set off the space but didn't overpower the different elements was tricky. (I definitely didn't want Pepto Bismol pink or 80s magenta, yikes!) To get it just right, I tested it at different times of day and with a variety of lighting in the evening.
Biggest Challenge: I have a hoarding instinct and can't easily pass up a bargain. With a small space however, I really can only have a few favorite pieces around at any one time. This means my place is in flux with change-outs happening often. It's both hard to say no to, and to let go of great pieces I love.
What Friends Say: I get all kinds of reactions…some love it, others not so much. Most often I hear something along the lines of "This isn't necessarily MY style, but I can appreciate the fact that it is A style." I think that's fair.
Biggest Embarrassment: Cheap vinyl floors and a drop ceiling in the bath. But hey, it's a rental.
Proudest DIY: That would have to be my postal box bar. Actually getting the brass and steel piece was probably the hardest part as I had to haggle with someone over the course of several days in rural PA. In the end, I purchased two of them at a bargain and easily added some wheels, paint and a finished top to make it just right.
Biggest Indulgence: I would much rather brag about how cheap something was over what ridiculously high price I paid. I just don't understand that kind of spending and actually think it can sometimes be a little tacky…that said, you can never go wrong with great pillows and bedding. A good nights sleep is a luxury that sets you right all day long.
Best advice: Rules are made to be broken. Stand out and have fun.
Other Inspiration: Generally: art, furniture, fashion and graphic design. Architecture too.
Resources of Note:
Furniture: Salon: Steel desk from KNF, Leather love seat and bookshelf from IKEA, Pink concrete table from Sandback, Armchair from Stewart, Walnut side chairs by Robert Aiosa, Brass bar by Kevin Derrick, Oak desk chair from a thrift store. Bedroom: All flea market finds with the exception of the Andreu World armchair.
Accessories: TeaTime tables from Kevin Derrick, Drum One Up table and Piss Elegant vase from RJ Thornburg of Bahdeebahdu. (All available at Kelly Drive)
Lighting: "Hey Sailor" light sculpture from Warren Muller of Bahdeebahdu, Brass lamps from various thrift shops.
Rugs and Carpets: IKEA
Paint: I'll have to come back to this one, there were so many iterations!
Window Treatments: Drapery panels from IKEA, Burlap "sheers" from a discount fabric outlet.
Artwork: Vintage frame by Schuyler Blanchard, Framed digital print by Ric Best, Scaffold sculptures by Alex Beroz, Other assorted work by Kevin Derrick.
Thanks, Kevin!
Images: Kristen Lubbe
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J'ADORE the chandelier!!!
YES. That chandelier is incredible!
I actually was not even conscious of the pink...which is a good thing. I love the chandelier! Looks like flotsam.
I really love it all, except for the chandelier, which is too much.
Sorry - I am all for unique and unexpected but that chandelier is a hot mess. Rest of the place I love.
Thanks much for the compliments! Yes indeed, the chandelier is something else... Made by Bahdeebahdu just for me and my love of all things maritime. You should see it from the street too, hoo boy.
Lonny should feature this home.
A PERFECT example of how to counter moments of exuberance with moments much calmer.
Some pretty perfect choices all around. And stellar photography.
Why did you not enter Samll/Cool??? Or I've Got Color???
As an aside, I love House Tours, but wish they'd go on hiatus during Small Cool season. Take a lesson from TV, AT!!
Has to be my all-time favorite. Best tagline too -stand out and have fun.
I love the chandelier, but what guts to paint the salon pink.
There are too many tired design cliches around.
yes, this should be entered in the small cool contest!!!
I absolutely love the postal box bar (at least I'm pretty sure that's what it is in between the two chairs in the first picture). It looks amazing. I'd love to get some advice on how to acquire the post boxes and what you did, if anything, to convert them.
I rarely go through the photos more than once, but the pictures are just beautiful. Wow the shot of the kitchen through the archway, leaving pink entering dreamy white..purr
If you were going to show me that pink on a paint swatch I would say no way, but wow it really makes all of your beautiful pieces, treasure come through.
I love love the fabric on the chair in #3 is it silk? the iridescent of the orange, green and paired with yellow pillow and pink backdrop, perfect.
I am in love with the art over the sofa that large piece reminds me of Magritte.
The bedroom is just beautiful, simple and right color of grey.
Love all of your lamps. I love this tour.
Thank thanks thanks! From what I understand, I'm absolutely ok to feature my 80sqft space in Small Cool still... Look for it soon!
Oh and: Bahdeebahdu's "illuminated sculptures" are the favorites of some, others not so much. We get it, totally... One thing I will say though is that they are so different when viewed in person. Come visit Philly and I'll give you a personal tour of our studio!
Kevin what are those tea cup stands next to the sofa? Are those small table perches or is that a sculpture see your place is sorta Magritte.
Very nice! I especially like the bedroom. Where is the duvet cover from?
Did you make or purchase the gray lampshades? I love them!
K
Pink room owners of the world, unite!!! What a pretty shade!
The house is lovely but the chandelier is too much for me. It screams "we're trying really hard to be eccentric." The pink is also overwhelming to me. I think I could handle one or the other but not both.
The rest of the house is lovely, esp. the bedroom.
What a treat! Love, love, love. LOVE.
Please don't forget to give us the pink paint #.
one of the two top or three homes i've ever seen on here. truly unique, creative, inspired and inspiring. that chandelier is absolutely amazing. your sense of color is fantastic, especially as seen in the grey bedroom with the chartreuse and greens of the painting. just dynamite.
Pretty f'n wicked!
I'm down with it all.
The view of the grey hallway leading away from the pink room would, if I lived there, be constantly beguiling and pleasing, especially because of the color combination.
Small and cool with impeccable thoroughness.
What fun!!! And very inspirational!
the tile in the kitchen is vintage..but not in a good way...get rid of it please.
- LoriSF: The fabric is an iridescent Jim Thompson, I'll get the name for you. Also, the "TeaTime" tables are my own design, made of steel, brass and antique porcelain... You can find them on the Kelly Drive website linked above.
- roomwithaview: Duvet's from Ikea, where else? haha
- HurricaneKate: The shades were taupe the morning of the shoot. Nothing like last minute changes, huh?
-creative license: Thanks, I'll get the pink # soon!
Mikey1234: It's a rental and I hate it too! I actually am still thinking of demo'ing though. All for the design, right?
Fantastic home. I love the living room light! It's just the right balance of design and kitch.
I have the same grey duvet from Ikea, and love it! Been wanting to paint the bedroom grey as well, but was afraid it'd be too 'matchy' - after seeing yours I realize that our white window treatments and trim ought to be enough to offset it.
And no taxidermy?? finally!
This home is well designed, yet personal and fun. Can I ask where you got the print in the bedroom from?
thank you kevin- I love that fabric.
I just looked at your store, looks like a must place to visit.
I bookmarked the Tea Time tables it was nice to see them up close, lovely!
You are an inspiration.
I love your place and I REALLY love your blog--its everything I would post myself about Philly if I had the discipline for blogging. Bookmarked!
Love the pink walls! That color is fabulous.
stunning! just a beautiful collection of careful design and art choices without feeling cliched or overworked.
having been lucky enough to see the bahdeebahdu light sculptures in person, i agree that they add a whole different feel to a room than is captured in their photos.
personally, i love love love the chandelier but can see how it might be too much for some people. i think the apartment has enough panache to pull it off though.
Seriously all, yesterday was a bad day for me and now here I am soaking up all your love for my home... Shucks.
xoxo thankyou thankyou thankyou xoxo
LOVE the nautical pink combination!
I'm guessing though that there's not a lot of cooking done in that kitchen?!
SfDweller: I have a certain personal distaste for taxidermy, given my hunter dad would drag me along to the slaughterer's each year. Not pretty, no sir... The print above the bed is from www.ricbest.com while the ship is a vintage painting from my childhood. Thanks!
I'm definitely with you on bragging on what a great deal I got rather than how much something costs. That bedroom rug is really from Ikea?
kevin...oh im sorry I didnt realize it was a rental...too bad the landlord kept that ugly tile...my advice is dont spend too much on a new floor...
kevin I don't mind the tile in the kitchen but what about a flor runner in pink, orange, brown and red.. you could have fun with that.
A snare stand as a end table base! Har!
I want the coffee table.
I agree with Patrick that featuring house tours during small cool AND the cure makes it a lot to take in.
Love all the opposing views on that chandelier. Personally, I think seeing it everyday will just remind me to laugh at the day's annoyances.
I sent that picture to a deep-sea explorer I know - let's see what a pro thinks, since that "hot mess" is what a shipwreck gets to be given time and fishing damage.
the chandelier is the best!
What a fun and inviting space, there are so many beautiful components to look at. I am loving that bedroom rug, Ikea? Really? Love it.
Not my style but I love the enthusiasm and the self-described "bohemian splendor"
And a hat tip to AT for teaching me a fancy new word today:"commorancy"!
For those inquiring, the pink I ultimately chose is Sherwin Williams "Impatiens Petal" (SW6582). Now go forth and spread the word. ;)
For what it's worth, the room's color was inspired by the Sandback coffee table and meant to counter the heavy, dark furniture and black flooring in the space... Thanks for all the great feedback!
I would have to see the chandelier in person.
The pink wall make me happy, but the chandelier looks like the attic and all its contents are crashing down.
I'm kind of a form-follows-function person.
I agree with Richelle, I need like 3-D glasses to judge this light fixture. However I kinda like the pink walls, which is surprising for me-- they come off oddly neutral. Happy to see another Philly post!
I have been thinking about how fantastic this is and that it deserves to win the prizes and is not even in the contest.
I looked at the links and was astonished and thrilled.
It will take me days to absorb all the amazing work on the sites and someday I will see an installation. This is a AT Jackpot for me.
I love the trash floating from you ceiling...
You have clearly surrounded yourself with what you love. I think it's conspicuously thoughtful and brilliant!
ps: I'm with Kate (NC) - you need a prize.
Richelle and others: I'm all for showing off my place and the lighting studio too. If ever in Philly just send a note and I'll give a tour... Thanks again for the compliments!
ps I'm entering the Small Cool contest on Sunday, please show your support with a thumbs up!
the first few photos almost made me not finish the house tour but I am glad I did because once I got past the pink, way too much is going on, room I realized the rest of the place is nice!
I love this home, love the pink, the chandelier is fantastic( clearly dearly loved by Kevin) and the bedroom is beautiful. I love the gray and the simple yellow rug. Not only do I love the home but, after reading some of Kevin's comments on here...I adore him! What a sweetheart and so very creative! I love the teacups sidetable and the hills painting....did you paint that one Kevin? Thanks for sharing your home! It is wonderful and so very unique!
xo
Melis
I like your sense of play, you have great style without being boring.
I have the matching chandelier to that bedroom lamp, btw....and it's for sale, just sayin'....
Sorry I don't care for it. Your design elements are interesting, but I find the pink too distracting. I couldn't stop looking at it. When I finally came to the pics of the kitchen i relaxed a little.
i love the painting over the couch of the sky and hills. is it original, or do you know the artist?
Thanks for the great comments everyone! In advance of AT posting the tour, I guessed that people would talk most about the wall color and chandelier. You either love 'em or hate 'em, which I totally understand. Above all else though, I hope my place counters the idea that all homes need to have certain "standard" elements in order to be considered well designed. In my opinion, style and taste aren't about following a set of prescribed rules but rather about expressing yourself in the best way you can. Stand out and have fun, that's my motto.
I DRANK this tour. That ship-light is amazing and I am soooooo in love with those pink walls. Random question though? What is the purpose of that strange hanging noose-like rope?
sadiegitz: Thanks for the kudos, glad you like it! The rope is a nod to the finial of a traditional chandelier, which serve to visually "anchor" the fixtures in a space. Warren (the artist) considered an actual anchor at one point but decided it would be a little too literal with all the other items present. In my opinion, the loosely-tied knot gives the piece less pretense and yet still completes the look. I think it's a pretty damn perfect solution actually. Just sayin', haha
Those pink walls would make me go cuckoo for cocoa puffs. I avoided this tour for days b/c I couldn't bear those pink walls. I was lured in when AT highlighted the bedroom in a weekend roundup. I used the thumbnail view after the first couple of photos, though. That is just wayyyy too much pink for me.
I wanted to add that the bedroom is just lovely.
The chandelier is AMAZING!! Did you make it yourself?
i agree with patrick, too! (no pun intended)
Was that blue painting (and blue frame) once in the uwishunu.com hotel room in the Westin in Philadelphia?
That bedroom made me want to curl up in bed and read a book. Visually interesting without being overstimulating.
Commorancy? Did somebody get a shiny new thesaurus? That's a bit over the top.
HouseOfNiNi: Thanks much! The chandelier was actually made by Warren Muller of Bahdeebahdu. I've worked for the studio a number of years and Warren was kind enough to make me a custom piece of my very own... Shucks.
CaroPhila: You know it! Schuyler Blanchard is an artist of many talents, and this piece is currently "on loan" froma private collection. (I'm working on getting a commission from him soon.)
Hey, I'm in the "Little" division of the Small Cool Contest, please vote for my place! Thanks much!
It takes a big man to so proudly admit he's in the "Little" Division.
Good luck, Kevin! I'd root for you even more were I not a co-competitor! :)
Simply luscious!
Warren Muller is a bad ass....
http://www.curatorofshit.com/2010/04/23/might-luminary-warren-muller-be-bringing-new-light-to-staunch-ole-philadelphia/
Absolutely love this.
The pink living room? Perfect. And the chandelier. Jeez, how can you look at that thing and not smile?
What I really (really) love though is how you toned it all down for the bedroom. With all the lower hued tones of grey and blue and brown in there, it's verrry calming looking. People often talk of bedrooms being retreats, but I can see how yours must feel like one at the end of the day. And what's so fabulous about that is how you go from the sort of joyful chaos of that living room into a more subdued bedroom but the bedroom isn't the least bit boring or secondary to the living room. It's every bit as beautiful just in a different way. This is a rare gift as some homes just look a bit chopped up when such drastically different design elements are together like this.
Well played, sir!
i read "steel desk from KNF" as "steel desk from KFN" which would have been weird but probably awesome
surfjack : You're right on the mark. I intentionally packed all the craziness and color in the salon space, neutralized it all in the kitchen and then turned up the volume ever so slightly in the bedroom. A little contrived, maybe, but a fun solution nonetheless.
Yay, style in Philly! And you've a great eye for those pops of color in a room. Pink is not a color for me, but you can rock it.