apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

I really want to take a look at the forth preview picture, but it won't open and isn't in the gallery...

I like a lot of things in that house. My favorite is the yellow bed and headboard (I think it was the guest room).

Ditto for the forth preview picture (the colorful patchworked wall!)

I really like this tour, so cheerful and so much lovely details! Love!

Beautiful home, the dogs are fab. The combination of color, divine.

I love Jen's apt and follow her blog all the time.. She has a great eye for decor.

You can see more of her apt in her blog:

http://madebygirl.blogspot.com/2008/04/glimpse-into-my-home.html

I LOVE the bedding in the Master Bedroom!! So pretty! Where is it from?

The house screams single twenty-something girl. I'm not sure I'm a fan, although I typically love vintage looks. Something is missing.

I read and see AT from Europe and I always ask to myself: why american people like antlers so much?

I agree with tangereen. I don't know how I feel about it. It didn't feel genuine to me. Maybe it's because the decor doesn't take into account the style of the house. It's disjointed to me.

Love your patio and need to do something similar with mine. Where is the turquoise paneling from?

I *love* the little kitchen table area!

I think the disjointed feeling is coming from the mix of the contemporary style of say, the kitchen table area, with traditional items like the coffee table and the mirror and the shape if the wingback in the living room. It seems like she is going through a personal style evolution and just hasn't quite gotten there yet. That said, she herself says that "little by little" was the best advice she has gotten, and it looks like she is doing just that.

I'm with tangereen: I've always thought something was missing in Jen's home... it's sort of artificial to me, Im not sure why though =(

Too much white, maybe? =/

Love your boxer dogs! A house is not a home without two or three. They are like potato chips, you can't have just one.

Thanks for sharing your home with us Jen!
The house does feel a bit young, and I really enjoyed the spaces that had more breathing room-- but that may be just the photography? The shots in her blog have a lot more light, and it makes a huge difference. I LOVE the patio, and the living room is almost there-- I suppose the next steps are getting rid of the awful carpet, re-tiling the entryway and more painting & lighting?

The house itself looks like any sort of new-ish construction, cookie-cutter place you'd see in the suburbs. It can be difficult to decorate these houses as they usually don't have many interesting structural features to play with.

I like the cool, dark slate color in the bedroom and the row of pop art-inspired pieces over the bed.

I'd like to see different treatments for the living room windows, though. (I've never liked Venetian blinds, especially combined with beige-y walls and carpeting). Maybe sheer curtains that pick up some of the colors of the pillows on your couch? I also think a rug for the living room would help tie the various pieces in together and help define it from the dining space. And the big skull on the wall is a little disorienting. It seems to be the wrong size for that space and its austere starkness doesn't quite fit in with the cheery, feminine, Anthropologie-esque rest of the house.

In the long term, hardwood floors would be an improvement over the nondescript wall-to-wall. And some more color on the walls downstairs would add a little more warmth and interest to the rooms. But I have a feeling this place will evolve and change as they settle in more.

I'm actually really happy to see this house posted on AT and this is why:

I recently purchased a home in the DC area. It was built in the early 1980s. There isn't anything particularly distinctive about it: no architectural details, modern wall of windows, no rustic radiators, beautifully worn wood floors, rambling country kitchen.... you get the idea.

And for the few months that I've lived in the home, I've been struggling to make a run-of-the-mill, cookie-cutter house into a well-designed and decorated home.

Jen's house seems to convey a similar struggle. Right now, the design isn't very cohesive, but the ideas are there.

So, the question is, how does one take a space that isn't particularly unique and successfully make it so?

Kelly L, the bedding is from Ikea.
I agree with the above posts: this house tour doesn't do it for me either.

@slowdown: I agree! Someone needs to publish a book or start a blog about how to decorate the common cookie- cutter home. Mine was built in '91, complete with the crescent shaped windows, cheap oak trim and ugly banisters. I love the ideas that I see on AT and other design blogs, but can't always incorporate them into my home.

jlhawkns,

I think slowdown made some great suggestions; hardwood floors (even reclaimed boards!), less generic window treatments, re-tiling and painting where needed would help any standard or "new construction" home. I would also add investing in molding, looking into adding or refacing a fireplace and changing out the builder's light fixtures and hardware.

And while I'm aware all of this requires resources, I would rather invest in the structural elements before I put a great deal of money or energy in decor.

With the added character, the space will lend itself to design elements you are happy and proud of.

Good luck in however you choose to proceed. I'm excited for you! Congratulations on the new house!

I think more paint and some rugs would go a long way in this house. For example, in the living/dining room: I would put a rug under the dining table and a rug under the coffee table to define the two areas. Also, I think a different wall color would be better. The current one is too close to the carpet.

My favorite part of the tour was the outside patio area. I love that bright turquoise wall. I like all of your bold color and pattern choices, actually.

The outside is one of those cookie cutter houses that dot all of the recent housing developments. Blech, curb appeal, but I'm sure there is only so much that the HOA will allow people to do to customize the exterior of these houses.

What kind of design truly goes with that type of house? It's always a bit off no matter what to me. I think it's just the design of the house. but the items and decor looks great. If it was in the context of a better shell. It's interesting that Jen's from New York since that's what the vibe of the house gives me.

but anywhoo, I just love the fact that she didn't compromise her style one bit. I definitely get a sense of the homeowners. Whether it goes with the architecture or not, it looks really cool.

If you source the yellow/white bedding that would be great!

I love the dining areas! And the bedrooms are coming along nicely.

The living areas are surprisingly beige for someone who states that she loves "lots of color!" But maybe she's following her own advice - "little by little." Which is by no means a bad thing.

Good luck, Jen!

Something is missing. I can't put my finger on it.
The dogs definitely take the cake! But the look is a tad juvenile, fragmented, neat and stark for my liking, but overall a nice start to a personal impression. Your office area is the charismatic kernel of your home - it rocks! I would love to see what you are going to do with your barren kitchen. Can you say potential - what beautiful open space you have!
One last thing:
Please LIGHT YOUR CANDLE WICKS -- (it's an interior designer pet peeve!). Thanx for sharing!

i kinda fancy the unfledged, "fashion illustration" adolescent look. it's kinda fresh.
now jenn just has to try to pull it together to make it more sophisticated, chic and grownup.
more Domino than CosmoGirl.

The color is a great start. But this place needs plants! More LIFE!!

I absolutely adore your white sofa covered in colourful, patterned pillows (do tell!). Love it! ♥

Same with your desk corner. Super fun and eclectic.
I agree about "lifeform"~ flowers & plants. It would help remove the sterile, open space feeling that goes with the commonplace architecture of your home.

You don't have to be so perfect with your space too! It's so orderly. Let it breathe.

Have fun making your home *you*!

http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/la/gardening/big-plants-indoors-088265#comments
Love that plant!!

@AMBERYVETTE-- you ask what kind of design goes with the typical cookie-cutter tract house?

Two words:
Thomas Kinkade

Hmmm. There are some really nice ideas here--love the patio and the yellow bedroom, especially. And yet, I'm with those who see something off. Maybe it's that there's no patina. A few great old pieces might help. Also, all the art is quite small and there are many small patterns. The pictures in the dining room, for example, lose impact.

I'm in new construction, complete with white blinds and wall to wall, too. And on a tight budget. So these are things I struggle with as well. Thanks for showing us what you've done and giving us the opportunity to brainstorm on this!

I think Jen has done a great job putting her mark on her new home! She has only been in the home a couple of years and is already giving house tours on AT! To have a home really reflect an owner it takes time. Decorating little by little is the best way to go! My favorite is the couch and little dining area--so cute! ~Tracy
(p.s. had a boxer growing up named Beau--the sweetest dog ever!)

i actually really appreciate how she has to work with such a bland, boring space. many of us live in spaces like this - with no possibility of changing the basic architecture. i'd like to see more homes like these, and see what the renters/owners have been able to do with them. homes like these are a tragic fact everywhere, it seems, and it would be great to have them represented a bit more.

kudos to jen for making such a great start. i'd like to see where this place evolves to a year or so from now.

I see it now! That "missing something" people have been dwelling on! There isn't any **flow**!
The space IS absolutely 'fragmented' as someone stated (unfortunately, disjointed eclecticism is common in a clone home like this!)
Get inspired, Jen, and work on developing a sense of cohesiveness & unity; surely your home will come together beautifully in time. We desperately want to see this space successfully morph into a stylistic "bohochic meets vintage"!! Keep us updated on your progress!

I live in Henderson, and I can tell you that here in Vegas-land, our options are pretty limited architecturally. Neighborhoods are rows and rows of the same house, all appointed with mediocrity and lots of beige. I can completely understand why there is so much color and white in this house -- She is starving for something interesting! I'm inspired to see this house tour because it gives me hope for my own beige box.

Also, I never understood the obsession with carpeting over other flooring options like hardwood or tile (but NOT beige tile :)) out here. This is a really dirty city (no rain), and carpets eat that crap up. We have a very strict rule of no-shoes-inside at our place.

Anyway, I think she's done a nice job of making something completely anonymous into something her own.

Loved the yellow bed, too. Your home is lovely and as you say a work in progress.
Your dogs are beautiful.
The only thing negative for me are skulls and horns which as the European said seems to be an American obsession.
Thanks for the tour!

Love the metal/ aqua patio! That's a great DIY idea... as for the rest of the home, I think a little paint would go a long way. Even eventually doing some colorful tile at the entry way and in the kitchen would work wonders...
P.S. Who cares if antlers and horns are an American obsession? If you like them, flaunt them, especially in this Nevada home, where things like that are symbols of the desert culture. Get over it!

http://www.tangiedecor.blogspot.com

I'm glad this house has been included. I live in the Houston suburbs, a "new construction" Mecca! Presently, I live in one of the oldest houses in town, and it was constructed in 1978. Many of my compadres here reside in homes quite similar to Jen's; however, most of them have resigned themselves to filling their out-of-the-box house with even more uninteresting out-of-the-box decor. Jen is different, daring even by cookie-cutter neighborhood standards. If I knew of anyone down here struggling to create an interesting space where one previously did not exist, I'd have to invite that person over for bar-b-que and beer as often as possible! So, thanks for the tour, Jen. I raise a cold Lone Star to you!

Really charming. Does anyone know what kind of flowers those big gorgeous light pink ones are? They are yummy looking!

Cutesy and trendy...sort of like a teen girls bedroom. The home is a tad juvenile in its decorating scheme...but I did like the bedroom, dining area and the colorful pillows on the sofa.

@teacupcake:
peonies

I like the look of the white sofa, but I happen to run into her blog right after she recovered it, and she said she has to put it under plastic to keep it clean with the dogs. That kind of bummed me out. I appreciate that it's her favorite thing in the house, but beauty shouldn't trump practicality. A patterned fabric could have been just as lovely, and wouldn't have to be covered in plastic on a day-to-day basis.

Wait...I'm confused. How do you have 2 boxers AND a white sofa? And one that STAYS white?

I have no idea why this home was featured.

Her taste is cliche, and cutesy/teenage kitsch.
The house is non-descript to the point of banality.
Mix the two together and it looks like a teenage girl "redecorated" her parents' generic suburban home.

Seriously, out of all your options, THIS is the featured home?

I thought all the pops of colour were really fun and did add personality and the dining nook was really pretty. I also really liked the deep, dark shade in the master bedroom but I think a better bed would give it more impact. Not keen on the window dressings - again something more sumptuous to add impact would work.
Gorgeous dogs too.

A cookie-cutter ticky-tacky kind of house, in the desert, begs for outrageous decor. Get wacky: more bold colors, more kitsch. Have fun!

I'm glad this home was featured, for all the reasons many folks have cited above. Jen clearly has an aesthetically discerning eye, but is dealing with the reality of the location and housing in which she finds herself. Maybe AT should make reconsider what the house tours are about: just how much of a work-in-progress should a home be? Personally, I'd be interested in seeing homes evolve as residents address challenges.

So 'nicely done', Jen! And please do tell us more about:
1) the yellow bedding
2) the "step" bookcase along the stairs.

Interior decor is great - really sweet, ecclectic, feminine. Such great dogs!

There is kind of a disconnect for me with the architecture of the house and the decorating though. All of it would look better in an older, renovated home with hard wood floors. The beige carpeting looks especially odd with such stylish furniture and art. Those weird, new curved windows in the dining/living room don't do your style any justice.

I love the style, but it made me feel a little sad; like an urbanite was forced to live in the suburbs and is desperately trying to erase the image, which I totally understand. There is one thing that must be addressed one day and that is the poor little grill that is sitting out on the back lawn. An idea may be to a small built-in grill or maybe a more modern grill that will not detract from the patio decor. Love the look!

I am having a problem opening any of the additional photos.

I also live in Henderson, so I know what Jen is up against. The big cookie cutter brown box and a town that has VERY limited resources when it come to unique or original decor.

I second the motion for some type of blog, book or something that shows how to make a cookie cutter home feel like HOME. I struggle with decorating my Henderson home all the time.

I think Jen did a great job. It may be a little young looking, but I am young, so I see no issue with that. At least it is something different than 99.9% of the homes around here.

hmmm i dont really see the self-proclaimed "colorful vintage bohemian chic" style of this home. but i so see the potential.
a good beginning, but very farrrr from done!
I, amongst other readers, see it as incomplete, disunified and juvenile.

for example:
- the bedroom paint colour is a solid start. another colourful bold pillow in the middle of the bed would help harmonize the room and make it look less "patched together".
- and WHAT?!!! I hear you keep plastic on your white sofa!! (be real. that is so geriatric and really screams your home is for "showroom viewing" only)
- the artwork, how interesting it is, is "too" structured and appears lost and wafting on the boring beige wall.

be daring! dont be afraid to experiment in your cookiecutter home.
where is the lived in look? the personality? clothe your skeleton home.
but, as stated, it is a work in progress... and it has such capacity for fabulousness. perhaps that is why i am so invested in commenting.
don't be afraid to go for it!
invest more pieces of you into your home...
pour forth your heart & soul!! and make it SHINE!!

To marujita: I'm glad you read AT in Europe. Some of us Americans wonder the same thing about the antlers!!! I personally don't care for them but for many others they are a bit of nature added to the indoor environment, such as plants or a beautiful stone. The deer here in North America shed their antlers, so it is a little like a "gift" of nature to find them. The skull and horns on Jen's wall is from a Longhorn cow. They are a cliche' in the American west and I suspect Jen added hers as a kitschy bit of wit.

What ya'all need to do is buy Jen's cards and prints so she can afford to buy those hardwood floors we wish to see, hey-looo! Yes, a very honey-toned version would rock and reflect tons more light, yum.

I do have an itch to see: 1) 'brook lyn' print removed from beside tall cabinet, over to long wall behind dining table either a) to left of sm gold-framed print on left under love print, or b) to same wall to x2 spots below the air vent; 2) a large, modern & round rug of some sort, perhaps w/a strong red, to ground the whole living room area (sorry, no fabulously affordable suggestions, ack).

But Jen, you're still better than chocolate! ;> p.s. The light-filled photos on your blog convey a stronger sense of your vision, is all, don't worry. Best to you.

also.. those wood floors would render wall color options nearly infinite.

Let's not heap all the blame on the so-called cookie cutter architecture. Where I live in the burbs with similar tract housing, you'd be surprised at some of the rock 'em, sock 'em decor I've seen.

The nice thing about some of these boxy structures (much like boxy bland condos) are the exciting blank canvas they provide for the truly creative minds out there.

Same goes for curb appeal. You either have what it takes or you don't when it comes to conjuring up a delightful outdoor space.

I see Jen's place as not yet ready for prime-time.

hey where is Jen?
I thought she would on here commenting by now.

Sheesh! Some harsh comments! While the decor may not be my personal taste, I have taken inspiration from Jen's home and a few of her DIY projects on her blog. I think you can almost always take, at least, some small inspiration away from seeing somebody's home.
I'm not sure why some of the commenters feel this home isn't worthy of being a house tour. Are house tours supposed to be "finished" projects? (No such thing as "finished" anyway.) Some of my favorite tours are the ones with people who are dealing with the same challenges that I am in my own home.
I do agree with some of the constructive comments - a rug, paint, curtains, more art in the living room and hardwood floors (I'm still saving for mine, too) would be beautiful, but all in good time.
I dig the dark paint in the bedroom and the yellow in the guest room.

I too am having trouble opening the pictures when I click on Enter House Tour, nothing happens. What up?

Jennifer here... :)
Thanks to all those who made nice comments & to those who didn't, I can live with that.
Now, I wasn't totally happy with this particular shoot, as the pics were shot with a flash (which in my opinion makes a room look even worse then it really is). However, it is what it is...right? SO, for those who prefer to see more of my home, in better lighting you can see other larger photos here: http://madebygirl.blogspot.com/2008/04/glimpse-into-my-home.html

I've lived at this home for 2 years, I am originally from NYC. So my style is pretty diverse. Someone mentioned a big city girl stuck in a small town etc. That couldn't be further from the truth. I am in Nevada (Henderson) - because of the terrible housing market, could not sell my home. So, I tried to make the best of it with the money I had. It is a work in progress & still not done. If it were up to me, there would be NO beige, everything would be more cohesive & flowing. I would NOT have carpets, but hardwood floors....since this isn't going to be my dream home, no sense in putting hardwood flooring in a 2,200 sq ft home....just way too much $ right now. I love all kinds of patterns & am very aware that my home will not be everyone's taste but I'm ok with that. Las vegas in general has tract home after tract home, it is VERY difficult to do anything different in this type of home....but I didn't want to be unhappy and buy Pottery Barn just because it fit the style of this type of house.

To me, the point is to decorate in the style you like....and i love color. Again, I am looking to do more things, get a new bed with a beautiful ornate headboard, get rid of the black hutch in the corner of the dining area, replacing some of the art near dining room wall and so on.

My mother always said, "don't worry, everything you want.. you will get done, little by little."

Thanks to AP & everyone! Feel free to visit my blog to see any of my DIY projects like the bookshelf against the staircase: http://madebygirl.blogspot.com

:)

Jen Ramos

I am a fan of Jen's lovely design blog, MadeByGirl and when I saw that AT was featuring her home in a tour I couldn't wait to open up her slides because I just knew her home would blow me a way and give me lots of decorating ideas. But I must say -- I was a little disappointed. The house doesn't seem to come together and I don't see the "vintage" aspects of the home she said she loves. The house didn't have any excitement or uniqueness to me, and the flow was off. I have to admit it was kind of bland. And, I know Jen still has a lot that she wants to do in her home, but I think I was expecting more. I was hoping that the loveliness and layout of her blog would spill over into her home.
Debbie
http://girlwhimsy.blogspot.com

Jen, you have some great spaces in some of the rooms and you have very serious design challenges with the flooring situation. A couple of styling issues in the living/dining area could be easily solved. That dark corner hutch is like a black hole sucking up all the design energy in that space. Move it between the two arched windows and paint it one of those colors you say you love. Drape those windows with simple panels to add another color dimension.
The mirror that leans against the LR wall should be moved and painted also. The finish is all wrong for the fresh vibe you have in the rest of the house. Maybe in the dining room with your Union Jack above it.

i think part of the problem is that it was waayy to neat. Cattalogue-like instead of just very organized apartment. Nothing too personal in it, no piled up collectibles or souvenirs, even the things in her studio wall seemed too though through... that was the proble for me.. all of it just felt lacking personality. house should have the person's spirit all over, even if minimal.

@aychihuahua: I don't know about that. AT has featured similar or worse decorating attempts in much lovelier homes (structurally speaking) and I've seen them applauded as marvelous. I think most people in Jen's situation would have a similarly difficult time--the house as it is just doesn't really accommodate her style.

Beautiful light, good photographs and pretty bones go a LONG way towards convincing people that you know how to decorate.

I love the side table in the bedroom - can anyone identify where they are from?!

Thanks!

i second the home being way too neat.
dont be afraid to loosen up, jen.
life isn't a catalogue! (:

Wel, you wouldn't know you're in the desert.

I think she's definitely made a good start here. It's not spectacular now, but in time, I think this place will be lovely. :)

i think her home is lovely. and i love that she shared it with us.

the yellow and white sofa that was from urban outfitters- is it comfortable? we've been eying the green one but i heard they're not comfortable from the one review on UO's website, so i was wondering if i could get a second opinion.

thanks again for sharing! you gave me some wonderful ideas!

nice home, but I wish these AT tours would stop with so many close up photos...The only way to get a true sense of the home is through photos of ENTIRE rooms, not just close-ups on items/areas :(

Please let us know where that yellow and white bedding is from! There are a few here who really want to know...love it!

I applaud Jen for reading the comments and responding so nicely to them even though some were critical. I agree with some of what people said, but I also agree with Jen about how flash can make or break interior photos. Here, the flash did her rooms no justice...as evidenced by the fact that all the exteriors look great because they presumably didn't have flash.

Unlike some people who have said the interior is cliche, I actually think Jen has taken some nice risks here, especially with the choice of a dark wall color in her bedroom. It works really well and adds some interest & depth to the cookie-cutter bones of the house. Jen, when you have more cash to paint, keep taking risks with color choices!

The lighting can be updated for short money. Try this trick. Go to Lowe's and buy schoolhouse glass...it's in the ceiling fan section I think and it's just a few bucks. Then, go to the lighting section and buy a cheap fixture with a white base that the glass will fit in ($10) (you'll throw out whatever glass the fixture comes with). Also, buy a small ceiling medallion -- a very basic one without flowers. Put the whole thing together and for less than $20 and you'll have a great-looking, basic schoolhouse fixture to replace some of the smaller ceiling fixtures (such as in your upstairs hallway). You can also update the larger fixtures by spray painting them, changing the glass, removing shades and using decorative candle cover instead, etc. All have big impact for short money.

A few more ideas...paint your banister a punchy color, or else just white. Paint the leaning mirror...again, either a bright color or chalky white. Remove two of your dining room chairs (the end ones -- put them in the garage until you need them) and ditch the matchy candlesticks. I'll bet you don't use that table too often, so why not use it to stack some of your art books? And I'd try rails for the dining room pictures the same way you did for the magazines in the kitchen.

Keep up the good work!

IT'S THE CARPET!

sorry, this house's decor is great but the bones=bad!

i would go in debt up to my eyeballs if needed to replace that carpet with hardwoods, bamboo or cork.

then maybe some salvaged older pieces like a mantel or doors from a salvage yard. maybe even a bathtub. Think 40's stuff.

THEN, i think this place would be beyond fab!

Where did you get the white table in the breakfast nook? You have many "yummy" things in your place. Be proud to say that's your home. :)

Hi Jen,

Thanks for sharing your home. I'm not familiar with your work, but I am now inspired to go have a look!

As for some of these comments: Holy Harshness!!
I've often wondered why people make comments such as some that I have seen here. Is it the economy? Is everyone frightened and mean-spitired now? Envy? The anonymity of the web? (You can't see the person you're talking to, so you just say anything because you can?) It's very disheartening. I would never be brave enough to submit photos of my home to AT. My skin's too thin.

In any case, Jen, brava for all of your hard work and thank you for sharing.

it looks like very nice. when i take a Tatil.
i want to have this bed in my hotel room.

I loved the design! Esp. the office & bedroom, the wall colors are awesome....I may just steal the colors for my master bedroom :)

Thx for sharing

p.s. Even though i usually don't like photos of the animals (no clue why) your dogs are sooo cute!

Sorry this one does not cut it. It is lacking something, I find it a bit ordinary. Nice bedroom but that about it. Yawn.

I agree with those who feel it's a bit "Early 20's and Single"... It's cute, but I feel like I see a lot of this style. Not very original. Dare I say it looks a bit cheap? I like the bedrooms but the rest of the house leave me kind of bored.

I think her home is absolutely lovely - and I am not "early 20's and single". I stopped logging onto Apartment Therapy about six months ago, because I never understood the reason for the negative comments - this was a much "friendlier" site when it was first started, as everyone was so positive. The success of the site is also its downfall.

Lighten up and be happy to see beautiful things, whatever they may be. I can always pick out something I like, even if the decor is not to my taste.

I love Jen's stuff and think her finds and DIYs are great. I think my favorites are the bedrooms and the art. I'm off to go buy prints from her site!!

Unfortunately i cant see hardly any of the pictures as there is an annoying pop up that blocks everything. why would AT do that?