apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

Cluttered with as much stuff as they could pack in the place and not cohesive.

Boomerang always has something interesting and David is a really nice guy. I love visiting his shop. One of the best (the other's being Klassik, Newport Antiques and Antiques on Kettner) here in SD.

Wow, I'd like to have even one of those awesome vintage chairs! Also the Art piece on the Blue wall is my fav.

The kitties are the best!

too cluttered with too much iconic stuff for my taste, but i still bookmarked it for some awesome ideas for my own space, it is dreamy

I remember walking around this cool neighborhood on a visit to SD a few years ago. Your home is lovely, but a little too "showroomy" for my taste. Love the art!

On the positive side many of the individual pieces are really great. The artwork is amazing and the the studio space is awesome. Oh, and the garage lift is genius.

On the negative side, the overall effect looks more like a furniture showroom than a home. A little editing would go a long way towards making it feel homier. But I imagine that would be tough with so many great individual pieces.

I agree with Jeffnyc.

Fun place.

Normally I'd think 'just a little too cluttered,' but everything is so interesting... I could spend hours just looking at their little nick-knacks.

Absolutely stunning and beautifully curated.

I visit David's shop 'Boomerang for Modern' in the Little Italy section of San Diego often and it's always a treat.

visually just too busy for me. and the photo captions naming all the stuff is less interesting imo than discussions of the design choices.

jealousy has overcome me....

it's impressive and enviable (and yes, utterly interesting), but i just kept seeing dollar signs everywhere! it is a lot of fun and obviously the owners have taste... i just think things would mean more if they weren't stacked on top of each other (and i don't mean the cars or the cats heheh, more like all those bowls on the coffee table...two is enough, no??)

anyway, fun tour! thanks!

Kurt's an amazing artist.

I love Kurt's pieces. The home is overwhelming. Love the cats!

What really popped out in this space is the artwork. Loved it. And a car lift?! WOW.

nice

I enjoyed this house tour quite a bit. You guys obviously chose your pieces with great care and taste and arranged them in a way as to make every individual item shine.

But I do agree with the others that there seems to be a little too much stuff, even if it's all beautiful (e.g. the table totally covered with bowls). Not enough breathing space.

The paintings are wonderful, by the way.

Everything is really beautiful and I love the art work, but the space seems too cluttered and the individual pieces seem to compete with each other.

"Make and keep your home beautiful. Not just for when you have guests…for you! It’s all about quality of life. Enjoy your home every day."

Fine words to live by. Thank you.

What a beautiful home. The use of color and light is really inspiring. :)

I love this place, cluttered or not and I don't think it's really all that cluttered and I thought I read in there that not everything was expensive and whether it is or is not expensive, it looks good and I love the overal esthetic.

What amazed me is how the house itself feels both current and vintage at the same time by how it was constructed and I would agree that some paring down if items might help w/ opening up the space visually a little but really and trully, it's not bad at all and really, creative types can tend to get cluttered, just from being creative, the nature of the beast.

I'm going to bookmark this for I love their sense of style and I love how they take an inexpensively finished home and w/ some expensive items like the cabinet pulls and such, makes the house seem much grander than its modest roots actually are.

Great home!

I'm now in love with Kurt's paintings (it takes a lot to impress me) -- especially his self-portrait. I am also in love with Russell, who managed to insinuate himself into so many of the pictures... photogenic fellow!

I love the architecture of the house and I instantly fell in love with Roger...

I'm going to guess that there's approximately a billion dollars worth of furniture, artwork and sculpture in this house. And I'm going to guess that I'm very jealous.

Thanks for the comments people. Of course to make our places our own, for ourselves is what it's all about. It's the way we like to live. I got to say that the camera compresses the space and there actually is more room than comes across. That said, everything we have we love and has meaning to us. Many, many years of collecting has yielded some nice items I have to admit and some things are indeed precious but others are simply sentimental. As collectors there are so many things that we painfully have to pass on because of space limitations. It may not look like that but it's quite true! Occasionally we group things and it may come off cluttered to some. Oh well. It lives wonderfully, is easy to move around in and has a very cohesive feel from space to space as everything is chosen with a certain eye. Questions darlingcaro or others, please just ask! Thanks for looking!

I. Love. It.
It's clear that your love for mid century isn't merely populating your home with pages from the DWR catalog. You two are truly collectors and aficionados of that period. Love the turned wood bowls on the Eames table in the third floor sitting area. Love that entire tablescape. Loved all of the various chairs and pieces. Loved the Jacobson metal collection in the kitchen. Loved the lighting (croissant lamp!!!), the pottery and then, of course, the additional textural elements whether african or native american or Kurt's paintings to complement it all. Fab-U-Lous. When will you invite me to dinner, Dahling????

Finally, LOVE the R boyz: Russell, Roger, and Randy. Smooooooches!

Thanks Shelly, consider yourself invited!

alot going on, but would be a really fun place to hang out i am sure. i would think you could spend days just looking at everything. love night time pic with the orange cat on the green ottoman!

I love every single bit of it. And great camera work. The composition of the photo taken from the kitchen at dusk has the movement and exuberance of a piece of modern art.

AT, please tell the Ecover company that those background ads are making me NOT want to buy their products, ever. You had these a while ago for other companies and I think enough people complained that you took them down. Please consider that again. They are ruining the experience of looking at this fabulous home.

Regarding the apartment, I would like to say that I love seeing the street views! They put the whole place in context. And to the owners: I can't believe you made no mention at all of the fabulous arched screen thingy that appears in so many shots. I must know more about it!

One of my favorite house tours. Lust-worthy.

a bit cluttered but all interesting stuff. your deck is awesome.

Loved your home. The outside is stunning, too. I wish the architect for my condo building would call me and ask to give tours! How flattering.

This is my version of a Barbie Dream House! All of the furniture, the amazing artwork, the collections...every last little detail is perfect. In my opinion, I don't think it seems cluttered at all. If you take the time and energy to collect such great pieces, why not show them off? I think it reflects the immense amount of thought (and love) they put into making their home their own. Definitely one of my favorite house tours yet.

Great house! I'm not totally in love with it, but it's still a very nice place. I'd have to describe it as lived in showroom. It has its showroom qualities, but it still has its personal touches. As long as the owners are happy with what they have, there shouldn't be a thing to worry about.

I really love the bed with the giant artwork above it, it looks really great like that. I might "borrow" that idea when I can find a big enough piece of artwork that I like. I really like the bed frame too. And the dark wood on the eames chair is very pleasing to my eyes.

The only thing I really think is "too cluttered" is that coffee table with the bowls and jewelry chest... I just personally like to leave a little room to set maybe a book or glass of water down... but this place is beautiful. I love looking at homes with great taste and furniture that you can tell people really live in... with real STUFF everywhere. It isn't cluttered... it's real. Great job!

BTW your artwork is great!!

Super nice, wow, it really shows a life-time of collecting. It's not cluttered, you have all the stuff you love around you every day and you can enjoy it on a daily basis. Lovely, lovely, lovely :-)

Woops, I forgot to say "I'm Loving" the strip of mirror above the kitchen cabinets to enlarge the space, How clever is that!

I think it looks dated because everything is MCM. And I agree there's is too much stuff to appreciate the space.

I think this is so beautiful. The outdoor area is fabulous. The artwork is wonderful. I'm grateful that we have the opportunity to glimpse inside these amazing places. Thanks, AT.


I don't know why people complain about the ads. It's their prerogative I suppose, but it's a way for AT to generate income and is to our benefit. They do have staff to employ. Please stop being so naive and insufferable about the ads. /off my soapbox/

Gorgeous home with beautiful furnishings! I am totally in love with your home. (And very jealous!) You have incredible taste.

I have my eye on that beautiful theramin--do you have any more info on it?

Lovely.

The only thing that throws me is the unrelenting wall-to-wall carpeting, which makes me feel positively ill-at-ease. Guess I need to see unobstructed "floor" somewhere, to anchor the furniture, and break up the monotony. (What a relief to see that it stopped at the entrance to the kitchen!)

Congratulations- what a wonderful house!!! While I have to agree with the general consensus that it seems a little heavy on the "objets", I'm sure it's just the effect of the camera and that there will be enough breathing space in real life.

Love the paintings... although how he can paint in that immaculate studio is a mystery to me; I suppose I'm just too messy a painter.

Love the theremin too... must be old as I've never seen one like that before.

i love that roof garden and the art and furniture there! i looks beautiful

This looks like a sort of nice, homey place. But I can't look at all the slides because, really AT, you must get a better slideshow viewer. Obviously others are dealing with it but I just cannot stand going thru more than two or three slides with this thing!

where is Kurt's artwork available? It is absolutely stunning!

Thought I'd respond to Sally305 on the wire screen-divider. There is indeed a description with the photo but I'll tell you that it is a one off by NYC sculptor/designer Sol Bloom from the mid 1950's. He also designed the scoop chairs on the dining balcony and the wire catch all in the studio. Anyway, the screen was custom made for a fir salon in Manhattan. It eventially found its way to one of the vintate modern shops there. I saw it there many years ago but it wasn't for sale as they were very successful in renting it for a prop in photo shoots and movies. Bernadette Peters crawled through one of the portholes in "Prisoner of New York". Eventually they relented to sell it to me. That was a thrilling day! The Theremin in the studio is one of four I have. It is a Big-Briar/Moog Ethervox which only around 50 were made. I'm very lucky to have it and it is a great source of relaxation to play it. (think "The Day the Earth Stood Still" original one)
on the turned wood bowls on the Eames table...Each one has a story and is important to me and it would be hard to edit any more though I may try now! Kurt is a great painter and his work is very dynamic. He hasn't shown yet but would like to eventually. Thanks for the support there, you're the best!

Some nice pieces, but it's a little too "name-droppy". Looks like a showroom, not a home. Not sure if the pieces were chosen because they are loved, or just because it has a "name" attached to it. Might be nicer if it was filled with anonymous "finds" that nobody has ever heard of, but mean something to the owners.

To respond to the above...We do appreciate certain designers work and aesthetic and love owning a piece or two. We like learning about them and their lives and design theories. There is nothing chosen on its name alone. Have you ever heard of Ethel Green or Kay Whitcomb even anonymous? We have works by them too. Like any good collection, every item has a personal story and has meaning to us and makes our house a home. 'nuf said!

Dear bfm01, you have a beautiful home. All the objects are in such a great state! While collecting, have you ever come across objects that needed some restoration?

Nicely personalized space. Beautiful sculpture. I really want them to center the dining table under the lamp. It's just off enough that it bugged me in every picture it appeared.

Dear Hinke, yes indeed. Many times the things we have picked up have needed restoration. The Coconut chair was found in an alley by a dear friend and needed reupholstry. Ceramics have needed repair, some wood has needed a refinish. We try to use a light touch and keep things as original as possible when using fabrics and finishes. And thanks for catching that Wendy3. I see what you mean and I'm adjusting the table when I get home this evening. Rest assured!

I. Love. This. House. Please adopt me because I, too, have the collector's gene.

When I say 'I love it,' I mean that it is not necessarily my taste, although I do own a few MCM pieces, but I love how it reflects the personalities and needs of the owners. I feel that I would be welcomed there. It's a house that is being lived in, and while there are many iconic pieces in it, it does not seem like a showroom to me. The space does not seem cluttered; indeed it feels curated. If you love something, why hide it away? Why not enjoy it now? Yes, there are lots of bowls on the coffee table, but perhaps the living room isn't the room they read in. When they are entertaining, or choose to sit there with a drink, it would be a simple matter to move the bowls, made easier by the fact that what they've chosen for the coffee table are wooden objects that can be safely moved. Confession: some of my collection of Pueblo pottery reside on my coffee table in perhaps more fragile profusion than that displayed by David and Kurt.

Think of the differences between Zen and Tibetan Buddhist art or North Coast and Pueblo First People's art. Spare or abundant, they are beautiful.

P.S. I'm now officially in love with Kurt's art.

Your place is so beautiful! My very favorite thing about it (after the cats, ahem) is how you have so many colors all next to each other, and it all looks so right. I wish I could say something more eloquent, but I can't even find the words. It is just beautiful.

That's a hecka lot of name dropping...As many MCM fans are there are here on AT, was all that really necessary?

Okay -- quick question for the owner -- What is a double mitered window?? And where did you get the windows? I'm in the planning stages of a remodel now -- and I like the fatter aluminum trim and supports -- I'm assuming the larger aluminum "braces" between windows are simply shells that cover wood supports? I'm looking at using Milgard Aluminum now, but these look custom??

I love the architecture but it's just too much stuff and too much MCM for me--I prefer eclectic. That said, I'd still like to make off with a couple of pieces of yours....

PS surely you mean "fur salon"--or maybe there is some political-correctness filter preventing that f-word from posting.

Love the house. Funny you guys have a Theremin.

Messy and cluttered.
It doesn't matter how rare or cool it is if it doesn't look right in the space.

David & Kurt Combine vs. David & Kurt Combines. Discuss.

I'd like to walk through and remove every second object. Not to keep it, but to reduce the anonymising effect of Too Much Stuff. This house has too many lovely things, or perhaps more specifically, too many of the same lovely things. If it were not so overwhelmingly MCM, it could probably afford a bit more clutter.

It's a little like a beauty pageant: after your 50th MCM equivalent of a gorgeous blonde, you tend to say "meh" rather than "hubba hubba".

Lots of great things, and I'm don't doubt that they all have great personal meaning, but that meaning (for the bystander such as myself at least) is being lost in the MCM white noise of every room. I would probably be afraid to sit down or move for fear of knocking something very valuable over. In other words, I would feel like I do in the average MCM furniture consignment store.
It is in the end totally up to an individual person's test, but I myself would feel like I'm doing a disservice to the truly meaningful objects by drowning them in this sea of stuff.

cool apt.
anyone knows the make of the bed in the first picture?

G-e-l-a-t-e-r-i-a is how you spell it.

Check out my yellow sports car...no biggie

Questions:

Who makes that hexagonal clock?

Is the Pulcino bird one-of-a-kind? I remember one in a Wright auction. Is that the same one?

Where did you find that great Bloom screen? It's my favorite thing in your home.

I think that it would be a "fur" salon not a "fir" salon. The fir salon concept does sound intriguing. Designer trees for the green hipster. Someone should run with this idea.

*Thebradseed, thanks, see about 23 posts above for info about the screen. I've had the Pulcino for decades and have seen a few others like it. And the hexagonal table clock is Howard miller from the late sixties.
*Hani, the bed is a vintage Nelson Thin Edge bed.
*bingobingobingo, the windows are custom commecial/storefront windows by Fleetwood. And you are right,the thicker braces do cover the wod supports.
Thanks.

Wow. First time on this site. Some of these comments are hilarious! Fir vs. Fur. Umm, typo? Who cares! Does MCM mean Mid Century Modern? Who types that?

Anyway, the pad is fantastic.

Too much name dropping? Perhaps the author just wanted people to know what things were just in case they wanted the information (or an education). Probably saved a lot of typing for all interested parties! (What is this? Who made that?) If I ever come across an Eames CTW at the flea market and it only has three legs instead of four, I'll know that I REALLY should get it. Thanks for the schooling!

I, too, know what it's like to be a collector out of love and NOT for the name. I know how hard it is to let the art I'm attached to go for the sake of space. It's a challenge to have that vintage modern aesthetic and also be an enthusiastic collector. I'm always struggling to pare back. (key word: struggling)

Seems like there's a few haters out there. Cracks me up!

David and Kurt, beautiful home, beautiful "stuff," and obviously a collection of love. There are obviously a lot of amazing things that are clearly the product of years of collecting, but has anybody commented on how well thought out all these wonderful pieces have been incorporated in to your living space? That's incredible on it's own. Yes, there's a lot of "stuff," but it works. It more than works. It lives.

Well done.

By the way, if, for some reason, you ever need to "pare back" any of that "stuff..."

:)

Beautiful.

Though all the MCM furniture is quite leggy, I can appreciate it from a collector's perspective... but it's the paintings and roof deck that take my breath away.

I'm in the too cluttered camp. Less is more. Some judicious editing would make this better.

I do not like the large screen with in the living room.

Lust, lust, love. And while certainly not minimalist by any stretch of the imagination, I understand: every object in this space is well-considered, well-designed and beautiful. (I also have this, ahem, affliction, in my space.) So: the space would probably look more striking if pared down (and so would mine), but my feeling is that life is short, and you should surround yourself with things that make you happy.

Oh, and if you should ever decide that three cats is too much, I'll happily adopt Russell!

Beautiful home boys! I never thought I would be so smitten with mitered windows! And that car lift is just genius. This is one of the best executed mid century modern homes that manages to feel inviting and approachable. I adore it!

As far as the few negative AT comments, I second RonK's thoughts. I find people who correct grammar and spelling mistakes MUCH more annoying than the mistakes. And name dropping? Oh please. I found all of the information to be quite helpful. Also, the space is far from cluttered! To me, it feels warm and personal. Those snarky little comments just read as jealous.

Great house. Great stuff in the house. But wow, it's cluttered. Too much stuff - it's time to edit guys!

For some months now I've been visiting this site, but this is the first time I've felt compelled to comment. And all I can say is, Wow! Your home is absolutely beautiful--obviously well thought out, lovingly decorated, very homey and comfy. I could move right in and feel completely at home. The art is fantastic. The lift in the garage is genius.

Too much stuff? No way. It all works so well together. And I appreciate all of the info that you provided with the slide show--very helpful.

Thanks for the tour! It its, by far, the best I've seen. Well done! :)

I'm in the too much stuff camp too. Great stuff, but it's like an MCM museum. And while the artwork is great, it doesn't go with the rest of the decor at all. I'm not the one who has to live there though, and it sounds like the owners love it, so who am I to judge?

Love the paintings--and I feel it's a priviledge to get peeks into a home I would otherwise pass on the street and muse about . . .
--a grateful voyeur

Some great stuff here....but as others have said....too cluttered.
I understand the need/want to show off your stuff when you have so much of it, but perhaps you should heed your own advice about "negative space" and "resting the eye".

there is some truth about "too much of a good thing".

I find it curious that so many people "have to" offer their negative opinions about this fantastically wonderful home after merely seeing photographs. Looking at people's blogging history, though, you see a pattern...

"fir" vs. "fur"? and taking the time to point out "g-e-l-a-t-e-r-i-a"....there's a reason some people never get invited to parties and instead spend weekend nights pointing out their personal perceptions of the world's petty problems...

Folks, this place has been on TV shows, used for modeling shoots, and been in other national print media. "Photographs" do not convey for a moment the wholeness of a space anymore than a photograph of a person represents a unique personality. So how can someone say anything unkind without seeing a home in person?

I cannot think of a warmer, more inviting space anywhere in San Diego - or anywhere else for that matter - than David and Kurt's...it's nice to see that most of the bloggers here get it.

For the rest of you, remember what your mom always said; "if you don't have anything nice to say, don't say it at all"...and besides, blogging negative opinions is just plain rude and rudeness is never mistaken for sophistication.

absolutely, positively awe-inspiring...thank you for sharing!

Love some of the lamps! Alas, it looks a bit over-packed.
Some of those wonderful pieces seem to need breathing room.

I live around the corner from this house. Whenever my boyfriend and I are the gelatto place across the street, we always stare at this house. Its nice to see what's inside. I'm a mid-century furniture lover too, but I do agree with a lot of the other posts, it's very much a showroom. I think they would do well with a little editing. One of those damn cats could knock something over! I do love the paintings and the rooftop terrace is drool-worthy. Glass of wine on a summer evening, you can't go wrong!

re: ForwardDesignGroup....

"it was on TV"? wtf?

oh shucks.... I guess that means it's automatically "good" now. My mistake. Suddenly I like clutter.

Hey scooby-dumbious. Let's see your pad. Read your past comments about others. Seems like there's a hater trend. Did you sign up just to talk smack about other peoples digs? Get a life.

Mid Century modern design has been my business and passion for over 25 years. Long before it was popular and now that it's possibly getting leggy to some...we still love the stuff. Well designed items will allways be well designed items regardless of any fad or time period. It is simply what we enjoy living with, talking about and sharing with others who are interested. We find the house lives and handes those who visit very easily and comfortably.

I think the 'problem', if there is such a thing, is that there are too many wonderful pieces in too little square footage.

Granted, if this were 'spread out' in 3000 square feet, the overall effect might be different.

In my dumb opinion, what would make it perfect, is if there were more 'important' eames era lighting. Stilnovo? Pierre G.? Serge Mouillle? Or a refreshing update, like a Philippe Starck Ara lamp.

Living in Chicago, I'm used to the wild assortment of Wright Auctions.

Nonetheless.....a nice effort!

AMA-ZING pad and even more amazing store! Boomerang is by far one of the BEST stores in Southern Ca for mid-century modern. Great items at great prices, there are always new things to take in.
This incredible, sophisticated, and overall beautiful apartment is only a small peek into what Boomerange For Modern has to offer.

Ugh... I've been stalking on this site for years and this thread is by far the worst ever. Can we please save the "advice" and feedback for Good Questions, you know, those times when someone actually asks for your opinion. What compels you to give your unsolicited two cents? Genuine interest in helping someone improve his/her home? Really?

By the way, it is really odd to offer that one who collects mid century furnishing has too many mid century furinshings in their collection. David, it was really fun taking a look at your COLLECTION. It made me smile. Your home looks happy!

Thanks diademydo, that's a wonderful observation and the best thing anyone could say...it not only looks but is a happy home for sure! We are very lucky every day to live there and enjoy it to the fullest.

hey "RonK"....

ever wonder WHY people posts photos of their house/apt. here? What is the "comments" section for? Is it only to post the redundant and useless "I love, love, love it!" phrase again and again and again? It's not titled the "compliments" section is it?

If you bothered to pull the panties out of your crack, you'd notice that MANY people are agreeing with my points.

You see, the world is like that honey....you just can't get upset when other people don't agree with you. Otherwise you'll end up in a retarded meaningless pissing match in the comments section of some design blog.

Maybe it's just me, but I fail to see the modern. That is unless you count the cliched Porche in the garage modern. It really just looks like a mishmash of stuff they've collected, and collected too much of and now have to throw it all in their house. There is no real cohesion and it's so cluttered that you can't even really see what you're looking at. Don't get me wrong, I love the stuff, but they need a strong editing hand. I doubt I could even walk around in there without bumping into something.

To respond to the above...We are talking about modern design from the mid 20th century not contemporary from the present day. Though the building's architecture is definitely contemporary circa 1999. The "cliched" Porsche is a car that we enjoy driving purely because we ENJOY driving...not to prove anything to anyone. Besides, it's a thing of beauty and enrichens our lives. I will assure you that all items and furnishings were very carefully placed with consideration to their surroundings and adjacent items. Each piece compliments the next. We have had good sized parties here with no damage or problems with people bumping into things. Even after a glass of wine...or two! HMMMM

I certainly don't have the time to read all the comments but I will say this: as everyone knows how many of our 'internet people' behave (it's never enough for some folks to respect the golden rule about 'if you have nothing but vicious to say, say nothing at all' -updated for the internet of course) you were quite brave to share your home with us: and I thank you.

As someone did say, you didn't waltz from DWR to the next $4,000 a chair store: this is your life's work, your collection and it's beautiful. Thank you both, and thank you for the clear shots on the paintings. Not usually my thing, but he snagged my heart with those brushes. I am changed.

Thank you so much and to everyone who hated it and decided not to log in and rant: thank you too. You're helping to change our world. There is critique, there is difference of opinion and then there's that other attacking hateful thing: and it's ugly. We could all do with less of it. And no, I don't skip around town with strewn rose petals trailing from a basket on my arm as I sing gaily and toot a floral scent & giggle/blush. I'm just exhausted from the mean. It isn't funny nor is it intelligent. And petty jealousy is no excuse. I'm going to run errands in my car which -every time I do - I simply pray it gets me home. I have a friend who can afford a Porsche and does love driving and I try to talk her into getting one all the time. It is what it is.

Again -thanks. Some of those items were totally new to my eyes (the bed beneath the self portrait in the top shot, the Nelson?, swoon) and I live for that moment of something new and beautiful. Grabbing my rose petal basket and out the door now ...

I generally do not like mid century modern - but wow! Your home has inspired me to broaden my decorating horizons.

Thanks for the education on your collection. It was nice to know all the artists and designers. If I could visit, I'd be looking all day! Thanks for sharing!

Looks like a gallery of mid century modern. I love so many pieces! I wish Kurts paintings had more room to breathe because they are the best part!

Thanks for introducing me to the Theremin. I'd never heard of the thing before and your photos got me curious. I just spent the last several minutes searching for info online and watching a few demonstrations on youtube. Fascinating!!!

I love it, very modern and personal without feeling cold.

I love the blue colour in the bedroom, acn I ask you which colour is it??

Sorry Emal, hadn't checked this for a while. Thanks for the comment. I believe it is called Bonnie Blue from Vista paints. A little goes a long way! Good luck.